Attribute Changer for Windows

Name: Attribute Changer
Rating: 3.1 (13 reviews)
Author: Romain Petges

By Romain PetgesFreeUser Rating

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Key Details of Attribute Changer

Change all kind of file and folder attributes, date, time, and even NTFS compression.
Last updated on 4/29/2019
There have been 8 updates
Virus scan status:
Clean (it's extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Editors' Review

Download.com staffJuly 10, 2015

As the name suggests, Attribute Changer allows users to quickly and easily change the attributes of files and folders. Its seamless integration into Windows makes it a good choice for users who frequently need to make these types of changes.

Once installed, the program is accessed by right-clicking on the file or folder in question. From there, the program opens, with its functions organized into tabs for folder properties, file properties, reporting, and settings. The program allows users to change the file type (hidden, compressed, read-only, and so on) and adjust date and time stamps. Although the built-in Help file does an adequate job of explaining the program's features, it's definitely not geared toward novices; the program and Help file both assume that users will have some experience with changing attributes and will know the hows and whys of doing so. For example, the Help file warns users "Be careful in changing the System and Hidden attributes. They are used by the Windows operating system to flag special folders." If you don't already know what you're doing, Attribute Changer isn't going to explain it for you. But if you are used to working with attributes, Attribute Changer is an accessible, easy way to quickly make the desired changes.

Attribute Changer is free to try, but there was no indication of whether there are trial limitations. The program installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program to intermediate and advanced users.

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Full Specifications

WHAT'S NEW IN VERSION 8.0

New : Randomise feature on individual datetime stamps
New : Export of detailed report results ( CSV format )
New : Shell context menu displays icons ( optional )
New : Detailed logging can be enabled/disabled at any time
New : Last used settings automatically saved
New : Shell extension adds additional context menu items

GENERAL

Release: July 10, 2015

Latest update: April 29, 2019

Version: 8.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System: Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Vista, Windows XP

