Key Features of File Time Changer

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 129 views

Introduction

In the world of computing, file timestamps play a crucial role in determining the age and authenticity of files. However, there are situations where you might need to modify these timestamps for various reasons, such as testing software, troubleshooting issues, or even for forensic analysis. In this article, we will delve into the world of file timestamp modification using the powerful tool called File Time Changer.

What is File Time Changer?

File Time Changer is a free, command-line tool designed to quickly and easily modify the date and time stamps of files. This tool allows you to view the current date and time of a file before making any modifications, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the file's original timestamp. With File Time Changer, you can modify all three types of timestamps associated with a file:

Creation Time: The date and time when the file was created.
Last Access Time: The date and time when the file was last accessed or opened.
Last Modified Time: The date and time when the file was last modified or updated.

Key Features of File Time Changer

Command-line interface: File Time Changer's command-line interface makes it easy to automate tasks through scripts, allowing you to perform batch modifications with ease.
Platform compatibility: File Time Changer works seamlessly on both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms, starting from Windows XP to Windows 8.
Timestamp modification: Modify all three types of timestamps associated with a file, including creation time, last access time, and last modified time.
Timestamp viewing: View the current date and time of a file before making any modifications.

How to Use File Time Changer

Using File Time Changer is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical expertise. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Download and Install File Time Changer

Download the File Time Changer tool from the official website and follow the installation instructions to install it on your system.

Step 2: Open the Command Prompt

Open the Command Prompt on your system by searching for "cmd" in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "cmd" in the Run dialog box.

Step 3: Navigate to the File Location

Navigate to the location of the file you want to modify using the cd command. For example, if the file is located in the C:\Users\Username\Documents folder, you would type cd C:\Users\Username\Documents and press Enter.

Step 4: Use the File Time Changer Command

Use the File Time Changer command to modify the file timestamp. The basic syntax of the command is as follows:

ftc.exe <file_name> <timestamp_type> <new_timestamp>

Replace <file_name> with the name of the file you want to modify, <timestamp_type> with the type of timestamp you want to modify (creation, access, or modified), and <new_timestamp> with the new timestamp you want to set.

For example, to modify the creation time of a file named "example.txt" to January 1, 2022, 12:00:00 PM, you would type the following command:

ftc.exe example.txt creation 2022-01-01 12:00:00

Step 5: Verify the Timestamp

Verify that the timestamp has been modified successfully by using the ftc.exe command with the view option. For example:

ftc.exe example.txt view

This will display the current timestamp of the file.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of File Time Changer:

Use the --help option: The --help option provides detailed information about the available options and syntax for the File Time Changer command.
Use the --verbose option: The --verbose option enables verbose mode, which provides detailed information about the file timestamp modification process.
Use the --quiet option: The --quiet option suppresses output, making it ideal for automating tasks through scripts.

Conclusion

File Time Changer is a powerful tool that provides a simple and efficient way to modify file timestamps. With its command-line interface and platform compatibility, File Time Changer is an essential tool for anyone who needs to modify file timestamps for various reasons. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily modify file timestamps using File Time Changer and automate tasks through scripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between creation time, last access time, and last modified time?

A: Creation time refers to the date and time when the file was created. Last access time refers to the date and time when the file was last accessed or opened. Last modified time refers to the date and time when the file was last modified or updated.

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file using File Time Changer?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file using File Time Changer. Simply use the ftc.exe command with the modify option and specify the new timestamp.

Q: Can I automate tasks using File Time Changer?

A: Yes, you can automate tasks using File Time Changer. Simply use the ftc.exe command with the modify option and specify the new timestamp. You can also use the --quiet option to suppress output and make it ideal for automating tasks through scripts.

Q: Is File Time Changer compatible with 64-bit platforms?

A: Yes, File Time Changer is compatible with 64-bit platforms, starting from Windows XP to Windows 8.

Q: Can I view the current timestamp of a file using File Time Changer?

Q: What is the difference between creation time, last access time, and last modified time?

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file using File Time Changer?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file using File Time Changer. Simply use the ftc.exe command with the modify option and specify the new timestamp.

Q: Can I automate tasks using File Time Changer?

Q: Is File Time Changer compatible with 64-bit platforms?

A: Yes, File Time Changer is compatible with 64-bit platforms, starting from Windows XP to Windows 8.

Q: Can I view the current timestamp of a file using File Time Changer?

A: Yes, you can view the current timestamp of a file using File Time Changer. Simply use the ftc.exe command with the view option.

Q: How do I use the `--help` option with File Time Changer?

A: To use the --help option with File Time Changer, simply type the following command:

ftc.exe --help

This will display detailed information about the available options and syntax for the File Time Changer command.

