stop timestamp updating

I have a database where a timestamp is recorded once an item is added, but when i edit, the timestamp auto updates. I don't want it to do this, I want the timestamp to stay as it was before i edited (so i effectively have recorded when it was first put into the database). Is there someway to do this? the only way i can think of is to call the timestamp, set it as a variable such as $timestamp and run the update sql string with the value inserted into the timestamp field $timestamp, is there a better way?

How is the time stamp auto updating itself? If it is using a trigger, then you must disable the trigger. If you do ityour way, I think it won't help.

I don't think there is a better way. The timestamp is designed to change to the current time on insert or update unless you specify a value for it, so that is what you would have to do, just like you described.

In this case I suggest not to use generic timestamp (I suppose you use it).
Just use datetime collumn and insert with getdate() (or similar function in you db) when you need to timestamp a row.

can i use the now() function to get to timestamp the datetime?