Copy files without changing the metadata

[randibt]

How do I copy files without changing the metadata?  For instance, if I have a hard drive that I want to copy the files from... and copy them to my desktop without changing any of the Date Created/ Date Modified/ Author, etc info - how can I do this?

[Geek-9pm]

Try making a simple test.
Do a backup of a small group of files.
Restore the backup to a new location,
a new folder on the target hard drive.
See if the meta data is as it was.
I believe only the archive bit is changed.
Not sure of that. Just trying to be helpful.

In Vista there is a better way to do this.
I suppose you have XP. 

[Helpmeh]

This might work, idk.


Archive them (attrib -a at cmd)
Then copy it?

[patio]

Not gonna work...

[Helpmeh]

Not gonna work...

Oh well.

[Quantos]

Windows will ALWAYS apply the date that the files are moved or copied.

What would be the purpose of maintaining that anyway?

[patio]

Taaa Daaaaaaa

We have a winner....Johnny what's behind Curtain # 2 for our lucky guy ? ?

[Quantos]

Taaa Daaaaaaa

We have a winner....Johnny what's behind Curtain # 2 for our lucky guy ? ?

A 32 Kg box of rotting fish killies.  These will make you the center of attention at any cat party.....

[rthompson80819]

Windows will ALWAYS apply the date that the files are moved or copied.

What would be the purpose of maintaining that anyway?

For 99%of files the date doesn't matter.  It can matter if you are keeping daily logs of data.  Years ago, I learned the hard way not to rely on the date on files but to use the file name for keeping track of when the files were created.

[Geek-9pm]

Not gonna work...

Works for me... 
And I did take my pills.