The SBE department has Archival storage space for the permanent archiving of files. It is a write once memory system, preserving files exactly as they were originally written. Archival data storage means that data can only ever be written once to it. Renames, Deletions, Alterations are all forbidden. We have added this space as an increasing number of business are using this type of storage system for security and liability reasons in the digital market place.

Currently the Archival Drive is being shared as \\blackhole\archival and is commonly mounted as the P: drive (P for Permanent).

SBE Majors have use of this system through the Integration directory on the P: drive. This is for classes that will reuse files throughout the years that they will attend Michigan Tech. Because the Integration directory is on the Archival drive, your original files will be preserved unaltered, for future class use.

It is highly recommended that you always copy files and directories to the P: drive, from your H: drive. A common problem users have is folder creation from windows. Windows will always make a "New Folder" folder and then have the user rename it, which the system will not allow. This is not a problem if you use DOS or just copy an already properly named folder from your H: drive.

This storage space has users asking a lot of questions, so to help out we have included this mini FAQ.

What is write once storage space?

It is a storage medium that can written to only one time. Think of it as writing on paper with a pen, you can't simply reuse the page or alter the wording. (Ignoring WhiteOut[tm]). Any real attempt to alter the paper would be noticeable, i.e. Scribbling, tape, WhiteOut[tm], etc.

Common examples of write once media are: Standard CDs & DVDs, Ink & Paper, Vinyl Records, Photographic film negatives, and Stone Carvings.

I've never heard of this, is it new?

No it's not a new concept, its just cheaper and easier than ever, and thus becoming more widespread. The most common method in the 80s & the early 90's was a dot matrix printer (the accordion paper with the holes on the edge). It would pull paper from a paper box, print on it and the paper would then drop into a used paper box. This was hard to look back through, and used a lot of paper. Nowadays, its commonly done with electronics, but some businesses still use paper as it is more robust.

I can't make folders other than New Folder or New Folder (#)?

A common problem for users is that folder creation from windows will always make a New Folder folder. This happens because of the way Windows works. When you ask Windows to create a folder, it immediately creates a folder called New Folder or New Folder (#), then it automatically prompts you to rename it. By the drive's nature, you cannot rename the folder and are left with the New Folder folder.

This is not a problem from DOS using the mkdir command, as it will directly create a folder with your desired name.

The recommended way in Windows is to copy an already named folder from your H: drive.

My MsWord document contains nothing, or I get an error while copying my MsWord File. HELP?

Your Word document "MyPaper.doc" is blank, read only document. It does not contain anything.

Most likely what happened is that you tried to copy the file while it had a file lock (i.e. you still had it open in Word). This is very common with MSword, as it locks all files that it has open from being used by other programs, including Windows-File-Copy Command and you should have seen an error. After such an error Windows would normally delete the empty file, but since it is an archival drive it can't. Your file was never copied, only the name was.

Close MsWord, rename the file, and copy it again.

I REALLY! need to change/resave my file, how do I do this?

So you need to alter a file for what ever reason, that you already put on the archival drive.

The short answer is you can't.

The Archival drive's purpose is to maintain a historically accurate record of this file space. It just as if you are asking to go back in time and change the past, which I am likewise unable to help with.

The alternative is to not change the past but revise it. Simply create a new revised version and give it a higher revision number.

File name                    (Why)

MyPaper.doc                  (oops :P Blank File)
MyPaper V-02.doc             (First real Submission)
MyPaper V-03.doc             (Fixed Spelling)
MyPaper V-04.doc             (Added extra charts)
....
...
and so on

I have two folder/files. One is called X and the other is called Y. I would like the folder/file called X to be deleted?

Deletions of folders or files would allow for alterations to occur. They also destroy the historical context. For unneeded folders, I recommend finding an alternative use for them, or as with files simply ignore them.

You can't change the past, even if it was only two minutes ago.

Error Copying file Sucessfully\Out of space on P:?

This is a problem that is discused on its own page. If you find that you get this problem and don't use Outlook or Outlook Express, please stop by our office and show us. Currently the only known way to have this problem is by sending/recieving the file via Outlook.

Ask a consultant, stop by the support office, or send us an email.

It is why we are here.