Why is WMP Network Sharing Service (WMPNetworkSvc) modifying my files?

[Guest]

So I'm doing my routine backups with Beyond Compare and notice on a few occasion that it's showing differences in files that I have not touched since my last backup. It's reporting different modified dates. I shouldn't be seeing them since I set Beyond Compare to only show files that need backing up based on different files sizes, character case and modified timestamps. I do a little investigating and eventually find out that the WMPNetworkSvc service is messing with my files so I immediately turn the service off.

 

Below is the details of the service.

 

 

Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

 

Shares Windows Media Player libraries to other networked players and media devices using Universal Plug and Play

 

WMPNetworkSvc

 

What on earth is going on? Does someone have a technical explanation of why is it messing with file modified timestamps? Is it just MS being incredibly stupid again?

 

Thanks

 

 

Edited January 17, 2015 by -X-

[MagicAndre1981]

use ProcMon to capture activity of this service and look at the callstacks of the Registry operations.  Maybe this helps to see why the service modifies the files.

[Drugwash]

Maybe the Prefetcher or something alike (even the sharing service itself) moved the files around on the HDD according to how often they've been accessed or similar basis. Or maybe just the last accessed timestamp has been touched in order to maintain an updated list of preferences.

Just sayin'...

[Guest]

Thanks but it's not the accessed timestamp. That's a trivial matter. It's the modified one that being messed with which is a huge no-no.

Edited January 17, 2015 by -X-

[Tripredacus]

I've noticed that some programs, if they "open" a file, the modified date will change even if nothing is actually saved.