Want a free file viewing, copying tool that will keep folder dates intact
I'm getting ready to change my system on my laptop so I have to back things up and copy them back. It really bugs me that when I copy a folder, it changes the folder date/time to the current date/time. I would like to keep the folder dates intact, without having to resort to zipping and unzipping.
I am looking for a free (not trial period) and simple GUI tool (showing file trees) to do this for me. It should be able to handle large drives, and any type of drive, and I should be able to cut and paste selections of folders without changing the dates of the folders. (probably a "keep folder date/time" as an option) It would be even handier if it can be split into 2 or more panes, so I can drag and drop to cut or copy and paste from one pane to the other without having to scroll and click all over the place.
This tool needs to work in both Win XP and Win 7. I'd prefer something relatively simple.. regular text layout with the normal file details layout, not graphics and "skins", not a memory pig. It should normally, or with an option, display all system and hidden files and folders as well. A nice option to have would be an old fashioned HEX/Decimal file content viewer/editer built in.
Suggestions? Surely I can't be the only one who wants to retain folder dates.. I remember earlier versions of Windows that didn't change the folder dates when you copied them.
I am looking for a free (not trial period) and simple GUI tool (showing file trees) to do this for me. It should be able to handle large drives, and any type of drive, and I should be able to cut and paste selections of folders without changing the dates of the folders. (probably a "keep folder date/time" as an option) It would be even handier if it can be split into 2 or more panes, so I can drag and drop to cut or copy and paste from one pane to the other without having to scroll and click all over the place.
This tool needs to work in both Win XP and Win 7. I'd prefer something relatively simple.. regular text layout with the normal file details layout, not graphics and "skins", not a memory pig. It should normally, or with an option, display all system and hidden files and folders as well. A nice option to have would be an old fashioned HEX/Decimal file content viewer/editer built in.
Suggestions? Surely I can't be the only one who wants to retain folder dates.. I remember earlier versions of Windows that didn't change the folder dates when you copied them.
I use SyncBack Pro for what you are doing. There is a paid version and a free version. SyncBack does not change file dates and is very reliable and robust. 2brightsparks.com.
I also have Total Commander but I like SyncBack better for copying files.
I have file dates going back to 2002 on both my Windows 7 Pro machines and the dates are not changing. .... Thinkpads_User
I also have Total Commander but I like SyncBack better for copying files.
I have file dates going back to 2002 on both my Windows 7 Pro machines and the dates are not changing. .... Thinkpads_User
I also use SyncBack Pro – phenomenal program, and excellent support from 2BrightSparks:
http://www.2brightsparks.com/
I started out with SyncBackSE and was so happy with it that I upgraded to SyncBack Pro. I never used their freeware version, but it's worth a shot:
http://www.2brightsparks.com/download-syncback.html
SyncBack allows scheduled profiles, which is how I use it (runs all day every day to back up new and changed files). But for straight file copying, I prefer Total Commander. To each his own. :) Regards, Joe
http://www.2brightsparks.com/
I started out with SyncBackSE and was so happy with it that I upgraded to SyncBack Pro. I never used their freeware version, but it's worth a shot:
http://www.2brightsparks.com/download-syncback.html
SyncBack allows scheduled profiles, which is how I use it (runs all day every day to back up new and changed files). But for straight file copying, I prefer Total Commander. To each his own. :) Regards, Joe
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The proposed solutions aren't suited for my needs. I found a better solution with a bit more searching. Thanks for the suggestions.
http://www.techhead.co.uk/how-to-copy-or-move-files-and-folders-whilst-maintaining-their-original-time-date-stamp/
The above stuff is free, as you requested. If you decide to spend some money, my fav file manager is Total Commander, which can do everything you've mentioned and a whole bunch more:
http://ghisler.com/
Regards, Joe