HowTo

  • Wrong Movie Title (No CoverArt)

    Description:
    Movie is shown with the ‘wrong’ Title and/or CoverArt is NOT shown.
    This phenomena is even though the correct Movie / Series Information has been properly entered in Metadata Utility
    AND
    The necessary XML Files
    AND
    Media/CoverArt has been downloaded for the Movie (see documentation in the links below)

    Cause:
    A Title is found in the Attributes of the Media File.
    This phenomena is particularly known to happen with Single Ripped files.

    Note:
    The Title Attribute Field should be Null/Empty –as the Metadata Information is managed through Metadata Utility for Windows Media Center–

    Solution:
    Edit the Attributes of the File and Delete the (false/wrong) Title in the Attributes for the File.

    For Additional Information, see the documentation in the link(s) below:

    Metadata Utility – Operation – Adding Movie Information (Automated) (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Adding Movie Information (Manually) (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – place Record(s) in the ‘Selected Records’ Queue (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Import Process Master Records (BIPMR) (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Import Process Child Records (BIPCR) (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Repair (Re-Link) ‘Orphan’ Records (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Merge Generator (Generate Windows Media Center Metadata – XML Files) (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Reports (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Merge Generator – ‘WMC XML Profile Cache’ (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Merge Generator – ‘WMC XML File(s) Generate’ (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Merge Generator – ‘Download Cover Art’ (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Merge Generator – ‘XML Cache’ or ‘XML Generation’ (here)
    What is the difference in Metadata Utility between: -‘Media Library’ -‘Pending’ -‘Selected’ -‘Suspect’ -‘Orphan’, ‘Last Online Search’, ‘Archive’ Records Queue? (here)
    What Data, if any, can Metadata Utility delete? and or Manage? (here)

  • Error 2950 (Source: 316.12) - 'Reserved Error'

    During the XML Generation you receive the following error:

    Metadata Utility - Error - 2950 (Message)
    Metadata Utility – Error – 2950 (Message)

    Cause:

    Either Metadata Utility was installed in a custom location (outside of the default settings)

    And / or

    During a Batch Operation ie. XML Generation (Deletion, etc) an unexpected Network Time Out occurred and as a result the Batch Operation will terminate.

    Metadata Utility - Error - 2950 (Details)
    Metadata Utility – Error – 2950 (Details)

    To resolve this issue, do the following:If Metadata Utility has been installed in a ‘Custom’ Configuration and thus it may have been installed in a ‘Non-Trusted’ Location, then see the Article in the link below and make sure the Path where Metadata Utility was installed is in a ‘Trusted Location’:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot/access/error-running-macro

    Verify the Case events on each of the records where the error was found (see suspect Queue to list all records found with an issue), and re-verify the Network Path is correct for the given Media (Movie, Series, etc) is correct and that Metadata Utility can access the Path, then, re-start the Batch Process ie. XML Generation, Deletion, etc again.

  • Error -2147467259 (Source: 304.37) - 'Unable to save character to 'Windows-1252' Encoding'

    During the XML Generation you receive the following error:

    Metadata Utility - Error - -2147467259
    Metadata Utility – Error – -2147467259

    Cause: At least one, non compliant Character for XML Formatting was found.
    To resolve this issue, do the following:
    -Review any ‘Suspect’ Records: ‘Case Events’ may provide additional information on the cause of the Error. For additional (here)

  • Special Characters Formatting

    IMPORTANT – This consideration applies to all fields in within Metadata Utility.

    Avoid having problems during XML Files Generation and/or Management by avoiding any of the following in within your Metadata Utility Record(s) (Data):
    -double Quotes
    -Single Quotes (even single quote such as ‘Email Address’ –see the single quotes– or, It’s own… –see the apostrophe after ‘it’. In such case, use instead “it is’ instead of ‘it’s’ WITHOUT using single quotes).
    -Special Characters and/or Non-English Punctuation.

    Metadata Utility is mainly built for an English Character Set. That said, we have had customers that use other languages such as -not limited to, listed in no particular order–: French, German, etc who have reported no issues while using Metadata Utility, even in their own language. Having said that, we have seen, in such cases where the above listed characters are found, that during the XML File Generation, that those generated XML Files may not be always properly formatted and thus cause problems in displaying that XML Metadata Information in Windows Media Center.

    Metadata Utility – Main - QR CleanUp Records
    Metadata Utility – Main – QR CleanUp Records

    Note:

    Curating/Cleaning Up/QRing your Data will ensure your Data is clean and readable and it is an essential, VERY important step to ensure the later creation of your Metadata Files (XML Files) works properly without errors.

    Furthermore, should you need to have a detailed Troubleshooting of your XML Generation process, then it will be crucial that the Curating/QR process has been completed. Failure to ‘QR’/Clean Up the records in Metadata Utility may result in errors during the automated XML File generation (so it is either ‘do it now’ as you are inserting/downloading the information either using the ‘Metadata Utility Online Search Tool’ and/or manually entering the Data ie. ‘Adding a Movie Manually’ yourself, or ‘do it later’ as once you encounter errors in your XML Files, such as (not limited to, listed in no particular order): missing XML File Information, Windows Media Center not displaying the Metadata Information correctly, showing duplicate/’ghost’/non-existent Movies in your Windows Media Center Library, etc), then you will be forced to troubleshoot ‘why’/’which’ Record(s) are not beeing displayed properly.

    Metadata Utility – Main - QR CleanUp Records
    Metadata Utility – Main – QR CleanUp Records

    IMPORTANT

    Due to the limitations in Windows Media Center, avoid having problems during XML Files Generation and/or Management by avoiding any of the following in within your Metadata Utility Record(s) (Data):
    -double Quotes
    -Single Quotes (even single quote such as ‘Email Address’ –see the single quotes– or, It’s own… –see the apostrophe after ‘it’. In such case, use instead “it is’ instead of ‘it’s’ WITHOUT using single quotes).
    -Special Characters and/or Non-English Punctuation.

    As an example, avoid special Characters, such as (not restricted or limited to, listed in no particular order):

    é
    ö
    í
    ó
    ³
    Mathematical symbols (for example): ¼ € ? P Ø Ý £ £ ø ý
    Non Latin Languages or Characters (for example), Crylic (Russian), Greek alphabet, Arabic, Japanesse, Chinesse, etc

  • Error 2428 - You entered an invalid argument in a domain aggregate function

    During an attempt to import Bulk Master/Child Record(s) you receive the following message:

    Metadata Utility - Error - 2428
    Metadata Utility – Error – 2428

    You entered an invalid argument in a domain aggregate function.
    Cause: A badly formatted ‘MUWImp.xls’
    For additional details See section
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Import Process Master Records (BIPMR) (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Import Process Child Records (BIPCR) (here)

  • Error 2001 - You canceled the previous operation

    During an attempt to import Bulk Master/Child Record(s) you receive the following message:

    Metadata Utility - Error - 2001
    Metadata Utility – Error – 2001

    You canceled the previous operation.
    Cause: An ‘invalid’ ‘MUWImp.xls’ File was used.
    For additional details See section
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Import Process Master Records (BIPMR) (here)
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Import Process Child Records (BIPCR) (here)

  • ztblWMC02Imp - MUWImp.xls - Data Format

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp

    MUWImp.xls Excel File contains 2 Spreadsheets:

    ztblWMC01ImpztblWMC02Imp
    MUWImp.xls Excel File

    ztblWMC02Imp – Formatting:

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp

    MasterTableID

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp - MaterTableID
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp – MaterTableID
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Must be the Same Value as found in ztblWMC01Imp.ID Column

    Though MasterTableID must be the same as found in ztblWMC01Imp.ID Column, this value must be Unique for Medatadata Utility – This value musts not already exist in Metadata Utility.

    Same as ztblWMC01Imp.ID Column, This Value must correspond to the ‘Movie’ ID in The Movie Database (TMDB).

    In the Case of a Show/Series, then the ID should have the following Format:

    ShowID_SXX_EYY

    ShowID – TMDB’s Show ID

    SXX – Season Number

    EYY – Episode Number

    Example

    ShowID: 1234

    Season: 1

    Episode: 7

    The MasterTableID Value in ztblWMC02Imp then should be:

    1234S01E07

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘WMC ID’ (6) (here)

    TiTleSup

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp - TitleSupp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp – TitleSupp
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Movie or Show Title as it will be displayed in Windows Media Center

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘TittleSupp’ (4) (here)

    PathID01

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp - PathID01
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp – PathID01
    Metadata Utility – Main - Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Main – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp - Metadata Utility PathID01 Source
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp – Metadata Utility PathID01 Source

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Path Builder’ (21), (22), (23) (here)

    PathID02

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp - PathID02
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp – PathID02
    Metadata Utility – Main - Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Main – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp - Metadata Utility PathID02 Source
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp – Metadata Utility PathID02 Source

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Path Builder’ (21), (22), (23) (here)

    Path03

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC02Imp - Path03
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC02Imp – Path03
    Metadata Utility – Main - Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Main – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Main - Movie Path
    Metadata Utility – Main – Movie Path
    Metadata Utility – Main - Movie Path
    Metadata Utility – Main – Movie Path

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Path Builder’ (21), (22), (23) (here)

  • ztblWMC01Imp - MUWImp.xls - Data Format

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp

    MUWImp.xls Excel File contains 2 Spreadsheets:

    ztblWMC01ImpztblWMC02Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp

    ztblWMC01Imp – Formatting:

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp

    ID

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - ID
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – ID
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Must be Unique – This value can not already exist / be found in Metadata Utility.

    This Value must correspond to the ‘Movie’ ID in The Movie Database (TMDB).

    In the Case of a Show/Series, then the ID should have the following Format:

    ShowID_SXX_EYY

    ShowID – TMDB’s Show ID

    SXX – Season Number

    EYY – Episode Number

    Example

    ShowID: 1234

    Season: 1

    Episode: 7

    The ID Value in ztblWMC01Imp then should be:

    1234S01E07

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘WMC ID’ (6) (here)

    Title

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Title
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Title
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Movie or Show Title

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Title’ (3) (here)

    Year

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Year
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Year
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    YYYY-MM-DD

    Example

    2001-12-14

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Date’ (5) (here)

    Cast

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Cast
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Cast
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Should have the 20 Most Popular Cast Members.

    For additional details See section:
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Cast’ (8) (here)
    ‘Metadata Utility – Operation – Adding Movie Information (Automated)’ for proper Formatting and special characters to avoid (here).

    Director

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Director
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Director
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Director’ (9) (here)
    ‘Metadata Utility – Operation – Adding Movie Information (Automated)’ for proper Formatting and special characters to avoid (here).

    Genre

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Genre
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Genre
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Genre’ (10) (here)
    ‘Metadata Utility – Operation – Adding Movie Information (Automated)’ for proper Formatting and special characters to avoid (here).

    Overview

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Overview
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Overview
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Overview’ (11) (here)
    ‘Metadata Utility – Operation – Adding Movie Information (Automated)’ for proper Formatting and special characters to avoid (here).

    Tagline

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Tagline
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Tagline
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Tagline’ (12) (here)
    ‘Metadata Utility – Operation – Adding Movie Information (Automated)’ for proper Formatting and special characters to avoid (here).

    Duration

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Duration
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Duration
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    In Minutes
    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Duration’ (13) (here)

    Studio ID

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - StudioID
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – StudioID
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Metadata Utility StudioID Source
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Metadata Utility StudioID Source

    Must be the Studio-ID Found in Metadata Utility.
    Make sure the Studio ID has already been entered in Metadata Utility
    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Studio’ (14) (here)
    To add, edit Studio(s):
    Metadata Utility – How To – Initial SetUp – Studio (here)

    Data Provider ID

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - DataProviderID
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – DataProviderID
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Metadata Utility DataProviderID Source
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Metadata Utility DataProviderID Source

    Must be the Data Provider ID Found in Metadata Utility.
    Make sure the Data Provider ID has already been entered in Metadata Utility
    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Data Provider’ (15) (here)
    To add, edit Data Provider ID(s):
    Metadata Utility – How To – Initial SetUp – Data Provider (here)

    MPAARatingID

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - MPAARatingID
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – MPAARatingID
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Metadata Utility MPAARatingID Source
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Metadata Utility MPAARatingID Source

