How to programmatically modify any files properties.

Here's how to access the properties:


Go Here:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=224351


Download the file DsoFile.exe

Save the dll to your windows/system or windows/system32 directory.  Wherever you want really.  Then register the dll.


To register the dll go to a dos prompt (or the Start Button|Run prompt) and type the following

regsvr32 <directory path of dll>\dsofile.dll

in about 5 seconds you will get a message saying "dll registered successfully"


Now... in your .NET application go into Project>References>COM tab and click the BROWSE button.  Navigate to your windows32 directory (or wherever you put your dll) and select it.  Press OK.


Now back in your code you can do one of two things...


you can either add it as a reference at the top of the page (with the "using" syntax), or you can type out the namespace the long way.


<with "using">

using System;
using DSOleFile;


PropertyReaderClass myDso = new PropertyReaderClass();
DocumentProperties myDp = dso.GetDocumentProperties(@"c:\temp\test.txt");

string author = dp.Author;
string lastEditedBy = dp.LastEditedBy;







<without "using">



using System;

DSOleFile.PropertyReaderClass dso = new PropertyReaderClass();
DSOleFile.DocumentProperties dp = dso.GetDocumentProperties(@"c:\temp\test.txt");

string author = dp.Author;
string lastEditedBy = dp.LastEditedBy;

_TAD_ thanks for your great answer, I tried the following (in C#)
      ...
      DSOleFile.PropertyReaderClass PR = new PropertyReaderClass();
       DocumentProperties dcs = PR.GetDocumentProperties(@"C:\imageEG.TIF");
      string test = dcs.Author;
      test = dcs.Subject;
      test = dcs.Title;
      // Set the values
      dcs.Comments = "Some comment on the file";
      dcs.Author = "Test1";
      dcs.Title = "Test2";
      dcs.Subject = "Test3";
      return;

and as you notice my file is a TIF file. Unfortunately when you modify the properties for a TIF file as shown they do not show up in the Summary tab when you view them manually. Although if you go and read them programmatically you will see that the properties indeed were set. On further research apparently this is because graph files are not Ole compliant (whatever that means..).
If you do the above for a .TXT file it works fine, but if you do it for a .TIF or a JPEG file it doesn't work so well. You won't see it when you right click and view the properties, but you can retrieve (programmatically) the values that you set (again only programmatically). If you set the property values in a TIF file manually (using the summary tab etc. ) you can NOT access them programmatically, but this only applies to TIF files and JPEG files (and graphics files since they are not Ole compliant). I am still searching for a way to get at the true Author, Subject, Title properties of the graphics file. Any help is much appreciated.

OLE implies drag-and-drop cababilities.  I don't know what that has to do with TIF files, but I guess I'm going to find out.


Let me see what I can do... I have yet to run into this issue, but it could be a problem for me in the future.

Thanks!  I'll keep you posted.

I like your answer TAD and doubt there is any other info out there as to how to properly set the TIFF file and JPEG file properties. Cheers for your help - Keith.

That's a real bummer with the TIF and JPG files...


Thanks for the points!   I'm just sorry that the solution did not work 100% as promised.


(Since I am training for a management position, this is a good time to practice passing the blame.)

I think it is Microsoft's fault for creating a process that does not work across all file types.  I wonder if they can correct this if it is brought to their attention?