W10 changes timestamps on executables after running them. Normal?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #1

    W10 changes timestamps on executables after running them. Normal?


    Hello.

    I don't know where to post this. It's getting me crazy. Running w10 x64 and quite satisfied with it.

    I usually do a "synchronize folders" within Total Commander for doing a differential copy of regular applications I download and use. Anyway, I have found out that TC insists on some files being "different" or "changed" after I have ran them. I have found out w10 "automagically sets" current date and time to the executable file after it has been run. Is this normal? Or is it Windows Defender who does it?

    A little annoying in my opinion. Ideas?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,367
    W10 Pro x64/W7 Ultimate x64 dual boot main - W11 Triple Boot Pending
       #2

    Generally the only time you should see the time stamp change for any file would be when editing it like resaving an archive once files are added or when copying files around. The copy will see the new time stamp automatic at the time it is created during the copy process. Apparently 10 is resaving the files it opens up as it goes along.

    Normal? Not that I know of? Useful at all? Could be for troubleshooting purposes at some point to which files were accessed when. That wouldn't anything dealing with WDefender however since that simply detects malwares and doesn't have any other control but to quaranteen or delete not change properties. Upgrade to 10 type of install I presume! Upgrades can be "buggy" in various ways!
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hello. Thank you for your reply. This is a clean w10 installation from scratch. I even bought a license for it.

    It's not a big deal but it's puzzling me.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 343
    Windows 10
       #4

    Typically .exe files creation dates only changes after they are compiled. That's the only way you can re-write an exe file.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I am talking about date/time shown on File Explorer. Maybe that's different than compiled date. When binary comparing the two pair (altered and not altered) they are byte identical though.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 384
    Window 10
       #6

    eLPuSHeR said:
    I am talking about date/time shown on File Explorer. Maybe that's different than compiled date. When binary comparing the two pair (altered and not altered) they are byte identical though.
    I just checked several exe files that have been used today and the date/time is the original prior dates, not today. Could it be that Total Commander is doing something to them? Does is monitor the files in real-time somehow? If so, I would disable the process and see if that changes what you're seeing.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 13,898
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #7

    I use both Total Commander and PowerDesk [on different computers] and both do have a function to change the Attributes of files, one of which is the date and time, but both programs need to have that function manually selected to accomplish the task.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 3,367
    W10 Pro x64/W7 Ultimate x64 dual boot main - W11 Triple Boot Pending
       #8

    The mention of you syncing files, folders seems to be the most likely reason. If the sync is online you are likely seeing the files refreshed each time you log into the game servers if no other local files are seeing this as well. The game apparently downloads temp files used during game play which are then replaced with each new gaming session. That would explain why you are seeing this type of time stamp alteration.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    The sync is offline between a folder in my hd and an usb device. And it isn't games. It's my collection of utils (AV progs, etc).
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    To add some more weirdness. I have just run AdwCleaner from both Windows Explorer and TC and it didn't change anything. Maybe it's a bug in TC's sync feature. I will keep testing.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 00:17.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums