Computer Hope

Other => Other => Topic started by: randibt on November 10, 2009, 03:46:23 PM

Title: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: randibt on November 10, 2009, 03:46:23 PM

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?

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: Geek-9pm on November 10, 2009, 03:55:53 PM

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.  :)

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: Helpmeh on November 10, 2009, 05:22:54 PM

This might work, idk.


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

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: patio on November 10, 2009, 05:44:47 PM

Not gonna work...

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: Helpmeh on November 10, 2009, 05:46:18 PM

Quote from: patio on November 10, 2009, 05:44:47 PM

Not gonna work...

Oh well.

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: Quantos on November 10, 2009, 05:46:54 PM

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

What would be the purpose of maintaining that anyway?

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: patio on November 10, 2009, 05:53:02 PM

Taaa Daaaaaaa

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

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: Quantos on November 10, 2009, 05:55:09 PM

Quote from: patio on November 10, 2009, 05:53:02 PM

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.....

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: rthompson80819 on November 10, 2009, 06:15:57 PM

Quote

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.

Title: Re: Copy files without changing the metadata
Post by: Geek-9pm on November 11, 2009, 10:36:38 AM

Quote from: patio on November 10, 2009, 05:44:47 PM

Not gonna work...

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