Remove sensitive Metadata information from any file

Metadata is actually data about data. It generally describes when, how and who created a piece of data. It also can include information such as when the file was last accessed or modified. A Metadata generating algorithm can be produced by the software maker to collect any specifics about the data.

In Windows Vista, metadata is used to describe files for faster keyword searching. However, using certain private metadata to describe employees or customers can result in embarrassing and harmful situations. For instance, let’s say you use a metadata keyword phrase to describe “Slow Paying” customers. When searching a particular company using this keyword phrase and you then print and send the document, this keyword search tag could still be (unknowingly) attached to the printed document and could result in a damaged business relationship.

Since there is no current way of incorporating some sort of metadata management for who can see this private information, it is at least possible to remove such information from any file. Here’s how:

1. Go to Start>> All Programs>> Accessories>> Windows Explorer

2. Find the file in question and right click the file.

3. Select Properties from the resulting menu.

4. Select Details

5. Select “Remove Properties and Personal Information”.

6. Select “Remove the following properties from this file”.

7. Check any of the available checkboxes next to the metadata information you would like to remove.

8. Click OK.

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