The effect of Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI's) on the performance of magnetic data storage rigid disks has been studied. This was achieved by comparing the evolution of a disk's morphology and magnetic signals when exposed to harsh environmental conditions with and without a VCI. These conditions were high temperature and humidity originated from a 3.5% saltwater solution, in an attempt to simulate marine environments. It was observed that one of the major mechanisms of deterioration present after any degree of exposure was the formation of a residue layer on the disk surface. The removal of this layer was essential for successful spin stand reading and data retrieval. Other effects caused by exposure to high temperature and humidity were signal reduction, and increased noise and pulse distortion. These effects were measured through standard spin stand test. The inclusion of a VCI seemed to reduce the formation of the residue layer and the spin stand test results support this view.