Phasing out of Floppy and Zip Drives
Computing and Technology Services (CTS) will no longer purchase new floppy drives or zip drives for faculty/staff desktops/laptops. Repair of existing floppy and zip drives will be phased out by June 1, 2007.
Faculty and staff who currently store files on floppy or zip disks should consider transferring these files to either their network share, their computer hard drive, a thumb/flash drive or CD/DVD. CTS and E. H. Butler Library staff will provide assistance to faculty and staff who wish to transfer their files.
Please review the following information before you transfer your files. Decide which medium is appropriate for your use:
— Transferring files to your network drive.
The network drive including all work that is stored in your network folder is backed up nightly by CTS. We recommend that you place a copy of all important work on your network drive. You may be able to access your network folder remotely using Remote Desktop. To learn more about accessing your network drive and using Remote Desktop, please contact Paul Reynolds at x3361 or email him at reynolap@buffalostate.edu
— Transferring files to your computer hard drive (C:)
When you save data to your hard drive only, you risk loss. Should your computer break down, you may not be able to recover files that are stored on your hard drive. Storing important files on your network drive is recommended. For training and consultation, please contact Paul Reynolds at x3361 or email him at reynolap@buffalostate.edu
— Transferring files to a thumb/flash drive
Thumb or flash drives are devices that plug into your computer’s USB port and are meant for temporary mobility. For example, you may need to copy files to a flash drive to take them home, to take them to class, or to deliver a presentation. Thumb/flash drives are not meant for long-term storage and given their design, they can be easily lost, misplaced or compromised. Please also be mindful of HIPAA and FERPA regulations when dealing with sensitive data. Again, storing important and/or sensitive files on your network drive is recommended. For training and consultation, please contact Paul Reynolds at x3361 or email him at reynolap@buffalostate.edu
— Transferring files to CD/DVD
This media can be used for longer-term storage and for mobility of files. We recommend using this media for archiving final copies and important files as most CD’s are not rewriteable. For training and consultation about transferring files to CD/DVD, contact Paul Reynolds at x3361 or email him at reynolap@buffalostate.edu
File Transferring Services Available
Butler Library staff are available to transfer files to CD as a free service for faculty/staff. CD’s will be provided by CTS. If you would like your floppy/zip disks to be transferred to CD, please follow the procedure below:
o Clearly label or number each floppy/zip disk you are having transferred.
o Fill out the form below. (see link)
o On the form below, list each floppy/zip you are transferring and its corresponding title or number. Indicate an (F) for floppy, (Z) for zip.
o Bring your floppy/zip disks and completed form to the Circulation Desk located in the Information Commons of Butler Library.
o Indicate on the form whether you would like the finished CD’s delivered to your office or if you will pick them up.
o Allow one week for processing.
Print out the Floppy/Zip Disk Transfer Request Form
Last Updated: December 18 2006