Metadata not available to all users

[Guest]

I use keywords to track file information in .pdf files that are created with
very generic names (they are purchase orders and the file name is the PO
number). I open the appropriate folder through My Computer or Windows
Explorer and have the files set to view details.

However, not all users on the network have keywords listed as an option
under Choose Details. I tried using title and subject (which everyone seems
to have), but that brings me to my second problem: some people can view the
keywords, title, etc., but others cannot. We are all running Windows XP Pro.

Does anyone know why this would be? Could it be an issue with updates? I
don't know if everyone has been updating regularly.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Guest]

They need to add the fields to the "Details" view

IE, View menu, 'details'

Then rightclick a part of the 'column header' or title above the list of
files, and choose "Comments" or whatever item you need.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the suggestion, but the problem is that the field that I'm using,
Keywords, is not on the list of fields to choose from for everyone.

I've tried using other fields (that everyone DOES have) but then ran into
the problem of some people being able to see the "notes" and some not being
able to.

Thank you!

 

[Guest]

Sorry for the delay in responding, I have been ill.

Your problem is probably caused by the conflict between the users that HAVE
Microsoft Word, and those who do not. Word allows a number of fields added to
the 'attributes' of a file, (that can then be seen in the 'details view' of
the file)

Perhaps your solution is some 'compromise user view' available to all of the
users viewing the files. My suggestion was the 'comments', but there are
probably a number of alternatives. The 'details' view of a file is not the
only way to view file properties.

 

[Guest]

A quick update:
After reading your initial response, I decided to try using the Comments
field, since I was able to access it through "My Computer" by right clicking
the file names (I was previously making the changes in Adobe, through the
document properties). And you know what? That seems to work for everybody.
I'm still not sure why the other fields don't, but I thought I would let you
know that you did provide me with a solution!

Thank you for your help.

 

[Guest]

I'm glad to hear the work-around was enough. I think it is some setting
conflict among those users, but searching for it might be more trouble than
it's worth, now.

There exists an add-on for Word that modifies these properties:

"access the extended properties of OLE structured storage files"

Dsofile.dll lets you edit Office document properties without Office in
Visual Basic .NET 2003 and in Visual Basic .NET 2002 :
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224351/en-us