Keep original folder dates

Posts: 11 · roadstar 23 Dec 2025, 08:44

I have been using the donation version for a few years now. I have had the "17,438 files have had the dates changed on both sides" issue for quite a while (files I haven't touched in years), and as a result I decided to get a new backup drive to start fresh. But when I used freefilesync to populate the new drive, all the dates changed to today's date, 2025. I need to maintain all original dates for archival purposes, folders and files. I then had to do the whole thing over again (5T) with another program that retains dates.

Is there a way for freefilesync to always keep original dates when copying files/folders? I really need that.
thanks

Posts: 2978 · Plerry 23 Dec 2025, 09:54

viewtopic.php?t=6123

Posts: 13 · ravishahani 27 Dec 2025, 21:36

For me it does preserve the original timestamps. I wonder if there is some difference in settings?

Posts: 11 · roadstar 28 Dec 2025, 07:02

viewtopic.php?t=6123 Plerry, 23 Dec 2025, 09:54

Thank you for the link. Ya it's very unfortunate because if it did preserve dates, the program would be so much better. I can still use freefilesync for update and adding new files but for copying between drives, I'm now using TerraCopy which works from within Windows Explorer. So far it's working great, dates are preserved. The program "Copy Files with Dates" also works great. And both utilities verify the data.

I hope the authors make this important improvement. As time goes on, it is more and more important to keep archival track of data.

Posts: 11 · roadstar 28 Dec 2025, 07:04

For me it does preserve the original timestamps. I wonder if there is some difference in settings? ravishahani, 27 Dec 2025, 21:36

The dates of individual files is maintained by not folder dates. Are your sure your folder dates also being preserved? I've looked for a setting but haven't seen anything.

Posts: 13 · ravishahani 28 Dec 2025, 07:30

That is true, I see that timestamps on files are preserved but not folders.

Posts: 11 · roadstar 28 Dec 2025, 07:45

There is another program called Multi Commander that has a "correct date/time" tool, in case you want to fix the date of folders. I'm very glad I just discovered TerraCopy, life just got a little easier in the file management department.

Posts: 13 · ravishahani 28 Dec 2025, 14:33

Are you planning to use this in combination or instead of FFS? Looks like it is a copy replacement, not a synchronization tool.

Posts: 11 · roadstar 28 Dec 2025, 21:22

I'll keep using FFS and new files will have new dates as they should. I'll keep an eye on updated files and correct dates with MultiCommander as needed. And if I move or copy a folder to my main drive, I will copy it to my backup drive using TerraCopy instead of letting FFS do it. It's a pain. but unless I discover another program that maintains dates, there is no choice. But I like FFS, it has a good interface, and if only they would fix the dates thing, it would be a super program. If these other utilities can do it, so can FFS! And I have paid for the program also.

Posts: 13 · ravishahani 29 Dec 2025, 02:09

Hmm that sounds painful. I can see why you would care about folder timestamps being preserved but I am glad that I don't. :)