Microsoft XP question - File Properties

[Stephanie]

What if I don't want my NAME on every file I create or save? Is there any way to change the file properties prior to emailing a document out?

Please don't tell me to switch to Linux.

Does anyone know how to do this? I downloaded a little program but it only changes creation date/time - it won't let me change the path.

Any clues on this? This is a sneaky MS feature that was not in '98 or 2000 that I recall.

[Stephanie]

1. SORRY - please move to LOUNGE

Sorry....

[kiahzero]

2. What are you talking about?

I downloaded a little program but it only changes creation date/time - it won't let me change the path.

Are you trying to change the file location, or are you trying to change a property of a Word document, or what?

[Stephanie]

3. Sorry - going to move this to the Lounge

Thought I was in there.

[Stephanie]

33. Thanks Mods!

:hi:

[Deja Q]

4. Switch to Mac!

It's basically Linux that costs more!! :evilgrin:

Just kidding...

Change the path? Why not move the file to a different folder, I'm lost on where you're coming from.

Why not create the file without putting your name in it?

Why not just create a Rich Text Format or plain text document to e-mail out? Or is your name being in your e-mail credentials worrying you too?

Why not copy and paste the file's contents into the message? What are you sending that requires a file attachment than being text in the message?

[Stephanie]

6. I am uploading a file as an email attachment

I noticed my name was on the file name. It's uploading as

C://My Name/My Documents/filename.pdf

I tried saving the file in different locations before uploading but I cannot find a location on my new XP machine that does not include my NAME in the file name.

It's a little Ashcroftian.

[kiahzero]

9. Move the document, then.

Move it to a different location, like C:\. The reason it's doing that is because that's where the file is.

[TreasonousBastard]

10. I don't know much about XP, but...

it looks like you're logged on as a user, and it insists on using your username.

Unless someone has a better idea, try creating another username, such as "anonymous" and log on with that, then see how the files save.

[Stephanie]

12. that's it - XP includes a user-name

I guess I could try creaing another username. I think it's like spyware, don't you?

[TreasonousBastard]

16. Could be, but...

it looks more like an "undocumented feature" that someone in Redmond thought was a good idea.

I wonder how many people don't notice this little "feature" and upload files through their Hotmail sock accounts not realizing their real names are right out there?

(One more reason for me not to "upgrade" to XP...)

[Stephanie]

32. What is sock account?

Wazzat?

[TreasonousBastard]

44. Sock puppet-- just another account...

like with Hotmail or Yahoo that you use when you don't want your real name or primary email addy to be obvious. Aside from privacy and spam issues, it comes in handy for trolling newsgroups and DU.

Anyway, I see a few other people mentioned what I completely forgot-- most likely the people on the other end won't see that path on your computer anyway-- it's only for your reference, and in your draft copy of the email. On the other end that shouldn't be anywhere in the email, but the path will be where their email software puts it on their computer.

If, however, you are still paranoid, and you probably should be, just set up another username for things like this.

Of course, if you're really, really, looking for total anonymity, it gets trickier.

[nostamj]

13. XP allows you to create multiple personalities

I have a "Real Name" account based on registering the software, but you can add 'users' and a new folder will be created in the C:// directory.

[Stephanie]

21. Okay - that's what I'll do

thanks J

[HamstersFromHell]

18. What you are seeing is irrelevant.

It's uploading as C://My Name/My Documents/filename.pdf

It's not uploading as a link back to the original document. What it's doing is telling you the full path and filename of where it found the document you attached.

When the person you send it to gets it, it'll merely be attached as "filename.pdf", as the rest is irrelevant to their system.

Nothing to worry about here at all.

XP, moreso than any other version of Windows, does want you to keep all of your documents you create in a path best described as:

c:\<your login name>\My Documents\<filename.etc>

This is also a "link" in itself. If you have administrator rights, the real, "full" pathname would be:

c:\Documents and Settings\<your name>\My Documents\<filename.etc>

Hope this helps!

[Stephanie]

22. Okay - yes

I see it with the full path as I am uploading, so I thought that's what the recipient would see.

But if they look at the file properties, they won't see the original path? I kind of think they will.

