Classic Computer Magazine Archive COMPUTE! ISSUE 49 / JUNE 1984 / PAGE 10

Disk Drive Door Dust Defense

I own a 1541 disk drive, and I would like to know if I should keep the disk drive door closed when it is not in use. I have read that if you keep the door closed, it will prevent dust from getting into the drive. On the other hand, I've also read that keeping the door closed also keeps the read/write head down, and the constant pressure will damage the head. Which would be better?

Jerrell F. Schivers

There is no compelling argument on either side of this debate. The pad that the read/write head rests on is soft, and shouldn't damage it with the door closed. On the other hand, dust can still find ways in with the door closed.