When copying the file(s), the modification date is changed

Question

Hi,

I have a shared drive on my server (Win 2019) that I share among other users. Recently, there was a problem that as soon as users started copying and pasting files to the server, the modification date of the pasted file changed to the current date/time. The strange thing is that on the user's local drive everything was copied just fine (same modification date and time as the original file). This same situation (same date and time) also happened when I copied files directly on the server.

This problem was solved after some time and we are not experiencing the problem at the moment. Still, I wonder what could have caused this problem? We did not modify anything on the server.
Users have Win 11

Thank you very much for your help.

Lair Fernandes

Answer 1

Hi Lair,

I understand your concern. Here are some possible reasons and steps to investigate why the modification date changed when copying files to the server:

1. File System Differences:
   • Ensure that both the local drives and the server drives are using the same file system (e.g., NTFS). Different file systems can handle metadata differently.
2. Permissions and User Profiles:
   • Check if the user accounts on the server have the correct permissions to retain file attributes during the copy process.
3. Server and Client Settings:
   • Sometimes, specific settings in Windows or the file-sharing protocol might affect how file attributes are handled. Review the advanced sharing settings and ensure they are configured correctly.
4. Network Copy Mechanism:
   • Different methods of copying files (e.g., using Windows Explorer, command-line tools, or third-party applications) might handle file attributes differently. Ensure users are using a consistent method.
5. Temporary Issues or Updates:
   • Temporary issues with the server or a recent Windows update might have caused this problem. Check the server’s update history and event logs for any related updates or errors during the time the issue occurred.
6. Antivirus or Backup Software:
   • Sometimes, antivirus or backup software can interfere with file attributes during the copy process. Ensure these tools are not modifying the file metadata.
7. Network Drive Mapping:
   • Ensure that network drives are mapped correctly and that there are no issues with the network path or drive letters.

Since the issue resolved itself, it might have been a temporary glitch. However, keeping an eye on these factors can help prevent or quickly resolve similar issues in the future.

Best regards,

Eric S.

Answer 2

Hi,

Did you change any settings on the file server? Specific settings or policies on the server can affect how file attributes are handled during copy operations. These settings could be related to file permissions, auditing, or other security policies.

Answer 3

The problem is caused by a bug in Windows 11. With kb5039212 file explorer change modified date when you copy a file. I have found solution by removing this update. The problem is that Microsoft doesn't even hint at fixing this very serious bug.

Answer 4

Same on Windows Server 2022. Was able to open an old-fashioned command window and XCOPY preserved the dates..,

Answer 5

Here, quietly announced, is a GRADUAL ROLLOUT of the fix:

KB5050094

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/january-28-2025-kb5050094-os-build-26100-3037-preview-78fda0ea-79e9-468d-8a77-de7914ca1aefKB5051987 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-11-2025-kb5051987-os-build-26100-3194-63fb007d-3f52-4b47-85ea-28414a24be2d

• Fixed: The date and time properties of a file might update after you copy it.

I am wondering if this issue has caused a knock-on issue with OneDrive suddenly and massively modifying file systems.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/onedrive-changed-file-names-on-it-s-own/9ae70303-76de-4713-9c5f-d28a94981f3e