    Must be the MPAA Rating ID Found in Metadata Utility.
    Make sure the MPAA Rating ID has already been entered in Metadata Utility
    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘MPAA Rating’ (16) (here)
    To add, edit MPAA Rating ID(s):
    Metadata Utility – How To – Initial SetUp – MPAA Rating (here)

    Rating

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Rating
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Rating
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Value given
    For Example

    7.6

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Community Rating’ (17) (here)

    Provider Rating

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - ProviderRating
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – ProviderRating
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Value given
    For Example

    7.3

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Provider Rating’ (18) (here)

    Poster_Path

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Poster_path
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Poster_path
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Metadata Utility Poster_path
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Metadata Utility Poster_path

    Name of the jpg file that you whish to have it displayed in Windows Media Center

    Example:

    Filename_Here.jpg

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Path’ – ‘Poster Path’ (30b) (here)

    Backdrop_Path

    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Backdrop_path
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Backdrop_path
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls - ztblWMC01Imp - Metadata Utility Backdrop_path
    Metadata Utility – MUWImp.xls – ztblWMC01Imp – Metadata Utility Backdrop_path

    Name of the jpg file

    Example:

    Filename_Here.jpg

    For additional details See section
    ‘Metadata Utility – Description’ – ‘Path’ – ‘Poster Path’ (30c) (here)

  • Metadata Utility Shortcut - Advanced Start-Up Options

    Metadata Utility’s Shortcut Option are as follows:

    Command TitleOpenCommand Syntax
    W01 – Metadata UtilityMetadata Utility/cmd W01
    W02 – Company ContactsCompany Contacts/cmd W02
    W03 – Online ContactsOnline Contacts/cmd W03
    W99 – AdminOnline Contacts
    Company Contacts
    Metadata Utility
    Programs
    Look Up Usage
    Add Records
    Data Audit
    /cmd W99
    Metadata Utility Shortcut – Advanced Start-Up Options

    Syntax:
    “Full_Path_to_Miscrosoft_Access_32_Bit” “Full_Path_for_Metadata_Utility” “/cmd CommandOptionHere”

    To configure any of the above advanced Start-Up options:

    -right click on the Metadata Utility Shortcut and select ‘Properties’

    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties

    -in the ‘Target’ Section add the Full Path for Microsoft Access
    In the Example below, we are using Microsoft 2010 32 bit

    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties

    Note:
    Enclose Microsoft Access Full Path in double Quotes
    Make sure there is a space between Microsoft Access Full Path and Metadata Utility’s Full Path
    Metadata Utility requires Microsoft Access 32 Bit

    -Enclose Metadata Utility’s Path in double Quotes

    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties

    Note:
    Make sure there is a space between Microsoft Access 32 Bit (Full Path) and Metadata Utility (Full Path)

    -Add the desire Command (see above table).
    For this example, we are adding the ‘Admin’ Command

    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties
    Metadata Utility Shorcut Properties

    Note:
    Make sure there is a space between Metadata Utility (Full Path) and the command
    Make sure there is a space between /cmd CommandHere
    Double check to make sure there is a space between the full path for Microsoft Access 32 Bit and the full path to Metadata Utility and the advanced command and as well a space between the command /cmd and the actual command option.

    Example of the full Value that should be found in the ‘Target’ section in the Shortcut for Metadata Utility, including the Command Option (in the example below using using Microsoft Access 2010 32 Bit):
    “C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\MSACCESS.EXE” “C:\DBases\Fe\WFeLocal.mde” /cmd W99

    In the above example, Metadata Utility is using a path to Microsoft Access 2010 32 Bit. As described on the Command Options Table ‘W99’ (without the single quotes) will automatically open each time Metadata Utility is opened, regardless of which user is logged on and regardless if there is a Profile defined in within Metadata Utility, the following Windows:
    Online Contacts
    Company Contacts
    Metadata Utility
    Programs
    Look Up Usage
    Add Records
    Data Audit

    For more information on how to create a ‘Profile’ in Metadata Utility see ‘StartUp Management’ click here
    For more information of the minimum requirements for Metadata Utility click here

  • Movie Information 'Cover Art' not Shown - Movie, Series, Media Migration Troubleshooting

    After a Media Data Migration (ie. from a Share to another Share, From one NAS to another NAS, etc) and after updating the information in Metadata Utility and Generating NEW XML Files and synchronizing them with Windows Media Center some of the following issues are seen:
    -Album Covers are NOT shown and/or
    -When clicked in Windows Media Center, a Message is displayed that Windows Media Center ‘cannot find the movie in the DVD drive’ (even though the Media ie. Movie, Series, etc) resides on a Share Partition (or NAS Share Partition).

