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vicw
9 months agoHelpful | Level 5
Can I get the actual creation date of the file, and not just the upload date?
I am not understanding how I can find out details on when a file was created. For example I have uploaded 714 PDF files today to a Folder PDF_11_10. When I look at the folder ALL the files show a modified date of today.
Is there a way to get the actual creation date of each file and NOT just upload date. I have followed the instructions for 'file info' on Metadata but no luck.
I would appreciate any solutions. Running on WIN11 with Dropbox PRO.
Thanks,
Vic
vicw wrote:
Is there a way to get the actual creation date of each file and NOT just upload date.
It depends on how the files were uploaded. If you uploaded the files to Dropbox.com through a web browser, then the creation and modified dates are the date you uploaded them. In order words, uploads through a browser do not retain the original dates.
If you need to retain the creation and modified dates on a file, you need to use the Dropbox application on a computer and allow the files to sync from your local Dropbox folder.
12 Replies
- Rich9 months ago
Super User II
vicw wrote:
Is there a way to get the actual creation date of each file and NOT just upload date.
It depends on how the files were uploaded. If you uploaded the files to Dropbox.com through a web browser, then the creation and modified dates are the date you uploaded them. In order words, uploads through a browser do not retain the original dates.
If you need to retain the creation and modified dates on a file, you need to use the Dropbox application on a computer and allow the files to sync from your local Dropbox folder.
- vicw9 months agoHelpful | Level 5
Thanks for that. Yes I was using web to Dropbox upload.
- Valdecab6 months agoNew member | Level 1
That's a huge problem.
I don't want to loose the creation date of the file.
I pay dropbox to avoid having too many files on my computer using his memory.
If I have to sync from my local Dropbox folder, than Dropbox is useless - Rich6 months ago
Super User II
Valdecab wrote:
If I have to sync from my local Dropbox folder, than Dropbox is useless
That's the intended purpose of Dropbox. Yes, it has some features that allow you to store all of your data in the cloud only, but it's purpose is for syncing files between your computer and your account online, and to other devices linked to your account.
First and foremost Dropbox is a file sync application.
- AgentOrange5 months agoCollaborator | Level 8
I have a suggestion post for this. The only problem is getting enough (whatever that even means since there are tons of posts on here about this exact problem) people to “vote” for it
https://www.dropboxforum.com/idea/101002013/preserve-file-creation-datesand-other-metadata-in-mobile-app-versions
- Valdecab4 months agoNew member | Level 1
Exactly!! I totally agree.
- Rombout V.4 months agoHelpful | Level 5
Well it seems this is not working on desktop app. Or isnthis a paid feature?
- Walter4 months ago
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey Rombout V. - can you provide some additional information about the issue you're facing?
For example, what is your computer's OS version and the version and status of the Dropbox desktop app as shown in your menu bar/system tray?
A screenshot of where you're checking the creation date of your files would also help!
- Rombout V.4 months agoHelpful | Level 5
Well i was looking at drop.com through mobile browser using it as desktop. This doesnt seem to work properly then
Just checked on desktop and i do see it. In web browser it does show this, accept for creation date
The app i cant see the file info, its just this small popup from tray-menu
System
Omen 15
Windows 11 rs2600.5516
Dropbox v221.3.5302 - Nancy4 months ago
Dropbox Community Moderator
Rombout V., can you paste a full screenshot here of what you see exactly on your Dropbox app? We’ll check it and further assist.
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