Trouble editing media tags in Windows 7

**Ukiah Bass** · #1 02-20-2010, 10:25 AM

Has anyone else figured out how to edit/modify media tags in Windows 7? I just "upgraded" to this OS and learned they took out the "advanced tag editor." What's weird is when I right-click on a self-created song file to modify the artist or other tag property, the "edit" option is grayed out. I presume that's because the file is read-only.

OK, so the next logical step is to use Windows Explorer and modify access rights to contents in file's folder. I noted the folder defaults to "read-only," yet when I use the properties control to uncheck that box, it automatically reverts to read-only. Stranger still, I'm the only user on this PC and my user name has all rights assigned for manipulating anything as if I was the Administrator, which happens to be my other title.

I've spent hours on Google and MSFT's site trying to run down a solution. Apparently many are complaining about the identical problem but so far no solutions have popped up. Any suggestions from fellow musicians on how to reclaim control over WMP 12 library elements? This is crucial for me because I record two different band projects and have a slew of self-created files that need tag property management.

Many thanks!

TrooperFarva · #2 02-20-2010, 10:32 AM

I use Songbird on a Windows 7 machine. I don't have any problems editing any of the tags on my mp3s.

Have you tried a new media program?

**Ukiah Bass** · #3 02-20-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrooperFarva

Have you tried a new media program?

No, was trying to get away without loading more software on my PC. It's interesting, people using iTunes report the same problem. But at the core, you'd think it comes down to being able (or not able) to manipulate file attributes. It sucks having to deal with stuff like this every time I change an OS!

TrooperFarva · #4 02-20-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ukiah Bass

No, was trying to get away without loading more software on my PC. It's interesting, people using iTunes report the same problem. But at the core, you'd think it comes down to being able (or not able) to manipulate file attributes. It sucks having to deal with stuff like this every time I change an OS!

If it's related to the actual file attributes, have you tried creating copies of the files, and then editing the attributes? If you move some of the files to an external hard drive, and connect the hard drive to another computer, can you edit the attributes or the tags there?

Pilgrim · #5 02-20-2010, 11:47 AM

I'm using MediaMonkey to edit the tags on my Win7 laptop. It's 31 MB, which is hardly a problem. I don't know why it's a big deal to download another program. I'm not really a whiz on this aspect of media, but the program is powerful and quite easy to use.

**Ukiah Bass** · #6 02-21-2010, 11:08 AM

OK, installed Media Monkey. It did not automatically import all the tags that I had previously (somehow) managed to add with Windows Media Player 12.

It's easy to add tags with Media Monkey. I set the default to ID3v1 and added some new tags. Then I launched WMP 12 and it did not read the new tags.

So, does using the Media Monkey solution require using MM to access the tags? I prefer WMP's interface, but am willing to switch if necessary. I was under the impression that ID3 tags are universal, although I heard WMP 12 cannot read the newer ID3v2 tags.

All so very confusing!

Raven2k360 · #7 02-23-2010, 04:30 AM

I use a program called 'Tag & Rename'. Hands-down, the best track tag editor I've used to date.