    Cause:
    -Windows Media Center is still using/looking for the Media on the ‘old’ location, prior to the migration.
    -Information has not been properly update in Medata Utility

    To resolve this issue, do the following:

    • Verify the new location has been updated in Meatadata Utility
      See section: Metadata Utility – Description – ‘Path’ (click here)
    • For advanced users:
      see section: Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Update Process (BUP) (click here)

    Once completed, then follow each of the steps as described in section: Metadata Utility – Operation – Reports (click here)

    Additional Information:

    Metadata Utility – How To – Movie CoverArt (Thumbnail ‘Folder.L.jpg’) Verification (click here)

    Metadata Utility – How To – Movie CoverArt (Thumbnail ‘Folder.jpg’) Verification (click here)

    Error 2220 – Can’t see Coverart (Folder.jpg/Folder.L.jpg) (click here)

    Windows Media Center Coverart (click here)

    Metadata Utility – Operation – Bulk Update Process (BUP) (click here)

    Metadata Utility – Case Studies – Managing Data Migration(s) from ‘Old’ (Source) location to a ‘New’ (Target) Location (click here)

  • Installation Instructions

    Download the Application (and/or applicable File ie. ‘BackEnd’)

    -Exit our of Metadata Utility (applicable for upgrade on existing installations) -Download the appropriate Package (either Metadata Utility Full Version or Metadata Utility Update Version) to your Desktop. -After the download has completed, then -Right click on the downloaded file and select ‘Properties’

    Metadata Utility – Download - Properties

    -Click on ‘Unlock’

    Metadata Utility – Download - Properties - Unlock

    -Click on ‘Apply’

    Metadata Utility – Download - Properties - Unlock - Apply

    -Click on ‘Ok’ to Close the Properties dialog for the downloaded file

    Metadata Utility – Download - Properties - Unlock - Apply - Ok

    -After the download has completed, extract the contents of the Zip file (either double click on the file or right mouse click on the file and select ‘extract’).

    Automated Installation

    -Double click to run the Installer (EXE) file.
    -Follow the Installer Wizard Prompts.
    -Once completed, click ‘Finish’ to launch Metadata Utility.

    Manual Installation – Advanced Users Only

    -Move the extracted File(s) to the appropriate location:

    BackEnd Files Default Location

    BackEnd-Template Files Default Location

    C:DBasesData

    C:DBasesDataMsSQLBACKUP

    -Once completed, launch Metadata Utility.
    For more information about Metadata Utility’s BackEnds clickhere

  • Error 3163 - The field is too small to accept the ammount of data you attemped to add.

    During Metadata Download you receive the following message:

    Metadata Utility - Error - 3163
    Metadata Utility – Error – 3163

    The field is too small to accept the ammount of data you attemped to add. Try insterting or pasting less data.
    Cause: depending on the ammount of Data (ie. Movies searched/downloaded), network traffic, internet speed connection and a different subset/combination of factors, Metadata Utility will display such a message when the Data beeing transmitted experiences a Timeout.
    To resolve this issue, do the following:
    -Perform a more concise search for the Movie in question. For Example, Search for ‘007 Dr. No’ (without the single Quotes) instead of ‘Dr. No’ (still without the single Quotes)

  • Error 3035 - System Resources Exeeded

    During Metadata Download you receive the following message:

    Metadata Utility - Error - 3035
    Metadata Utility – Error – 3035

    System Resources Exeeded
    Cause: depending on the ammount of Data (ie. Movies searched/downloaded), network traffic, internet speed connection and a different subset/combination of factors, Metadata Utility will display such a message when the Data beeing transmitted experiences a Timeout.
    To resolve this issue, do the following:
    -Perform a more concise search for the Movie in question. For Example, Search for ‘007 Dr. No’ (without the single Quotes) instead of ‘Dr. No’ (still without the single Quotes)

