How to Change File Dates

When a file is created on a computer, it is automatically given a set of attributes. These attributes include the date, size and file format. This process occurs on Windows and Mac OS X platforms. File dates occasionally must be changed to put them in some better order. This guide shows you how to change file attributes on Windows and OS X platforms.

Method 1 of 3: Changing 'Date Modified' in Windows 7

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   Set clock (bottom right of desktop) to the desired date/time
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   Open file
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   Save file as itself
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   Close file
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   Revert to normal time

Method 2 of 3: Changing File Dates in Windows Vista

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   Right-click on the file with the date you want to change. Access the Properties menu.
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   Click on the "Custom" tab in the Properties menu.
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   Select which type of date you want to change under the "Name" field.

Method 3 of 3: Changing a File Date on a Mac using OS X

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   Download a file editing application. There will be further directions with the software, but the basics are listed below.
2. 2
   Launch "Terminal." You will find this in "Applications/Utilities."
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   Key in the following command: "touch �t YYYYMMDDhhmm.ss" to start the process. The modification date needs "touch �mt�" as opposed to "touch �t�."
4. 4
   Walk through the steps given, and add the year, month, day and time as requested.

Tips

• Simple changes to a user file happen when the file is resaved.
• There are third-party programs available to help with more detailed changes.

Warnings

• Find an expert if you feel uncomfortable changing the attributes of a file.

Sources and Citations

• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Change-the-properties-for-a-file
• http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/changing_creation_date_file

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