Windows 10: I can't change the tags of mp3 files.

Up to a point everything was fine, and then I suddenly couldn't change anything. I did a clean boot, but it didn't change anything, and then I installed Mp3tag, which let me edit the properties of the file but as a result the file became unplayable.

:)

 

Can't edit mp3 tags from explorer

I had a hard time a few weeks ago compiling MP3 files to play on MZD Connect on my Mazda. There were various tagging and data integrity issues which I fixed as below. My approach may be overkill for your needs!

MP3 File Analysis

1. MP3 files store music metadata (ID3 Tags) which can be in several formats. ID3 Tag v2.3 has proven to work with MZD Connect. The ID3 Tags can be converted in iTunes by viewing the tracks in Library / Songs view then selecting File / Convert / Convert ID3 Tags, then select v2.3. An alternative method is listed in step 3 below.
2. Use the free program Tagscanner TagScanner - The Ultimate Tag Editor to check and edit the MP3 file metadata for artist, album art etc. The same editing can be done in iTunes but Tagscanner is much easier and faster. Check both the artist and album artist fields are completed, the song name & album name are correct, track number & disc number are set and that embedded album art is present for every track. Note multiple tracks can be selected and edited simultaneously.
3. Check the tags for each music file are correctly set to v2.3 in Tagscanner. Cut the tag then paste it back in the same place to set v2.3 if the incorrect version is set.
4. Perform a Google image search for the artist and album name to find a JPG file for missing album covers. Save a suitable artwork file size c. 300x300 pixels then add the album art for each track in Tagscanner.
5. Use free program MP3Test Willkommen auf Shivan's Homepage to quickly check and test for MP3 file errors. Correct any simple errors using Tagscanner.
6. Use the free program MP3Diags MP3 Diags to perform a detailed check of MP3 files and correct errors. This program has a learning curve and some experience to use. Inexperienced computer users may prefer to skip this step and just rely on step 5 above.

 

MP3 Tagging software recommendations

Here is the free software I used to sort out the MP3 tags for my Mazda's USB music playback which is very fussy about formats:

1. Tagscanner TagScanner - The Ultimate Tag Editor to check and edit the MP3 file metadata.
2. MP3Test Willkommen auf Shivan's Homepage to quickly check and test for MP3 file errors. Correct any simple errors using Tagscanner above.
3. MP3Diags MP3 Diags to perform a detailed check of MP3 files and correct errors. This program has a learning curve and some experience to use.

 

How to force WMP to always apply/display changes to mp3 tag info?

Sorry for my late reply - I was planning to respond sooner but other things kept coming in the way.

Anyway, how exactly are you checking whether the rating was saved to file? If you use Mp3tag, it should be listed in Extended Tags as a tag called RATING WMP.

I suggest that you uncheck Maintain my star ratings as global ratings in files once again, click Apply, recheck that same setting and click Apply again. Then WMP should ask you if it should export the current ratings in the library to your files, click OK to confirm. Does that help to get the existing ratings saved to your MP3 files?

Also worth checking is what happens when you change a song's rating in the library - does WMP save the new rating to the corresponding file as it should? You may need to use the Apply media information changes command to force WMP to write the rating immediately, as it usually only does this after a while in the background.