Firstly it’s important to point out that this strange occurrence is NOT a Xojo issue.
My software allows users to import files from others systems etc. I’m using .CreationDate to get the date the file was created.
As a courtesy to the user, after selecting the file, they are presented with a dialog box (below) which shows the filename and file date/time which has been extracted using FolderItem. The user can edit the defaults if needed.
But now I realise there is an issue. It seems that WIN7 file system - or any other file system for all I know at this point, does not actually retain the “creation date” when copied from another source. Therefore we end up with a somewhat absurd, perplexing, ridiculous and unpalatable scenario where a file modification date can precede it’s creation date.
As such:
In the orange import dialog box above, the user is able to simply edit the date - which is fine, but they may not understand that, (or perhaps can’t read) and could leave it as the default and therefore create a chronological paradox. It’s also important to point out that editing the date does not change the file attributes, but is there only for a record for posterity…
An example:
So now I’m not sure how to proceed. The Date is very important because my software is used to record and analyze tests. The user needs to know when the tests were performed. This all works perfect if the tests are recorded using my software. The issue is only to do with “Importing” data.
Hope this all makes sense.
Your thoughts much appreciated.