6 Replies Latest reply on Apr 26, 2012 9:50 AM by Jonathan Gamble

Link variable to windows "Last Modified" file property

Jonathan Gamble Apr 20, 2012 7:54 AM

Is it possible to link a variable to a windows file property? I want to create a "last modified" property for some miscellaneous files that will not be under strict revision control, and to which enterprise has no access to custom properties (e.g. pdf files). Is there a way to link a variable to the "last modified" date that windows keeps track of. I can see it in the explorer view, but I can't figure out how to get it on a data card.

Any suggestions?

Re: Link variable to windows "Last Modified" file property

Steve Ostrovsky Apr 20, 2012 10:00 AM (in response to Jonathan Gamble)

Is this the value you want? If so, Dispatch can grab that and write it to the Data Card. If it's right, I'll post the Dispatch routine for you.
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- Re: Link variable to windows "Last Modified" file property
  
  Jonathan Gamble Apr 20, 2012 10:06 AM (in response to Steve Ostrovsky)
  
  Steve,
  Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for. I guess this will force me to start using Dispatch. I have been like the reluctant swimmer for many years; standing on the edge, liking the idea of swimming, but knowing that the water is going to feel really cold! I guess this will prompt me to dive in....
  
  Many thanks
  
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  - Re: Link variable to windows "Last Modified" file property
    
    Steve Ostrovsky Apr 20, 2012 10:23 AM (in response to Jonathan Gamble)
    
    Don't sweat it. I didn't start learning Dispatch until a few months ago (I'm not a programmer and was basically scared off it). Now I find it can step in easily and quickly in many of my installs. My disclaimer here is that this Dispatch comes with inherent flaws that are all mine. It won't blow your system up, but it may cause you to sneeze uncontrollably for hours.
    
    Last Modified.acn.zip 342 bytes
    
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    - Re: Link variable to windows "Last Modified" file property
      
      Jonathan Gamble Apr 20, 2012 4:45 PM (in response to Steve Ostrovsky)
      
      Steve,
      Many thanks! I'll take the plunge, and keep a box of Kleenex handy...
      
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      - Re: Link variable to windows "Last Modified" file property
        
        Jonathan Gamble Apr 24, 2012 1:29 PM (in response to Jonathan Gamble)
        
        OK, so now I have dispatch recording the last modified date and storing it in an Enterprise variable. The only problem is that the date doesn't match the "last Modified" date shown in explorer. See attached screen image. The difference appears to be about 4 hours and 10 seconds. Does anyone know why???? I checked the clock on the server and on my local pc, and both are correct. Is there a hidden clock setting someweher in EPDM?
        
        All suggestions gratefully received!
        
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    - Re: Link variable to windows "Last Modified" file property
      
      Jonathan Gamble Apr 26, 2012 9:50 AM (in response to Steve Ostrovsky)
      
      Steve,
      I don't know if you saw my last positing on Tuesday (I made the mistake of replying to my own reply). Do you know why the last modified date that dispatch gets would be different from that shown in the explorer view?? It is about 4 hours and 10 seconds out - driving me nuts!!!
      
      Thanks
      
      Jonathan
      
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