Using standard Windows tools, you can change only some of the properties of files, for example, allow editing and deletion. To change the creation date, you have to use third-party programs or non-standard Windows tricks.
How to hide a file
Using standard Windows tools, you can hide the file you have created from viewing and prohibit its editing. To do this, right-click on its icon, select the "Properties" command, and in the "General" tab of the properties window, check the "Read-only" and "Hidden" attributes. Then go to the "Tools" menu and check the "Folder Options" item. In the "View" tab, find the item "Hidden folders and files" in the list of additional options and set it to "Do not show". Click OK to confirm. To restore the file's visibility, uncheck the Hidden attribute.
How to change file properties
You can only change some of the data in the file properties. If you have Windows XP, in the Properties window go to the Summary tab and click Advanced. Click in the "Value" section next to the property you want to change. If editing is allowed, an empty box will appear surrounded by a frame.
To change the properties of a file in Windows 7 in the properties window go to the "Details" tab and proceed as described above.
How to change the creation date of a file
To find out the date the file was created, right-click on its icon and select the "Properties" command. The General tab displays basic information about the file, including the creation date. You cannot change this parameter using standard Windows tools, but you can use non-standard techniques. Double click on the clock in the tray (lower right corner of the screen) and set the date and time to which you want to change the real data of the file.
Open the file with a suitable editor (Word is suitable for text files, Paint or Photoshop for graphic files) and save it under your own name. Now the file properties will reflect the creation date you need.
You can use third-party programs to change file attributes, such as the Total Commander file manager. Launch TC and find the file you want to change in File Explorer.
In the "Files" menu, click "Change Attributes" and in a new window, check the box next to "Change Date / Time". Then check the box next to "Use plugins". The "Plugin" field should be tc. In the "Property" field, open the drop-down list and select the "Creation date" item. In the "Value" field, enter the desired date and click OK.
For the likelihood of the adjustment, click "Add Attribute" and select "Modification Date" in the list of properties. Enter a date later than the creation date.
In the same window, you can prohibit editing the file and make it hidden. To do this, check the boxes "Read only" and "Hidden".
