Comments column in Windows Explorer

Question

Using XP I am able to set up a 'Comments' column in the right paneof Windows Explorer. Then, when I bring up the properties page of a file there is a 'Summary' tab that allows the input of a comment which then appears in the Explorer right pane. This is useful for identifying what is in the file.   Under Vista I can set up the 'Comments' column but I can't figure out how to enter a comment. There is no Summary tab on the properties page.   Can someone tell me how to make the Comments field accessible?   --Larry P.

NancyM1037 · Answer

In Windows Explorer, click on the file name, then look at the bottom (light blue area).

lpollane · Answer

Nancy,   You are reffering to the Details pane. On files that I added commrnts to under XP, and then copied to my Vista computer, this works as the Details pane allows editing of the data. However, on files where I had no comments, or new files, the Details pane allows no editing or data entry.   Most confusing. The Help files in Vista are useless as is the Microsoft web site.   I'm sure there's a way to add comments to files that do not have them, but Microsoft is keeping that a secret.

NancyM1037 · Answer

At the bottom of the Explorer window, there is a light blue area. Click on a file then look at the very bottom, in the light blue area. You should see 'Comments: Add comments'. Click on 'Add comments', add your comments, and click on Save.

NancyM1037 · Answer

Another way: In in the properties sheet for the file, on the Details tab, put your cursor in the white area to the right of the word Comments, and you can enter your comments.

NancyM1037 · Answer

I see what you are saying if I try to create a new text document file. but if I create a new Excel or Word file, I can add comments. I am using Office 2003.

lpollane · Answer

Here again, a 'comments' entry only appears for those files to which I previously added a comment to under XP. For new files or for transferred files without a comment, nothing shows up on the property sheet.   Try this: Create a test file. Then, in Explorer right click on the the heading of any column in Explorer and create  a 'comments' column. Then try to enter a comment for your test file. There does not seem to be a way to do this,

lpollane · Answer

The only files that contain a 'comments' entry in the blue area are those files I added Commens to under XP. For all other files , 'comments' does not appear.

Windows General

Comments column in Windows Explorer

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