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Forum Discussion

Kathy R's avatar
Kathy R
Explorer | Level 3
4 months ago

How can I download data from one user to another, while retaining original timestamps?

Our community group has a DropBox account that we want to download to a different account.  I know I can download the full account and copy into my own account, but we want to retain the timestamps on the documents.  What are the steps to download the existing account/folders/files and move them to a new account while still retaining the original timestamps on the files? 

  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hi Kathy R, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

     

    Is this a personal Dropbox account, or a member of a Dropbox team that you're a part of?

     

    This will help me to assist further!

    • Kathy R's avatar
      Kathy R
      Explorer | Level 3

      The original DropBox account is owned by a former community leader. They shared access with several of us. At this time, we need to make a copy of those folders and documents into a new account that can be used by the group.  I have downloaded a copy of the folders in a Zip file, but when I unzipped the file, all of the timestamps on the files were changed to the date I unzipped the file. I want a way to retain the original timestamped dates on the files.  

      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Hey Kathy R, you mentioned "timestamps" so is it safe to assume that you're downloading your content using our website? 

         

        Are there any shared or team folders involved in the process too? 

         

        Some steps that'd help would be the following:

         

        - Ensure that all files are inside folders.
        - Make a copy of any shared folders (this will retain the date modified).
        - Share all folders with the new account (as long as there are no restrictions).
        - Transfer the ownership to the new account.
        - Remove access of the old account.

         

        If you need assistance, or extra guidance on that, I'd be more than happy to elaborate. 

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