I went to the command line and listed the 2 directories. The file stamps of like-named files in the 2 directories were the same. In explorer.exe, The file stamps of like-named files in the 2 directories were different.

I think you have pointed to heart of the matter. I can't believe that there was not a lot of app cries for help on this one. Comparing stamps is a fairly common thing to do in an app.

I'm so relieved to find this. Loops, is there a language avenue that does not use the cmd.exe stamp, but only the explorer.exe stamp?

This could be the beginning of a long journey. I'm going to try to enjoy the trip, but I hope that the destination is a better place. ct