  • Error 3033 (Source: 120.41) - 'You do not have the necessary permissions to use the 'Full_Path_to_BackEnd_Here.mde'

    After completing an update to a new version and/or an incorrect shutdown, ie. Metadata Utility was abnormally closed you receive the following error:

    Metadata Utility - Error - 3033
    Metadata Utility – Error – 3033

    Cause: After an Upgrade and/or an incorrect shutdown, ie. Metadata Utility was abnormally closed which may cause BackEnd(s) to be left in an improper shutdown stage.
    To resolve this issue, do the following:
    -Exit Properly out of ‘Metadata Utility’ using the Exit Button (Main Switchboard)
    -If ‘Metadata Utility’ is installed in a Network environment, make sure no other users are currently connected to any of the BackEnds, then
    -Open ‘Metadata Utility’ again (‘Metadata Utility’ will automatically attempt to repair any BackEnds that may have been improperly closed).

  • Microsoft Office 2010 Error 1402 setup cannot open the registry key Unknown\components

    During an attempt to install MsOffice 2010 you receive an Error:
    ‘MsOffice 2010 Error 1402 setup cannot open the registry key Unknown\components’.

    Microsoft Office - Error - Registry - Unkknown
    Microsoft Office – Error – Registry – Unkknown

    To resolve this issue, do the following:
    -Microsoft Office 2010 FixIt Tool
    -Download and Install ‘Microsoft Office 2010 FixIt Tool’ to remove any left over components from a prior MsOffice installation and/or repair the registry.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-an-office-application-7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b?ocmsassetid=ha010357402&ctt=1&correlationid=8bfaf910-6d5f-4252-b5bb-0ed67d5d4349&ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us
    -Run Tool to remove MsOffice 2010 completely. Once completed (PC will need to be rebooted after the tool is finished with the cleanup/deinstallation), then
    -Reboot PC after MsOffice 2010 removal has been completed (this step is very important), then
    -After CleanUp Tool has been completed (ie. MsOffice has been uninstalled and PC has been rebooted), then
    -Open the Command Prompt (Admin rights) (ie. Start – Run – Cmd – Ok (click))
    -Copy and paste the following Command:
    secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose
    -Once the command has completed running (you will see the DOS Command Prompt back to the C:\ Prompt, then
    -Install MsOffice 2010 again, then
    -Install Language Packs (if needed), then
    -Install the latest Service Pack ie. Service Pack 1, Service Pack 2, etc

  • Microsoft Access 2010 32 Bit Service Pack an Error occurred during the detection (or Setup detected legacy groove)

    During an attempt to install the latest Service Pack, you receive a Message:
    ‘Microsoft Access 2010 32 Bit Service Pack an Error occurred during the detection’ or ‘Setup detected legacy groove’, then the installation fails/terminates

    Microsoft Office - Error - SP2 During Detection
    Microsoft Office – Error – SP2 During Detection

    Solution:
    -Repair MsAccess/Office Installation
    -If unable (due to Error 2424, 2425, or repair fails), then
    -Microsoft Office 2010 FixIt Tool
    -Download and Install ‘Microsoft Office 2010 FixIt Tool’
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-an-office-application-7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b?ocmsassetid=ha010357402&ctt=1&correlationid=8bfaf910-6d5f-4252-b5bb-0ed67d5d4349&ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us
    -Run Tool to remove MsOffice 2010 completely. Once completed (PC will need to be rebooted after the tool is finished with the cleanup/deinstallation), then
    -Reboot PC after MsOffice 2010 removal has been completed (this step is very important), then
    -Install MsOffice 2010 again, then
    -Install Language Packs (if needed), then
    -Install the latest Service Pack ie. Service Pack 1, Service Pack 2, etc

  • Microsoft Access Error 2425 'The expression you entered has a function name that Microsoft Access can't find' ('The expression you entered has a function name that database can't find')

    ‘Metadata Utility’ fails to open and you receive the following message:
    ‘The expression you entered has a function name that Microsoft Access can’t find’
    ‘The expression you entered has a function name that database can’t find’

    Microsoft Access - Error - 2425
    Microsoft Access – Error – 2425

    Solution:
    Latest Service Pack is needed (ie. Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later needed)

  • Microsoft Access Error 2424 'The expression you entered has a function name that Microsoft Access can't find' ('The expression you entered has a function name that database can't find')

    ‘Metadata Utility’ fails to open and you receive the following message:
    ‘The expression you entered has a function name that Microsoft Access can’t find’
    ‘The expression you entered has a function name that database can’t find’

    Microsoft Access - Error - 2424
    Microsoft Access – Error – 2424

    Solution:
    Latest Service Pack is needed (ie. Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later needed)

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Rename Windows, Buttons, Field Names and Reports.

    Metadata Utility allows you to control the Name for the different Windows in within Metadata Utility as well as the Field Names, Buttons and Reports. This feature allows for users who want to use their own language or simply want to change the name of any given Object to their own Naming Convention of their choice.

    In this example, we are going to change the Name of ‘Look Up Usage’ to ‘Look Up Usage W’ (notice the ‘W’ at the end of the title)

    Before

    Metadata Utility – Look Up Usage
    Metadata Utility – Look Up Usage

    After

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Object Caption Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Object Caption Management

    Steps as follow:

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Object and Caption Management Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Object and Caption Management Switchboard

    Switchboard – Maintenance Switchboard (click) – Look Up Maintenance Switchboard (click) – Object Maintenance (click)

    Look Up Usage – Click to select – then close ‘Object Maintenance’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Object Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Object Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Object Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Object Management

    Close ‘Object Maintenance’.

    ‘Caption Management’ (click)

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Object and Caption Management Switchboard - Caption Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Object and Caption Management Switchboard – Caption Management

    Find
    Object: Look Up Usage
    Control or Label: FormCaption
    Value: Look Up Usage W
    Click to activate, then close ‘Caption Management’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Caption Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Caption Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Caption Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Caption Management

    ‘Look Up Usage’ will display it’s new Name:

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - Object Caption Management
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – Object Caption Management

    You can repeat the above steps to change the Caption of any other Fields as needed.

    Note: Metadata Utility comes with a pre-built list of the available Objects that can be managed. This feature enables you to Change the Naming on most Reports, Forms, Controls and Buttons and can be useful is there should be a need to re-name a particular Object and/or even change the Name that is shown to a different language (the default Language is English).

    For additional Information, see sections:

    Metadata Utility – Operation – Object Management click here.
    and
    Metadata Utility – Operation – Caption Management click here.

    For a complete list of all available Fields, see our Q&A section (Q&A -Object Management List) we have a complete List of all available Objects, Labels, Controls, Buttons that are available for control, namely the original pre-built List that was originally installed with a default installation of Metadata Utility click here.

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Data Audit

    Metadata Utility’s ‘Data Audit’ allows you to audit the changes you make in within Metadata Utility.

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Data Audit
    Metadata Utility – Data Audit

    To Enable/Disable ‘Data Audit’, do the following:

    Enable ‘Data Audit’
    From the Main Switchboard, click ‘About Metadata Utility’ – Select (check) ‘Audit Enabled’

    Disable ‘Data Audit’
    From the Main Switchboard, click ‘About Metadata Utility’ – Un-Select (un-check) ‘Audit Enabled’

    Metadata Utility – About Information
    Metadata Utility – About Information

    (Picture showing ‘Data Audit’ Enabled).

    Metadata Utility – About Information
    Metadata Utility – About Information

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Look Up Usage

    Metadata Utility’s ‘Look Up Usage’ allows you to see the distribution and usage in within all ‘Look Up’ Lists/Records

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Look Up Usage
    Metadata Utility – Look Up Usage

    For additional information, see section: Metadata Utility – Maintenance – Look Up – Add New Look Up Records click here.