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 82,800

Downloads Last Week: 7

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User Reviews

3.1/5

13 User Votes

I just want to change the month,not the whole timestamp
Holybride6/19/2015
Pros
It doesn't solve my problem.
Cons
I wrongly set my camera to a wrong month. This software is unable to retain the original information once you choose more than 1 files. It cannot retain the original time (hours & minutes & seconds) while you actually just want to change the month or date.
Summary
Do Not Download from CNET
elcpu12/2/2014
Pros
The program works well and as described but see big problem below.
Cons
Unfortunately while CNET claims that they have checked their downloads for malware they actually do not. This program installed malware from Spigot which greatly slowed my computer and served me a bunch of ads. I had to use Malwarebytes to remove the Spigot junk from the registry. This has happened to me before with downloads from CNET and it is the last time I download from here. CNET should be ashamed of this,
Summary
I will not use CNET again.
I now feel this is a five star program
GERRY RAINS6/6/2013
Pros
When you start installation numerous toolbars and other programs as well as a change in your homepage and default search engine are checked off. Decline everything and a new installation program is offered. That installs attribute changer. If you wish to change any attributes of a file, right-click the file and in the drop down menu is Attribute Changer. It doers anything that you want and it is quite simple to use. Of course that means that for non-advanced users this is a tool with which you can damage files. This is only for people who know the significance of their actions and, if you do, this is a 6 star program.
Cons
There is a trend for installation programs to try to change homepages and default search engines as well as toolbars and other programs. This is one of the worst as far as that goes.
Summary
Persevere though the cons and you have a fantastic program. I love it. Updated on Jun 6, 2013This the best program in attribute changing that I have ever seen.
Terrific at what it does
GERRY RAINS5/30/2013
Pros
Terrific at what it does.
Cons
Unfortunately installation of the latest version gives you no choice but to change your home page, add a toolbar, and change your default search engines. It also adds a program that downloads music from a very dubious source. So I did all that and then uninstalled everything but Attribute Changer and now it no longer works at changing attributes. Older versions were much more polite.
Summary
Not for the faint of heart. Updated on Jun 6, 2013(1) You have to be very careful when installing this program. If you aren't your homepage and default search engine will change and all sorts of programs and toolbars will be installed. I know that this is an ongoing trend in program installation but this program has more stuff than I have ever seen before. However, after declining everything I finally got the actual installer. Installation was trivial. This, simply put, is a GREAT program. I use it quite frequently. You don't have to start it. If you want to change the attributes of a file you simply right-click that file and along with everything else you see "Change Attributes". Click that and you're home free you can do just about anything that you want to do. NOTE: This program should only be used by advanced users. It does what it says it will and if you don't know what you're doing you can definitely harm your system. For advanced, cautious users this is a six star program, a tool that for us (IMHO) is without peer.
It was easy and did the trick
nilbus11/23/2012
Pros
I was able to use the windows find utility to find the files I wanted to change (in my case all desktop.ini files). I selected them all, right clicked, and I could change the properties for all the files in the context menu. Worked like a charm!
Cons
Nothing really
Summary
worst software program ever, I'm not impressed
wolfer4269/5/2012
Pros
There are none.
Cons
After searching for a program that I could use to remove a read-only attribute from files on my desktop in Windows 7, I came across this one. It sounded promising but after installing it and attempting to run it, I discovered what a piece of crap this program is. Not only does it not work but it's about as effective as someone who has amnesia who's trying to remember where he lives. This is nothing more than a useless program that is as ineffective as a politician.
Summary
Don't waste your time with this one or you'll end up throwing your computer through an open window. I would've given it fewer stars but there's nothign lower than 1/2.
Works as advertised
gpmorris7/10/2012
Pros
It works as adertised
Cons
none......
Summary
Absolutely great!
ChrizK4/17/2012
Pros
It works! Absolutely brilliant that I can use the 'Relative' function to add 5 hours to a batch of files (forgot to change camera time from UK to US). NB If I click OK, it makes the changes. Perhaps this is new to version 7.0a.
Cons
Not always obvious what will change, best to use 'Simulation' first. Although others say it is relatively quick, I found it fairly slow. Perhaps it is my machine. It is very annoying that it does not say it has completed. The program shows as unresponsive at times will it is working. If it was quicker(?) and said it had completed, it would be 5* for me.
Summary
Personally I think it is unfair people reviewing this with a low mark due to a possible virus. I downloaded from another site (soft*****) and have had no alerts. I run Symantec Security 2011 on Win7, downloaded version 7.0a. Not sure is people are getting false positives, if cnet have been hacked or they didn't get the file direct from source. I will be sending the developer a few &#163;&#163;&#163;&#163;s using the PPal link.
Very useful, I use it regularly
brent36006/6/2011
Pros
Easy to use Fast Intuitive Does what it claims to do Accessed from the right-click menu
Cons
In an older version, I ran into a glitch when trying to change the dates on a bunch of files. Don't know if that's corrected in the new version.
Summary
I use this regularly to remove annoying "read-only" attributes from thousands of files and folders at a time. I would have to find some other tool or maybe write my own to do this task if Attribute Changer didn't exist.
does what it says - and it's freeware not 'free to try'
i_edyshor4/13/2011
Pros
works as advertised
Cons
none so far
Summary
works as advertised - and it's freeware not 'free to try'

Developer's Description

By Romain Petges

Change all kind of file and folder attributes, date, time, and even NTFS compression.

Attribute Changer enables the user to change attributes on files and folders within en masse. You can change standard attributes (RSHA), index attribute on Win2k, date, time and the compression state on NTFS volumes. Exceptions and filters can be specified to fine tune the process.

Attribute Changer for Windows

Key Details of Attribute Changer

Editors' Review

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User Reviews

I just want to change the month,not the whole timestamp

Do Not Download from CNET

I now feel this is a five star program

Terrific at what it does

It was easy and did the trick

worst software program ever, I'm not impressed

Works as advertised

Absolutely great!

Very useful, I use it regularly

does what it says - and it's freeware not 'free to try'

Developer's Description