Adding data to fields that do not normally display for that file type


  1. Posts : 233
    Win 10 Ver 1903
       #1

    Adding data to fields that do not normally display for that file type


    I need a way to display data in the comments field of a folder. It appears that this can be done in some manner with all Windows files and folders but I have still not been able to find a program that would facilitate this. I might be looking too hard as it could be a builtin Windows ability.
    the Exif data will almost always show up on a file or folder of that folder i set for photos for example

    I need to be able to add comments to a file so that User sees the folder name as well as the comments about it
    So if i have a folder with a cryptic name, the comments display would be more "to the point"

    here is an exam,ple
    oe program we use creates encrypted folder names for use by certain people. But out employees have to load the data into them
    i would like to be able to enable to comments column on their systems and then put enough info under comments so they would know which folder was what instead of seeing a bunch a 8 character encrypted names and have to look them up in a book to figure out which folder goes to what project.

    the program dies this because these folders are accessed by the users over the web and they dont want their names displayed in plain-text a directory listing. The Comments field was just one of many and I would probably use something less obvious
    but either way, unless someone knew to check thee fields by default they are not displayed for normal text folders

    if someone knows a better way to do this please let me know but these hidden fields look like a perfect solution.\\
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 44,608
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    I need a way to display data in the comments field of a folder.
    Hi, please see post #5 onwards:
    Adding additional data seen by Explorer to a folder name in Windows 10

    You can add comments to a folder, but not by editing the comments field directly as far as I've ever seen.

    However, you have a post there so already know of this.

    Download File Metadata 1.5
    makes this possible for files.
    Adding data to fields that do not normally display for that file type-untitled.png
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 233
    Win 10 Ver 1903
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks DalChina! This project has just about put me over the edge, It is getting hard to rememeber what i have already read as each step forward ends up with two steps back

    the programmers cha-cha . I remember your post before and have to look it up but i thought it only made reference to such software existing but had no specifics. Probably my own fault as you see from the time of posting it is usually 3 or 4 am here and I was still up trying to finish this project.

    Alternate Data streams seemed like the best possibility but everywhere I looked on that topic i ended up mixed in with people who were using them for unsavory reasons. I simply wanted to be able to make use of the "comments" options which shows as available for all windows files and folders IF there is anything there to display. I needed a way to add something there so that i could simply enable that option on the people who need to see it.

    I think from your description this tool should be Perfect for that! I forgot to mention that the Users at MY end cannot have anything but Normal Windows Explorer which made XY-Explorer out of the question. Windows offers all these very useful functions but provides no way to SEE them under normal circumstance which is al I wanted. I also get so involved the the 3 or 4th stages of the project that that I forget to check back on my posts for the original problems.

    What i am trying to compose is definitely not something i think anyone else would have any use for so it is hard tofind answers to some of the quandaries i find myself in.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 44,608
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #4

    You're welcome. Note that if you view the Details pane you can also edit file comments there.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 233
    Win 10 Ver 1903
    Thread Starter
       #5

    By view the details pane, do you mean just using Windows? My reason for asking was that the purpose for this extra info is not something i would want to be sen by the world at large. This is a specific "In-House" guide for what a particular folder is to be used for. The folders exist on a file-share system and are accessed by all who work here.
    But the names of the folders in many cases are not sufficient to explain exactly what they are for.

    However, because these same folders are stored in a database accessed by SQL i have no option to just rename the folder at will. That would create a Huge issue as the database would always be looking for the original name.

    This is just a way to create a more instructional label for the people here that use those folders. But done so in a way that would not have any effect on the folder name as stored in the database.
    Can you see any errors in my reasoning? I don't want to tinker with the actual folder name--Just be able to label them more accurately for the people that store files in them
    If i can do this with Native Windows i won't need to install anything at all but i do not see the comments field in any kind of "details view" available with Windows explorer Unless i am looking in all the wrong places.
    I CAN enable the comments field easily enough so it displays on any system but still don't see any way to edit what is in it without a utility such as you have offered.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 44,608
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #6

    Post #5
    Adding additional data seen by Explorer to a folder name in Windows 10
    explains exactly how the comments field content is stored.

    This is what happens with files (not folders): just as with any other tag: Details pane then Properties:
    Adding data to fields that do not normally display for that file type-untitled.pngAdding data to fields that do not normally display for that file type-untitled2.png
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:17.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums