Business Notes Computers

Spilled milk may be worth crying about in at least one instance: when the stuff happens to land on a floppy disk. These sensitive magnetic devices, which carry the software and data used in personal computers, can be rendered useless by a tiny amounts of errant dust or goo. When that happens, the user's work is lost. The problem inspired Polaroid, a new contender in the nearly $1 billion market for floppies, to make the bold claim last March that it could bring any of its damaged disks back to life for no charge. Last week the company boasted that its secret process for fixing the disks has been a success, even in some unexpectedly bizarre cases.

About 20 consumers and computer magazine editors put Polaroid to the test by heaping indignities on their disks. Staffers at one computer journal poured a hot-fudge sundae on theirs. Another publication sent Polaroid a floppy covered with mustard, catsup and relish. One disk had been used as a chew toy by a golden retriever. In all those cases, Polaroid was able to clean the disk or electronically transfer the user's work to fresh floppies. The only disk that was less than 100% salvageable was one that a user had sabotaged by riddling it with staples.