Add comments, tags, metadata to files in explorer, folder comments

Hi, just come across this File Metadata (free) which I think will interest you- seems very competent in tagging files.
At the bottom I've added a note about StyleFolder (free), which adds comments to folders.

If you want to add comments, tags, metadata to files, this is for you.
In some places it refers to XP and Vista, but is maintained and current for '10.

File Metadata - Download File Meta 1.3

1. Explorer with normal view of details pane for txt



2. Configuration screen for program


3. Result with several added editable fields and added comment


"It is pretty clear that Microsoft originally intended to ship a broader capability. What this package does is wire together pieces that were built into Windows in readiness, but never joined up: it connects Explorer's ability to see and edit metadata with NTFS's support for storing property data in an annex to any file, and so allowing metadata to be added to files of any type. And because Windows Search uses the same property system hooks as Explorer, you can also search using this metadata, both in Explorer and from the Start Menu (or Search charm). That all this takes just a 19K DLL (64-bit, release build) and some registry settings tells you how close Microsoft got.

One reason why Microsoft never shipped the complete solution is that all works well when the file is moved around between NTFS drives, but the metadata is lost when a file is, say, emailed, or moved to a FAT file system. Also, if your files are still being edited, then you need to check that associated metadata is preserved on save. Some file editors, rather than update the file in place, save updates using a write-new-file, delete-original-file, rename-new-to-original strategy that loses any metadata held in the annex to the original file. You do need to be aware of these limitations, but think of being able to add metadata to txt files, pdfs, anything, editable directly in Explorer!"

Uninstalling
I found it necessary to remove any associations using its File Association Editor (a File association editor start menu entry is created) before uninstalling, else remnants are left, apparent in explorer for file types you associate).

Folder Comments
These can be added using StyleFolder, which still seems to work.
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/custom...th-stylefolder

Hi, you might be able to work that out by examining how these are stored- or ask here:
File Metadata - Discussions

There are plenty of programs that let you do that.

Thank you for your question.

You asked:

without the tool mentioned in this thread; I can't add meta data to an existing file ?

My answer was (I will expand for you) You don't have to use the tool mentioned in the thread- there are plenty of others- you don't have to use that program.

Windows Media player used to allow some tag editing- for the range of file types it handles, which is more limited than dedicated tag editors.

Editing ID3 tags in Windows Media Player 12

This does not appear to be the case now. Nor does Groove support it.

Thus it follows that tag editing appears to have been deprecated in Win 10.

You need another program. I don't know a way with Windows only. Try mp3tag.


A thought for you.
An operating system per se provides a higher level of abstraction, separating the user from hardware.

Programs are then written using those interfaces to achieve specific aims. These are applications- applying the hardware and OS to achieve a particular goal.

MS provides the OS and certain applications. It does not provide applications which meet every person's needs, otherwise 3rd party programmers would be out of a job.