File timestamps (Created Date and Modified Date) often change during transfers due to how operating systems and software handle file operations. Understanding these causes helps you choose the right methods to preserve your important file dates.
Common Reasons Why File Dates (Timestamps) Change
1. File System Operations
Moving Files Across Different Drives/Partitions
- Cross-partition moves: The system treats this as a copy + delete operation
- New file creation: Destination file gets current timestamp as created date
- Metadata loss: Original created date is often lost in the process
- File system differences: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT handle timestamps differently
Copying Files
- Destination file creation: New file gets current time as created date
- Modification time: May be preserved depending on copy method used
- Default behavior: Most copy operations update file created date to current time
- Metadata handling: Copy tools vary in timestamp preservation capabilities
File System Differences
- NTFS to FAT32: Loss of precision and some timestamp attributes
- Network drives: May not support full timestamp metadata
- Cloud storage: Different timestamp handling across platforms
- External drives: File system format affects timestamp support
2. Network Transfer Methods
Email Attachments
- File recreation: Files are re-created when downloaded from email
- Timestamp reset: New files get current download time as created date
- Metadata loss: Original timestamps are not preserved in email protocols
- Compression effects: Email compression may strip timestamp metadata
Cloud Storage Sync
- Dropbox: May not preserve created date on files during sync
- Google Drive: Often updates timestamps to upload/download time
- OneDrive: Behavior varies depending on sync method
- iCloud: Limited timestamp preservation across devices
FTP/HTTP Downloads
- Protocol limitations: Standard protocols don't transfer timestamp metadata
- Server behavior: Web servers typically don't send original file timestamps
- Browser handling: Downloaded files get current time as created date
- No metadata channel: No standard way to preserve timestamps in HTTP
Messaging Apps
- WhatsApp: Compresses and re-creates files with new timestamps
- Telegram: File compression affects timestamp preservation
- Discord: Uploaded files lose original timestamp metadata
- Slack: Similar timestamp loss during file sharing
3. Software Behavior
Default Copy Operations
- Windows Explorer: Updates created date on files to current time by default
- macOS Finder: Similar behavior with timestamp handling
- File managers: Most prioritize operation success over timestamp preservation
- Drag and drop: Usually doesn't preserve created date
Archive Extraction
- Default extractors: Many don't preserve original timestamps
- ZIP files: Standard ZIP extraction often loses created time
- RAR files: Require proper extraction settings to preserve timestamps
- 7-Zip/WinRAR: Need specific configuration for timestamp preservation
File Conversion
- Format changes: Converting between formats creates new files
- Timestamp reset: New format files get current timestamps
- Metadata loss: Original file attributes are often not transferred
- Processing time: Conversion time becomes the new created time
Solutions to Preserve File Dates (Timestamps)
Archive with File Date Preservation
RAR Archives (Recommended)
- Creation: RAR format stores full timestamp metadata
- Extraction: Use proper WinRAR/7-Zip settings (as shown on our main page)
- Cross-platform: Works between Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Reliability: Most reliable method for file timestamp preservation
7-Zip Archives
- 7z format: Supports timestamp preservation
- Extraction settings: Configure to preserve file date
- Compression: Good balance of size and metadata preservation
Cloud Storage Alternatives
Services with Better Timestamp Support
- Syncthing: Open-source sync with timestamp preservation
- Resilio Sync: P2P sync that maintains file attributes
- rclone: Command-line tool with timestamp preservation options
- Specialized backup services: Some focus on metadata preservation
Configuration Tips
- Check sync settings: Look for preserve file date options
- Use desktop clients: Often better than web uploads
- Avoid web interfaces: Direct file uploads usually lose timestamps
- Test with sample files: Verify file date preservation before bulk transfers
Network Transfer Solutions
Protocols That Preserve Timestamps
- SFTP: Secure FTP with metadata support
- SCP: Secure copy with timestamp preservation
- rsync over SSH: Remote sync with full attribute preservation
- SMB/CIFS: Network shares that support file attributes
Specialized Sync Software
- FreeFileSync: Free tool with timestamp preservation
- GoodSync: Commercial sync with metadata options
- Allway Sync: Supports timestamp preservation
- SyncBack: Professional backup/sync with full attribute support
Our Tool as a Solution
When to Use Our Service
- After any file transfer that changes file's created date, modified date, or other timestamps
- Batch timestamp restoration for multiple files
- Precise timestamp control down to the second
- Cross-platform compatibility for any file type
Workflow Integration
- Transfer files using any convenient method
- Note original timestamps if known
- Use our tool to restore correct timestamps
- Verify results using file properties
Advantages
- No software installation required
- Works with any file type regardless of transfer method
- Precise control over both created date and modified date
- Timezone handling ensures correct local time display
Prevention Best Practices
Planning File Transfers
- Choose appropriate method based on timestamp importance
- Test with sample files before bulk transfers
- Document original timestamps for important files
- Use specialized tools when timestamps are critical
Verification Steps
- Check created date and modified date immediately after transfer (file properties)
- Compare with source files when possible
- Keep backup records of important file dates
By understanding these causes and solutions, you can choose the best method for your specific needs and ensure that important file dates are preserved throughout any transfer process.