Q: How do I use the `--verbose` option with File Time Changer?

A: To use the --verbose option with File Time Changer, simply type the following command:

ftc.exe --verbose

This will enable verbose mode, which provides detailed information about the file timestamp modification process.

Q: How do I use the `--quiet` option with File Time Changer?

A: To use the --quiet option with File Time Changer, simply type the following command:

ftc.exe --quiet

This will suppress output, making it ideal for automating tasks through scripts.

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific format?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific format using File Time Changer. Simply use the --format option and specify the desired format.

Q: How do I specify the format for the timestamp?

A: To specify the format for the timestamp, use the --format option followed by the desired format. For example:

ftc.exe --format "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S"

This will set the timestamp format to "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS".

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific timezone?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific timezone using File Time Changer. Simply use the --timezone option and specify the desired timezone.

Q: How do I specify the timezone for the timestamp?

A: To specify the timezone for the timestamp, use the --timezone option followed by the desired timezone. For example:

ftc.exe --timezone "America/New_York"

This will set the timezone to "America/New_York".

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific date and time?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific date and time using File Time Changer. Simply use the --date and --time options and specify the desired date and time.

Q: How do I specify the date and time for the timestamp?

A: To specify the date and time for the timestamp, use the --date and --time options followed by the desired date and time. For example:

ftc.exe --date "2022-01-01" --time "12:00:00"

This will set the timestamp to January 1, 2022, 12:00:00 PM.

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific interval?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific interval using File Time Changer. Simply use the --interval option and specify the desired interval.

Q: How do I specify the interval for the timestamp?

A: To specify the interval for the timestamp, use the --interval option followed by the desired interval. For example:

ftc.exe --interval "1 day"

This will set the timestamp to the current date and time plus one day.

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific offset?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific offset using File Time Changer. Simply use the --offset option and specify the desired offset.

Q: How do I specify the offset for the timestamp?

A: To specify the offset for the timestamp, use the --offset option followed by the desired offset. For example:

ftc.exe --offset "1 hour"

This will set the timestamp to the current date and time plus one hour.

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific timezone offset?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific timezone offset using File Time Changer. Simply use the --timezone-offset option and specify the desired timezone offset.

Q: How do I specify the timezone offset for the timestamp?

A: To specify the timezone offset for the timestamp, use the --timezone-offset option followed by the desired timezone offset. For example:

ftc.exe --timezone-offset "America/New_York"

This will set the timezone offset to "America/New_York".

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific date and time with timezone offset?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific date and time with timezone offset using File Time Changer. Simply use the --date, --time, and --timezone-offset options and specify the desired date and time with timezone offset.

Q: How do I specify the date and time with timezone offset for the timestamp?

A: To specify the date and time with timezone offset for the timestamp, use the --date, --time, and --timezone-offset options followed by the desired date and time with timezone offset. For example:

ftc.exe --date "2022-01-01" --time "12:00:00" --timezone-offset "America/New_York"

This will set the timestamp to January 1, 2022, 12:00:00 PM with timezone offset "America/New_York".

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific interval with timezone offset?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific interval with timezone offset using File Time Changer. Simply use the --interval and --timezone-offset options and specify the desired interval with timezone offset.

Q: How do I specify the interval with timezone offset for the timestamp?

A: To specify the interval with timezone offset for the timestamp, use the --interval and --timezone-offset options followed by the desired interval with timezone offset. For example:

ftc.exe --interval "1 day" --timezone-offset "America/New_York"

This will set the timestamp to the current date and time plus one day with timezone offset "America/New_York".

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific offset with timezone offset?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific offset with timezone offset using File Time Changer. Simply use the --offset and --timezone-offset options and specify the desired offset with timezone offset.

Q: How do I specify the offset with timezone offset for the timestamp?

A: To specify the offset with timezone offset for the timestamp, use the --offset and --timezone-offset options followed by the desired offset with timezone offset. For example:

ftc.exe --offset "1 hour" --timezone-offset "America/New_York"

This will set the timestamp to the current date and time plus one hour with timezone offset "America/New_York".

Q: Can I modify the timestamp of a file in a specific date and time with interval and timezone offset?

A: Yes, you can modify the timestamp of a file in a specific date and time with interval and timezone offset using File Time Changer. Simply use the --date, --time, --interval, and --timezone-offset options and specify the desired date and time with interval and timezone offset.

Q: How do I specify the date and time with interval and timezone offset for the timestamp?

A: To specify the date and time with interval and timezone offset for the timestamp, use the --date, --time, --interval, and --timezone-offset options followed by the desired date and time with interval and timezone offset. For example:

`ftc.exe --date "2022-01-01" --time