file attributes discrepancy most recently used etc

[Paul Hisada]

I have several questions regarding file attributes and most
recently used lists.

We are in a situation where we have to determine exact
creation/modified dates on shortcuts contained in both the
system recent folder and ms office's recent folder.
Looking at shortcuts to the same file in each of these
folders, the created/modified dates will be different. Why
is there a discrepancy? Does the windows xp pro system and
ms office (2000 in this case) use different criteria in the
creation of these attributes?

Other issue: When a drive shortcut appears in a recently
used list, does that mean that the drive was accessed, or
that someone created a drive shortcut on the desktop?

Thanks to anyone who may be able to answer these questions.

[Sharon F]

On Mon, 21 Apr 2003 15:51:07 -0700, "Paul Hisada" >
wrote:

>I have several questions regarding file attributes and most
>recently used lists.
>
>We are in a situation where we have to determine exact
>creation/modified dates on shortcuts contained in both the
>system recent folder and ms office's recent folder.
>Looking at shortcuts to the same file in each of these
>folders, the created/modified dates will be different. Why
>is there a discrepancy? Does the windows xp pro system and
>ms office (2000 in this case) use different criteria in the
>creation of these attributes?

Which shortcut is updated depends on how the corresponding target was
accessed. Example: I use shortcuts on the Quick Launch toolbar to start
the programs that I use everyday. Consequently, they do not make it to
the "Most Frequently Used Programs" list on the XP start menu. Instead
the list shows less used programs that were accessed via shortcuts in
the start menu.

>Other issue: When a drive shortcut appears in a recently
>used list, does that mean that the drive was accessed, or
>that someone created a drive shortcut on the desktop?

A drive is treated by Windows' file management as a glorified folder.
Selecting a drive (folder) in a file dialog box would add it to some of
the recently used lists.

Sharon F
MS MVP [Shell/User]

[Sharon F]

On Mon, 21 Apr 2003 15:51:07 -0700, "Paul Hisada" >
wrote:

>I have several questions regarding file attributes and most
>recently used lists.
>
>We are in a situation where we have to determine exact
>creation/modified dates on shortcuts contained in both the
>system recent folder and ms office's recent folder.
>Looking at shortcuts to the same file in each of these
>folders, the created/modified dates will be different. Why
>is there a discrepancy? Does the windows xp pro system and
>ms office (2000 in this case) use different criteria in the
>creation of these attributes?

Which shortcut is updated depends on how the corresponding target was
accessed. Example: I use shortcuts on the Quick Launch toolbar to start
the programs that I use everyday. Consequently, they do not make it to
the "Most Frequently Used Programs" list on the XP start menu. Instead
the list shows less used programs that were accessed via shortcuts in
the start menu.

>Other issue: When a drive shortcut appears in a recently
>used list, does that mean that the drive was accessed, or
>that someone created a drive shortcut on the desktop?

A drive is treated by Windows' file management as a glorified folder.
Selecting a drive (folder) in a file dialog box would add it to some of
the recently used lists.

Sharon F
MS MVP [Shell/User]