Classic Shell: Forum

Hello, everyone: Would it be possible to add a feature to the Classic Explorer that would allow the user to add custom columns to Explorer AND to add tags to ALL files? I want to use Windows Explorer as a library cataloging tool for my entire digital library and also for my physical library of books, movies, CDs, etc. There are third party programs that allow for this, but nothing measures up in terms of customizable/searchable columns and tagging for ALL files. I would appreciate any feedback!

It is a feature IVO has considered, but has no plans on implementing, because doing so would require considerable effort. (basically building windows explorer from scratch)

Hi Jcee - Is there an existing program that has all of the features I mentioned?

http://www.howtogeek.com/205770/the-bes ... and-linux/

One of those; might suite your needs;

Hi Jcee - Thank you for your reply. I have actually tested most of the programs mentioned in that link, and none of them allows the user to add enough custom/searchable columns to make it possible to catalog books, music, and videos appropriately. The only program I have found that can actually handle the task is Calibre, the ebook manager.

Howabout https://hydrusnetwork.github.io/hydrus/
Ive used it, though it only works on certain files, it does its job quite well

In all versions of Windows starting with Vista, Microsoft removed the ability to add custom columns to Explorer unless the file itself can store it and has a property handler installed for that file type. There is a project on CodePlex: https://filemeta.codeplex.com/ which lets you register a property handler for any file type and maps those properties to NTFS alternate data streams (like Windows XP and Windows 2000 stored tags). Then it can be indexed by Windows Search and show up in Explorer and be searchable via the Start Menu.

Here is how to tag any file and have Windows Search index those properties.

1. Download and install FileMeta from here: https://filemeta.codeplex.com/releases/view/121762
2. Run the FileMeta File Association Manager.
3. Locate the file extension for which you would like to add tags/keywords.
4. Select it and click "Add File Meta Handler" button, and close this tool.
5. Go to Control Panel -> Indexing Options -> Advanced -> File Types tab. Make sure that this extension's properties (and file contents if you want) are indexed. You may have to rebuild the index.
6. Now just open the Properties of whatever file type/extensions that you wish to add the tags to. Go to the Details tab and add them.
7. Windows Search will index them, then they will show up in Classic Start Menu.

Folders don't need this. Adding any folder to Indexing Options makes it searchable from the Start Menu.

Read the Start Menu search box usage guide to understand it in detail.

_________________
Links to some general topics:

● Compare Start Menus

● Read the Search box usage guide.

I am a Windows enthusiast and helped a little with Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

The Codeplex Filemeta project is interesting but it doesn't allow the user to add custom columns to the explorer view. It seems rather to force Explorer to make all the native Windows columns available to all files.

Correct because starting with Vista, Microsoft allows custom columns/properties only on a per-file type basis. They can no longer be added for all (*) file types. The last OS to support custom columns for all file types was Windows XP.

_________________
Links to some general topics:

● Compare Start Menus

● Read the Search box usage guide.

I am a Windows enthusiast and helped a little with Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

Yes, that is my understanding. What was the logic behind removing such a useful feature from Windows after XP?