I am admin so I see the full path as you've posted.

[HamstersFromHell]

29. It's fine.

Your mail software is merely telling YOU which file it's attaching, so it adds the full path so you'll know where it's getting the file to attach *from*. (Think about it if you were on a shared computer with multiple accounts...you wouldn't want to attach *someone else's* "expense_report.pdf", so it's showing you it's coming from *your* directory.)

All the recipient will see is "filename.pdf" as the attachment. Unless they were also using the same username as you on their computer, it wouldn't make any sense to them whatsoever. Trust me. In my business, we receive over 300 megs. a day in attachments from our customers, whom use almost ever e-mail software imaginable, and it doesn't show a "remote path" in the e-mail itself. Relax. :)

Hammies!

(on edit: just 'cause I can use a computer don't mean I remember to use the spell checker.)

[PaDUer]

20. Another question re computer...

I'm not computer literate..I need to know how to do something step/step..The box where the url's are, the dropdown box...how do you set it so that when and if you want to go back to the place you were previously, all you had to do was click on the dropdown box and that site was listed...Apparently, someone here changed it and it's not working now..The url's that are in that box are from LONG ago...Would someone please tell me step/step how to set it so that the places I've been are in that dropdown box? I'd appreciate it..Someone have something to hide here?!

[HamstersFromHell]

23. That's your "History" file.

It'll show all sites visited within the limit set by the days to keep you've set.

To change, Open: My Computer > Contol Panel > Internet Options and the "General" tab should be on top. At the bottom of that tab is "Days to keep pages in history". Most likely set to 20 or 30 days. Set it to the number of days of link history you wish to keep handy, or click "Remove History" to clear the entire list.

[kiahzero]

26. I envy your ability to answer questions like this

I work Windows Admin for the campus Electrical Engineering / Computer Science department... questions like this make me cringe. I either give really detailed answers that confuse the person I'm trying to help, or get frustrated because they're not clearly explaining the problem and therefore can't easily be helped.

[Stephanie]

28. I explain stuff to my coworkers all day long

But now I am stumped.

XP - !!!

[HamstersFromHell]

36. I got started late in life, but early on with computers...

I was the only soul in town brave enough to wield a soldering iron to do "memory upgrades" on old 8-bit Atari computers back in the early 80's when they had to be soldered "piggy back" on the existing memory and wired "point to point" with wire wrap wire.

I've been playing with puters since '79, and doing it for a living since '89. My current job is running a large format color printing department (I play in Photoshop all day), but I'm also responsible for the entire network here...4 servers (both Linux and Windows), 16 workstations (from Win 95 thru XP) and 4 dumb terminals (hooked to one Linux box).

I get frustrated sometimes as well. One of my clients is a local "design" school, and they underestimate greatly how "efficient" their students are at befouling the system. They once commented how "...they never had any problems with students messing with the computers..." - then I showed them how one student had loaded "Monster Truck Madness" on a workstation in the AutoCAD classroom...a classroom that was *locked* whenever a class wasn't in session!

[Stephanie]

24. That is the "History"

You might have set it so the History clears every so often. You can look in Tools/Options to see what your settings are.

If you just want to look at a page you were at a few minutes ago, use the <=Back button.

If you have sites that you know you want to revisit, you should add them to your Favorites (IE) or Bookmarks (Netscape).

[Renew Deal]

5. There are a few things you can do.

One is to create a new document, then copy the info from the old one and paste it to the new. You can name it anything you want. At that point you can also go to file, properties and rework what's there.

[Stephanie]

7. It won't let you change file/properties

Any place on my machine that I save it prior to uploading, it attaches my name. This is new on XP, I swear.

[kiahzero]

8. Are you using Word XP?

Go to File, then Properties in Word, and remove it there. If this is the case, it has nothing to do with your operating system - it's in Word.

[Stephanie]

11. It's a PDF

and it won't let me change it.

And if I save to CD, or Desktop, same thing.

They have it rigged so your name will always be attached.

