Why can't I edit mp3 tags in Explorer Properties?

Hey all,

Usually, I am able to edit the tags shown on the Details tab in the Properties dialog of an mp3 file like shown here:


Now, I'm not able to do this anymore for any mp3 file. When hovering over the tags the cursor doesn't change into a typing cursor. The read-only checkbox for every mp3 file is disabled. However, the folders that contain the concerning mp3 files are checked as read-only but it doesn't save the change when I uncheck that.

How can I fix this without downloading any third-party software? This used to work shortly after I installed Windows 8.1 x64.
I use WMP for playing the files.

If you didn't install any software that would set itself as default for .mp3 then I would suspect a Windows Update. If that is so I have no idea which one. I stuck with Windows 8.0.

Edit: Just out of curiosity I opened the details page of an .mp3 and I could edit it just as you specified.

I just tried it on my 8.1 system and I am unable to do it. I was not aware of this until now.

Of course I must be perfectly honest and say that I have never tried this in Windows 7 or Windows 8. I have about 70,000 songs on my computer, but only 8 of them are MP3s.

@Johnny
I just found this at MajorGeeks: AudioShell 2 is a freeware MS Windows Explorer shell extension plugin which allows you to view and edit music files id3 tag directly in Windows Explorer. AudioShell supports MP3 (all ID3v2 tag versions), WMA, ASF, WMV, Apple iTunes AAC (M4A and M4P), MP4, OGG, FLAC (vorbis comment tags), MPC, MP+, monkey's audio, WAV pack, optim frog (APE and APEv2 tags) and DSF. AudioShell features include full Unicode, Windows Vista/7/8 and 32/64 bit support.

I just clicked on Title & other properties too & moved the cursor to the right until a textarea appeared.

David Bailey said:

I just clicked on Title & other properties too & moved the cursor to the right until a textarea appeared.

View attachment 59407

Click to expand...

That didn't seem to work with Windows 8.1 for me.

Do all your editing from within WMP.

I have 8.1 Pro WMC.
Maybe that's why it works for me.

David Bailey said:

I have 8.1 Pro WMC.
Maybe that's why it works for me.

Click to expand...

I have Windows Pro 8.1 WMC as well and it didn't work for me either.

@Rocky: Perhaps you can test this on your mp3's?

@Cliff S and @Edwin: I thank you for the workarounds but the thing that's bothering me is why it doesn't work through the Explorer Properties. I should be able to edit these tags on there.

I recall that it works for a while each time I reinstall Windows 8.1 but then stops without knowing what the exact reason is. Why is this happening?

Click on the dialog when it appears on mouse hover, it should place the cursor.

I made a video.
View it full screen.

[video=youtube;KK1vRxGXlVU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=KK1vRxGXlVU[/video]

Edwin said:

Click on the dialog when it appears on mouse hover, it should place the cursor.

View attachment 59410

Click to expand...

That's my problem, it just wouldn't place the cursor. It stays like a pointer no matter how many times I click on a tag.
Question: What is the exact path of your music files? (is it in the Music Library or through C:/Users/username/Music)
Also, do you have any codecs installed?

If it works right after install and goes away later my money is on an update killing it.

David Bailey said:

I made a video.
View it full screen.

[video=youtube;KK1vRxGXlVU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=KK1vRxGXlVU[/video]

Click to expand...

Still not working, it wouldn't change in a typing cursor.

I'm starting to think it has something to do with the checked Read-only option in Properties of the folder that contains the mp3's. It just wouldn't save the change if I uncheck that. Even if I create a new folder it automatically enables that option.

Could someone who's able to edit the tags please take a screenshot of the General tab of the Properties dialog of the folder that contains the mp3's?

JohnnyGui said:

David Bailey said:

I have 8.1 Pro WMC.
Maybe that's why it works for me.

Click to expand...

I have Windows Pro 8.1 WMC as well and it didn't work for me either.

@Rocky: Perhaps you can test this on your mp3's?

@Cliff S and @Edwin: I thank you for the workarounds but the thing that's bothering me is why it doesn't work through the Explorer Properties. I should be able to edit these tags on there.

I recall that it works for a while each time I reinstall Windows 8.1 but then stops without knowing what the exact reason is. Why is this happening?

Click to expand...

This option seemed to work fine for me when I tried it.

David Bailey said:

I made a video.
View it full screen.

[video=youtube;KK1vRxGXlVU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=KK1vRxGXlVU[/video]

Click to expand...

This is not working in Windows 8.1 regular, although it might work for you in Windows 8.1 Pro.

Try looking in the Security Tab. Mine are set to let all listed users have full control. My read-only is not checked.

If that's not it the only other clue might be yours is not English Language Windows. Sometimes, especially in Explorer code, old code is hard wired to use ASCII.

MilesAhead said:

Try looking in the Security Tab. Mine are set to let all listed users have full control. My read-only is not checked.

If that's not it the only other clue might be yours is not English Language Windows. Sometimes, especially in Explorer code, old code is hard wired to use ASCII.

Click to expand...

All the users have full control as well here and I'm the Administrator. If it's because of my language, why is it that it worked in the first place?
Could you perhaps see in your case if the Read-only box is checked for the folder that contains the mp3's? The checkbox says that the Read-only only applies to files in the folder.

Maybe take ownership of the folder & or the mp3 files.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2814-take-ownership-add-context-menu-windows-8-a.html