There are several ways to identify if and when a user accessed or edited a file. Here are some common methods:
File properties: You can check the file properties to see the date and time it was created, modified, and accessed. This information can be viewed by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Properties."
Event logs: Most operating systems maintain detailed event logs that record user activity, including file access and modification. To view the event logs, open the Event Viewer utility and navigate to the Security or System logs, depending on the type of event you are looking for.
Audit logging: Many operating systems and applications offer auditing features that allow you to track user activity and changes to files. To enable auditing, go to the Security Settings in the Control Panel and configure the appropriate auditing policies.
Third-party software: There are many third-party software tools available that can help you monitor file activity and changes, such as Microsoft's Process Monitor or Sysinternals Filemon.
It's important to note that some of these methods may not be available or may not be enabled by default on all systems. Additionally, if a user has intentionally tried to cover their tracks or modify the file attributes, it may be more difficult to determine when the file was accessed or edited.