If an old harddrive with previous files still on it is installed in a different computer, do the files "last modified" or "last access" change to the date of install or stay as they were in old computer? I have a lot of JPGS that were not added since the harddrive was put in, yet they show a recent date as "last accessed" or "last modified". Really need to know soon so I can track origin of these files. Thanks

At first I would have replied no, but I think to an extent you have answered the question for yourself. Try searching that hard drive for anything with a modified/access date prior to when you switched the drive. That should be a fairly conclusive test.

Though the file may not have been accessed, it has been modified because of the new installation. I tried to find another answer to this, but I've done the same as you with adding a used harddrive to another computer and had the same results.

I wonder if there is a way to prevent the last modified date from changing?

Dave

Originally Posted by DaveMo~

I wonder if there is a way to prevent the last modified date from changing?

Well you could store them in a text file and change them back individually using various available programs