Change "Date Created" on File Folders

Question

Change "Date Created" on File Folders

What is the easiest way to change or alter the "Date Created" on file folders - To a date that is 6 months older? (OS 9.1)

I need to store my photos in a single large chronologically ordered file. Some of them are sourced from scanned photos and some are received in emails from folks.

I want to store them in the same date order as the day the photos were taken and NOT the day I filed them.

Thanks.........Robert

G3 400 b/w 576MB cable aw6, Mac OS 9.1.x

Posted on Mar 17, 2006 6:17 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Mar 17, 2006 10:22 PM in response to Robert Schoenfeld

Hi, Robert -

If you're not familiar with ResEdit, its interface, though reasonably clean, can be intimidating.

You may find that using FileBuddy is easier - just drag the icon of the folder onto FileBuddy's icon, and in the window that opens you'll see a couple of date entries in the middle left (Created and Modified).

Click the small button to the right of the Date you want to change and select Other... from the menu that appears. Enter the new date in the appropriate box, okay that window and then click the Save button.

Reply

Answer 2

Mar 18, 2006 3:34 PM in response to Don Archibald

Thank you Niel and Don
for the prompt responses.

I haven't used ResEdit (with the little jester in red) for about 15 to 20 years. It always intimidated me.
From following mac forums, I was aware that File Buddy got into the two forks of the operating system and manipulated things much the same as ResEdit. I guess I'll have to break down and try one or both of your suggestions. I'll let you know what happens.
Robert

Reply

Answer 3

Mar 18, 2006 11:07 PM in response to Robert Schoenfeld

Neil and Don,
I figured out a way to allow me to change the "Date Created" to any date I desired.

1. Open "Date & Time" file in "Control Panels".
2. Set the date desired (i.e. 6 months earlier.)
3. Then Close "Date & Time"
4. Now in (finder) click on "Command + N",
This creates an "untitled file folder" on the desktop
with the newly selected "Date Created".
5. Give the new file folder the name desired.
6. Drag the desired files to the newly created file folder
and drop them.
7. Trash the OLD Date Created Folder.
8. Remember to go back to "Date Created" in "Control
Panels" and change back to the current date.

The above took care of my original question; But, I decided to use the same technique to change the "FILE" date created,
rather than the "FILE FOLDER".
I opened my digital camera software and took a ".jpg" photo file and did a "Save As" while "Date & Time" were in the altered state. My .jpg photo file now has the new "Date Created".

I know that Niel and Don are completely aware of such a technique, But, I figured other forum members may find this method useful.

Thanks for all of your continuing help........Robert

Reply

Answer 4

Niel

Level 10

741,713 points

Mar 17, 2006 8:29 PM in response to Robert Schoenfeld

Download ResEdit to your computer, and use it's Get File/Folder Info command to change the creation date.

(11172)

Reply