Creating filenames with a script

[john9210]

I use the following script steps to create a backup my FM file that includes the date:

Set Variable [ $DateAsString; Value:Right("00"&Month(Get ( CurrentDate ));2)&"-"& Right("00"&Day(Get ( CurrentDate ));2)&" "& Right("00"&Hour(Get ( CurrentTime ));2)&"-"& Right("00"&Minute(Get ( CurrentTime ));2)&" "& Year(Get ( CurrentDate ))&" " ]

Set Variable [ $filename; Value:"BACKUP "&$DateAsString&Get ( FileName )&".fp7" ]

Show Custom Dialog [ Title: "Create backup"; Message: "Do you want to make a backup of this file? It will be located in the parent directory."; Buttons: “OK”, “Cancel” ]

If [ Get ( LastMessageChoice )=1 ]

Save a Copy as [ “$filename” ] [ compacted copy (smaller) ]

End If

However, since filenames do not accept the / and : characters, I’ve had to use the format 8-11 for month-day and day and 15-22 for hours and minutes. I would like to use the familiar 8/11 and 15:22. Is there a way I can do this?

[Fitch]

You already answered your own question: the OS doesn't allow it.

[Vaughan]

I'll jump in and suggest that dates for files should always be in the format YYYYMMDD because they can easily be sorted in chronological order.

[Oldfogey]

I'll jump in a bit deeper and suggest avoiding any special characters in file names - unless you have an excellent memory and remember which ones are OK.