How long can I store the data on the flash drive?

Question

how long can I store the data on the flash drive safely, without connecting it to a computer or any other host?

Edit

I understand that flash pens are absolutely not suitable for backup and storage. My question is the issue of data recovery. That's why it's tagged accordingly. Another question have in mind the use of the stick from time to time. In other words, do I have a chance to find the data corrupted if I haven't used the drive for a long time?

Answer 1

Most manufacturers seem to claim a 10 year lifespan.

However, the biggest problem with them is that they degrade with use, especially with writing. They are also relatively fragile when in use and are fairly easily corrupted.

In my experience you should never rely on them for archival storage.

Some references for storage life:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_permanence
• http://www.allmemorycards.com/glossary/reliability.htm
• http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/portablefilestorage/gr/swivelproflash.htm
• http://forum.corsair.com/v2/showthread.php?t=72882

Clearly the manufacturers are very cagey about quoting figures.