Date of creation for Windows files

[Samuel]

Hello,

I would like to have some information about the date of creation for Windows
files.

I notice that if I copy a file, it doesn't keep the date of creation of
original file. If I move it, it keeps this date.
If I move it, from d: to c: for exemple, and then I copy it in d: (its
original directory), the date of creation is the original date of creation.

So I would like to know exactly how does it work.

Samuel

 

[Guest]

Hi Samuel:

When you copy a file, you are actually creating a brand new file in the
target folder and so it will have its own "born on" date. When you move a
file, it is just the same old file and so it retains the original date. If
this has fouled you up a time or two when you drag and drop, remember this:

According to "Windows XP, The Complete Reference" (John and Margerate Levine):

.... it doesen't do the same thing in all circumstances ... when you drag and
drop [left click]...

Objects to the same disk [except programs] ... they are moved.

Objects to a different disk [except programs]... they are copied.

Programs ... may behave like any other object ... but for some programs,
Windows makes a shortcut in the target folder and leaves the program file in
the source folder.

Windows at least tells you what it's going to do with the object you drop.
When the object icons are in a droppable position, a tiny + appears next to
them if they are going to be copied, while a tiny curved arrow [a la shortcut
icon] appears if a shortcut is going to be created. If nothing appears, the
object will be moved.

Mark says, if you want to avoid remembering these rules or avoid taking
chances that you have mis-interpreted what Windows SHOULD do in a particular
circumstance, use the right mouse button to drag and drop and then choose the
action you desire from the small shortcut window that will appear.

Hope that helps.

Mark

 

[Samuel]

Hello,

Thanks for all your answer. But I think I want a little bit more
information.

Actually, I have an application which check once time a day if there is any
file modified. If one file is modified, I save (copy) it on a storage
server. For quality and Traceability question, the chief want me to keep the
original date of creation of all files. So I would like to make save without
loosing this date.

Is it possible? and How can I do this?


Samuel

 

[Samuel]

Hello,

No answer for my problem? It's very important.

Actually, I have an application which check once time a day if there is any
file modified. If one file is modified, I save (copy) it on a storage
server. For quality and Traceability question, the chief want me to keep the
original date of creation of all files. So I would like to make save without
loosing this date.

Is it possible? and How can I do this?


Samuel

 

[David E. Ross]

Hello,

No answer for my problem? It's very important.

Actually, I have an application which check once time a day if there is any
file modified. If one file is modified, I save (copy) it on a storage
server. For quality and Traceability question, the chief want me to keep the
original date of creation of all files. So I would like to make save without
loosing this date.

Is it possible? and How can I do this?


Samuel

Use the Modified date, not the Created date. The Modified date does not
get changed when a file is copied, even on the new copy.

If the Created date is really important and the file is a document or
some other text, insert the Created date as a comment into the file
itself.

--

David E. Ross
<http://www.rossde.com/>

Concerned about someone (e.g., Pres. Bush) snooping
into your E-mail? Use PGP.
See my <http://www.rossde.com/PGP/>

 

[Bob I]

Seems that saving it to a ZIP file will keep the original creation date
in the ZIP file.