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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

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Rich

@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.

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Rich

@vicw wrote:
Is there a way to get the actual creation date of each file and NOT just upload date.

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.

vicw

Thanks for that. Yes I was using web to Dropbox upload.

Valdecab

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

Rich

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.

AgentOrange

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

Valdecab

Exactly!! I totally agree.

Rombout V.

Well it seems this is not working on desktop app. Or isnthis a paid feature?

Walter

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.

@Walter

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

Nancy

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.

Rombout V.

Why doesnt dropbox make it easier to add screenshots here?

Just check it yourself in any browser or app

Rombout V.

Win 11 rs26200.5516
DB 222.3.4890

Creation date does not show in app nor webbrowser. File Explorer is fine of course since Dropbox doesnt use its own GUI for that

Im not adding screenshots, its a hustle, do this all the time. I dont understand why this website doesn't have a proper method of adding images.