[nostamj]

14. another approach would be to save it to a disk

that would eliminate the C:// pathline too.

it would be just D://filename.pdf

[Stephanie]

25. That's what I thought, but it didn't work

I saved it to CD and still got my name in the path.

Won't that path appear in the properties for the recipient? I think it will.

[nostamj]

41. only, ONLY if the document stores properties...

attachments don't include the original pathline of the source file.

but, a source file *can* contain a pathline.

but, saving to a disk should truncate that to "D://filename"

haven't tested but...

[Stephanie]

43. doesn't - saving to CD still shows the path

when you look in properties

It's the wicked XP!

[Renew Deal]

15. Can you copy out of the PDF

and paste into word? Also in word go to Tools, Option and then User information. Fudge the info there. You will need a full version of Acrobat to modify a PDF, but probably not to copy information.

[Stephanie]

27. Nah - I don't want to alter the PDF

It's not that big a deal - no state secrets. I just don't like the idea that I can't send out a file without my personal info on it. If my friend wants to distribute the file to others, it shouldn't have my name on it.

[kiahzero]

19. Desktop is in your personal folder as well

Actually save it to C:\, or C:\temp, or whatever. Or open Windows Explorer or My Computer and move it there.

And, just so you know, unless you're using some bizarre software, when you upload something, it doesn't retain the path of the file on the local computer - the remote location doesn't know / care where the file came from.

[Stephanie]

30. Okay - I'll try that

I was saving it to Desktop. And also to CD. Same problem.

But I really think that if the receiver looks at Properties it is going to show the original filename - No? Can't test this - not on the XP machines right now.

[ProudGerman]

34. this is correct

you are the only one who's gonna see where you saved that particular file. The recipient will only see the file name, not its pathway. Bill Gates is not out to get you, and XP isn't broadcasting your name for everyone to see.

Wow, someone who uses their real name as their log in name. I usually use something incredibly arrogant, not usually including my real name.

[Stephanie]

35. yeah, I got a new computer

It's the first time in years that I've gotten a brand new machine out of the box and nothing on it is bootleg. I guess I got a little carried away with my good citizenship. Normally I wouldn't do that. Can I change the name?

[ProudGerman]

38. on XP, yes you can

In the control panel, click user accounts, then click change an account, then pick an account. Changing the name will be an option.

[Stephanie]

39. good - thanks

spies everywhere!

[JohnyCanuck]

17. Do you have a "Shared Documents Folder"

Sorry I don't have XP myself and am trying to remember how my Mom's computer was set up. I remember that there was a Shared Documents Folder which was to facilitate sharing documents between different users on the same computer my recollection was that this folder would be outside the path which includes your name. I think it should be in a folder under C:\Documents and settings\all users

If you can copy the file into that Shared Documents Folder it might resolve the problem for you as your name should no longer be in the path.

[Stephanie]

31. I think it does have

I'll try that, thanks.

[ConsAreLiars]

37. Test by emailing to yourself

I'm using W98 but as I understand it (as others have said) the requester you see is giving you the file path to assure that it is the file you intend to send. The recipient will just get the filename, and the associated path will depend on where that file is located on that person's computer.

But, the question remains as to whether any ID info is getting sent WITHIN the file itself. Word documents include "author" info, so if you were to use that format (and if you modified the file) you might be sending more data than you want. Some content creation software allows (usually as an option) copyright or author info, but I don't know about .pdf files. If you have not modified the file then it is unlikely that your personal info would have been added.

Still, all that being said, you might do a "find within file" search for your system name, and for reassurance email it to yourself and see if anything worrisome shows up when you get it back (the path you see would then be wherever your email prg puts attachments.

And finally, finally, use Thunderbird for email instead of Outlook, since you never know what sort of crap games M$ is running with their software.

[Stephanie]

40. I'm creating the file

And the info shows up in File/Properties.

I will try emailing it to myself, thanks.

And I wasn't in Outlook - I was uploading right to the Pop server.

[ConsAreLiars]

42. When you get it back

the new "properties" should show the new (received file) address. Assuming this is so, the recipients will only see the file location as it exists on their computers, not the location from which it was sent. If you have created or modified the file, you still have to wonder if any authorship info is included inside the file.