Each file has a specific creation time, last written time and last access time. I was wondering: When does Windows change the files "last access time"? Only when I open the file? Maybe when Windows shows it's Icon(lets say I have a shortcut the the file...)?
Moreover - what about shares? if I have a file in a share and more than one computer accesses it - how does windows determines the last access time? On which of the users clock?
Thanks!
Access time is maintained by the system serving the files. It is written after you do any operation with the opened file.
Since access time is not maintained on modern Windows versions anyways, your programs should ignore it.