Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic disc storage system of the type including a housing having an openable front door for receipt of a cartridge containing a rigid magnetic disc. When the front door is open, a compartment is exposed for receipt of the cartridge, which compartment is completely sealed from another compartment containing the transducer heads. It is only when a cartridge is fully inserted into the compartment and the front door closed that the compartment containing the heads is opened and the door in the cartridge is opened. This system provides for positive control against external contamination entry into the head flying environment.