Modified vs. Accessed Time

Megalith

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Can someone please explain the difference between modified and accessed time? I don't understand why some changes to a file affect the modified time but not the accessed time, while other operations change one or both.

For instance, I've been updating the information in some of the FLAC (lossless music) files I have. Updating tag information affects the modified time and keeps the accessed time the same, yet updating the cover art changes the accessed time but keeps the modified time the same.
 

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Thank you.

I wonder why accessed times can still be changed under some circumstances even when it's disabled?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
I think it depends on the specific way the file is being accessed.
I don't know what that specific way.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
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You're welcome Megalith.

Unless enabled, the accessed time usually only changes when the file is first created or saved to the computer, and sometimes when moved to a new location.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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