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I've recently discovered an annoying problem with Windows 7: Windows Explorer and Windows Media Player cannot edit ID3 tags if the version used is 2.4 (and presumably above, and sometimes even v2.3 - bah!). It just doesn't work!

Does anyone know of some way to allow me to edit the details of newer MP3s within Windows Explorer?

(I realise that I could use another bit of software like MP3Tag, but it's annoying to have to change my habits just because Microsoft haven't updated their software. Why haven't they??)

Thanks for any help!

Django Reinhardt
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5 Answers5

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This doesn't answer the original question, but here are two suggestions on using free software to rewrite the tags in ID3v2.3 format, which is common to both Windows Vista and 7:

  1. The free Kid3 - ID3 Tagger (source)
  2. The free Mp3tag as follows, quoted from this thread :
  1. Install mp3tag, and open it
  2. Brought up my Music library
  3. Chose Arrange by: Song* so that all my songs would be shown in one list (even those contained in folders) in detailed visualization
  4. Typed "*.mp3" in the search box right over the arrange by option so that only mp3 files would show up in the list (excluding album covers etc.)
  5. Scrolled all the way down till songs with no tags started appearing
  6. Selected all these files and carried them over to the mp3tag window
  7. Selected all the files in mp3tag and right-clicked them
  8. Clicked Cut Tags, chose Yes and waited
  9. Repeated step 6 and clicked Paste Tags.

It's unlikely that Windows 7 will ever support IDTags 2.4 or above as it uses UTF-8 which Windows Explorer doesn't support. There are Explorer extensions such as Infotip Shell Extension that show ID3 v2.4 info on mouse hover, or extensions such as MP3Ext or AudioShell that add a new property-page.

A last solution would be to use another viewer than Explorer. Many such are available,.

harrymc
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Ender, the reason you couldn't edit your MP3s was because you had them in a protected folder. Windows Vista and 7 protect files in certain folders to help secure your system. You can disable this protection by turning off UAC, but I wouldn't recommend it.

All you need to do is move the files into your c:\users\{YOURUSERNAME}\ folder (or sub folders). You have complete control over that folder, with no permission issues.

I hope that helps you understand what happened!

Django Reinhardt
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Had found a way sometime back.

All you need to do is give yourself full control to that folder.

Windows shows that 'everyone' has full control but isn't it a surprise that we are still not allowed to change the details :)

Enough of me ranting.. All you need to do is do a right click on the folder.. Properties.. select the security tab.. click on edit, for the permissions.. search for your username.. click check names.. your name should appear with as hyperlink now.. click on it and then give check the full control box for your username.

And you are done..

Deskjet123
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At the bottom of the Details tab after right clicking Properties, you'll see a hyperlink with "Remove Properties and Personal Information". Do click this.
Then change the radio button off of the default "Create a copy" and onto the "Remove the following properties from this file" option.

Do not worry about ticking any boxes. Just click OK. You can now edit the fields just like in older Windows versions.

Kunal
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Xyz_39808 R
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Had the same issue on Windows 7 Professional N, and resolved by installing Media Feature Pack from Microsoft. I suppose this pack should be there by default on non N systems. ID3 tags suddenly started to show up on Explorer and it is editable through file Properties -> Details tab.

Carl di Ortus
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