Preserver original create date when copying files

[DotNetNewbie]

Hi,

I am working on a script that checks a server based DLL file, which then needs to be copied onto workstations if the file is newer than the current file.

I had intended on using .DateLastModified however this changes everytime a user logs into the associated program. I then decided to use the .DateCreated, however this also fails as then I do a .CopyFile it changes the DateCreated to todays date/time.

Is there anyway to prevent the .CopyFile from changing the Date Created, i.e. preserve the original creation date?

Any other suggestions welcome.

.net

 

[Geates]

That's bitten me before too. Unfortunately, I do know of an easy way to do it.

The only way I can think of is by changing the meta data of said file but that would be a rather arduous - especially with VBS.

-Geates

"I hope I can feel and see the change - stop the bleed inside a feel again. Cut the chain of lies you've been feeding my veins; I've got nothing to say to you!"
-Infected Mushroom

"I do not offer answers, only considerations."
- Geates's Disclaimer

 

[jges]

Have a look at this thread on mrexcel.com:

http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86056

The code posted is VBA so it won't run directly as VBScript (not sure if it can be converted over to VBScript) but there are also a few utilities discussed that might be worth investigating.

 

[Geates]

The problem is that the date properties of a file (.DateAccessed, .DateModified, and .DateCreated) are read-only properties in VBS.

As the posted link suggests, you would probably need to use a more robust language to accomplish this.

Instead of changing the files create date, you could copy it into a file and update/maintain with every copy.

-Geates

"I hope I can feel and see the change - stop the bleed inside a feel again. Cut the chain of lies you've been feeding my veins; I've got nothing to say to you!"
-Infected Mushroom

"I do not offer answers, only considerations."
- Geates's Disclaimer

 

[craigey]

Not a neat solution, but you could use the util:

http://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/tools/18707.html

to output the timestamp to a temp text file. Then copy the file & rerun the exe, but set the timestamp to the one contained in the text file.