4
I'd like to create a file with an invalid created/modified/accessed timestamp. To be invalid it should be a date and time before 12:00 midnight January 1, 1601 C.E. UTC
Tom Robinson
Posted 2010-10-07T12:17:41.380
Reputation: 2 350
How can I create a file with invalid Windows timestamps?
Answers
3
Look for a tool called Timestomp
The software's goal is to allow for the deletion or modification of time stamp-related information on files.
bob
Posted 2010-10-07T12:17:41.380
Reputation: 46
6
This is not possible.
File time is used in Windows API through the FILETIME Structure, described as:
Contains a 64-bit value representing the number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601 (UTC).
As negative values are not supported, the above date is the starting limit.
Conclusion: Your code which tests for earlier dates will never be challenged.
harrymc
Posted 2010-10-07T12:17:41.380
Reputation: 306 093
2The "touch" command in Linux can create such a file, but under Windows it is recognized as being created today. (Tested with FAT32 Flashdrive and Win XP) – None – 2010-10-07T14:03:49.377
Why would you want to do this? – Rowland Shaw – 2010-10-07T12:28:42.773
2So that I can test that the application I'm writing can handle corrupt timestamps gracefully. – Tom Robinson – 2010-10-07T12:30:32.207