How to Change File Dates

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Three Methods:Changing 'Date Modified' in Windows 7 Changing File Dates in Windows Vista Changing a File Date on a Mac using OS X

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.

This article's accuracy is in doubt. See the discussion page.

Please fact check, edit, cite references and remove this notice when the article has been improved. You may also comment on the discussion page. Notice added on 2013-08-01.

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

1
Set clock (bottom right of desktop) to the desired date/time

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2
Open file
3
Save file as itself
4
Close file
5
Revert to normal time

EditMethod 2 of 3: Changing File Dates in Windows Vista

1
Right-click on the file with the date you want to change. Access the Properties menu.
2
Click on the "Custom" tab in the Properties menu.
3
Select which type of date you want to change under the "Name" field.

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

1
Download a file editing application. There will be further directions with the software, but the basics are listed below.
2
Launch "Terminal." You will find this in "Applications/Utilities."
3
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
Walk through the steps given, and add the year, month, day and time as requested.

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EditTips

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

EditWarnings

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

EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Accuracy | Computers and Electronics

Recent edits by: Lojjik Braughler, Eric, Maniac

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10,751 times.

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