Copying files from a Unix server

[scaramanga]

I am having problems with the file date being modified on
our Unix server if I access the file from an XP
workstation.


Methodology: The file server is running Digital Unix
release 4.0, version 1229. My computer is a Dell Optiplex
GX270 running Windows XP Professional version 5.1.2600
Service Pack 1 Build 2600.

In order to preserve the creation dates on the original
files, I created a test directory on the Unix server.
From the Unix box, I copied a number of files to the test
directory, and verified that the date remained the same
after copying.

1) From my Win XP Pro box, I mapped a drive to the
test directory. I created the folder Spooler Test on my
Win XP box, and dragged a file from the Unix share to the
Spooler Test folder. Results: Viewing the file from
Windows Explorer, the file on the Unix box shows no date,
while the file on the XP box shows today's date. When I
go to my Unix session and view the file using Unix
commands, it shows the date December 31,1969. The act of
copying while using XP forced a date change on the Unix
box.
2) From my XP box, I selected a different file on the
Unix box, right clicked on it, and chose copy. I then
went to the Spooler Test folder on the XP box, right
clicked, and chose paste. The file behavior is exactly
the same as above.
3) I opened a 3rd party FTP program, RightFTP, and
downloaded yet another file from the Unix box to Spooler
Test. The file again shows todays date in Spooler Test,
however on the Unix box, the date did NOT change.


I then moved to a Dell Optiplex GX1 running Windows 98 SE
version 4.10.2222A. I connected to the test folder on the
Unix box using Windows Explorer.

1) I dragged a different file from the Unix box to
the Spooler Test folder on the Win 98 box, and the date
did not change on either box (it remained the original
creation date on both the Unix and Win 98 machine).
2) I selected a different file from the Unix box,
right clicked on it, and chose copy. I then went to the
Spooler Test folder on the Win 98 SE box, right clicked on
it, and chose paste. The file behavior is the same as
above, it kept the original create date on both machines.

Does anybody know why Windows XP changes the date not only
on the file copied to the Windows XP box, but also forces
a date change on the Unix box? Is there a way to prevent
this from happening?

 

[Rob Schneider]

I think the key to working through this will be to focus on:

1. find and read the documentation for the software running on the Unix
box to provide connectivity between it and XP. I am not familiar with
what it would be on a Dec machine. Samba is used often in today's Linux
and BSD Unix worlds, but that may not be what Dec used here.

2. Be careful to watch what dates are being displayed. There are
different dates (create date, modified date, accessed date). Ensure you
understand the mapping of these dates between the two systems.

3. You'll probably get better help on this in some forum more specific
to Unix/XP connectivity and networking. Dec (HP?) will surely have some
support forums available. Try microsoft.public.servicesforunix.general
if you are using that product?

4. I notice that you have seen the date Dec 31, 1969 on some files.
Isn't that the start date for Unix files, all files then measured in
seconds from that date? If so, this sounds suspicious that this would
be a file date. I'm not sure. Suggest you check this out.