Microsoft OneNote files in the future

Question

I'm holding information on Microsoft OneNote files that i pretend to use later on, even like 30-40 years in the future.

I will be always backing up those files, and i will go keeping them on different pendrives and hard-drives.

I was thinking what might prevent me from accessing them in the future.

Is there any chance that the distribution of microsoft onenote will stop and maybe the new Operational Systems won't support the nowadays current Microsoft OneNote ?

Is there any chance that these files will go corrupt with time ? Or maybe get some error, that might prevent me from visualizing them in the future ?

Is there any preventive measure i can take ?

Answer 1

Is there any chance that the distribution of microsoft onenote will stop and maybe the new Operational Systems won't support the nowadays current Microsoft OneNote ?

Yes. This is a long-standing problem for archiving data, with no real answer. Companies change their products, and go out of business.

Think of similar: Many companies backup archives to tape. In 40 years will you be able to get a working drive for that format of tape? Will the software you used still work with a modern operating system? Does the current version of the backup software you used still read the old file format? Is the company even still in business if you need help?

Is there any chance that these files will go corrupt with time ? Or maybe get some error, that might prevent me from visualizing them in the future ?

Yes. How much of a chance depends on the medium used for storage, and where/how they are stored. Not to mention possibilities like fires, floods, earthquakes, etc. at any one location.

Is there any preventive measure i can take ?

Yes, use a more standardized format for saving your notes, like Plain-text. Also, keep multiple copies and regularly test your backups to ensure they are still functioning.