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Delete Pending Records

    Pending Records are Pre-Downloaded ‘Master Metadata Information’ that has not been (yet) added to your Windows Media Center Library.
    In other words, you don’t have that Movie in your Library, however, you had pre-downloaded the information for that movie and were expecting to add that movie to your Windows Media Center Library.
    Should there be a need to delete ‘Pending Record(s)’, then do the following:
    -enter each Pending Record that you want to delete as if the record will now be entered into your Metadata Library (for more information see section: ‘Pending’ Queue as well as ‘Metadata Utility – place Record(s) in the ‘Selected Records’ Queue’).
    -once the ‘Pending Records’ have been entered in your Metadata Library, then,
    -select those records that you want to delete by placing those, just added records in the ‘Selected Records’ Queue, then
    -Delete Master Records (for additional Information, see section: -Metadata Utility Maintenance Main Switchboard – Metadata Utility Maintenance Delete Switchboard -Delete Master Records (and) -Delete Orphan Records).

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Application Launcher

    Allows you to Open/Launch other Programs directly from Metadata Utility.
    For additional Information, see section:
    -Metadata Utility – Maintenance – Look Up – Application Launcher click here.

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Folder.L.jpg Verification

    Allows you to verify the ‘Folder.L.jpg’ File.
    For additional Information, see section:
    -Metadata Utility Maintenance Main Switchboard – Metadata Utility Maintenance Verification Switchboard
    -Folder.L.jpg Verification click here.

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Folder.L.jpg Verification
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Folder.L.jpg Verification

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Folder.jpg Verification

    Allows you to verify the ‘Folder.jpg’ File.
    For additional Information, see section:
    -Metadata Utility Maintenance Main Switchboard – Metadata Utility Maintenance Verification Switchboard
    -Folder.jpg Verification click here.

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Folder.jpg Verification
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Folder.jpg Verification

  • Metadata Utility - How To - XML ID Verification

    Allows you to verify the formatting of Metadata Utility’s XML ID(s).
    For additional Information, see section:
    -Metadata Utility Maintenance Main Switchboard – Metadata Utility Maintenance Verification Switchboard
    -XML ID Verification click here.

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - XML ID Verification
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – XML ID Verification

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Media Path Verification

    Allows you to verify the Movie Path that you have built using Path Builder.
    For additional Information, see section:
    -Metadata Utility Maintenance Main Switchboard – Metadata Utility Maintenance Verification Switchboard
    -Media Path Verification click here.

    Metadata Utility – Media Path Verification
    Metadata Utility – Media Path Verification

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Reset (Delete) 'Windows Media Center Local Profile Metadata Cache' and Re-Cache (Re-Download) 'Windows Media Center Local Profile Metadata Cache'.

    In those cases where (to list a few possible causes, not limited to, listed in no particular order):
    -Windows Media Center Local Profile Metadata Cache is corrupt,
    -Windows Media Center Metadata Information is not being shown properly,
    -Windows Media Center is showing ‘Phantom’ Movies (ie. and/or movies no longer found in your Windows Media Center Library),
    -you have exhausted your research and cannot find a cause/solution for the issues in your Windows Media Center Metadata Library, then this option may be the best solution.

    Steps are as follows:

    01 – from the Main Switchboard

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard

    02 – click on ‘Maintenance Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard

    03 – click on ‘Metadata Utility Maintenance Main Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Main Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Main Maintenance Switchboard

    04 – click on ‘Metadata Utility Maintenance Delete Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Delete Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Delete Switchboard

    05 – click on ‘Delete Windows Media Center Cache’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Delete Switchboard - Delete Windows Media Center Cache
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Delete Switchboard – Delete Windows Media Center Cache
    Metadata Utility – Messages - Delete Windows Media Center Cache
    Metadata Utility – Messages – Delete Windows Media Center Cache
    Metadata Utility – Messages - Delete Windows Media Center Cache
    Metadata Utility – Messages – Delete Windows Media Center Cache

    -Select ‘Yes’ to Delete the ‘Windows Media Center Metadata Cache’ from your Local Profile. Once completed,

    06 – click on ‘Return to Metadata Utility Maintenance Main Switchb.’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Delete Switchboard - Return to Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Delete Switchboard – Return to Maintenance Switchboard

    07 – click on ‘Return to Maintenance Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Delete Switchboard - Return to Maintenance Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Delete Switchboard – Return to Maintenance Main Switchboard

    08 – click on ‘Return to Main Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - Delete Switchboard - Return to Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – Delete Switchboard – Return to Main Switchboard

    09 – click on ‘Merge Generator Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard

    10 – click on ‘Metadata Utility Merge Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Merge Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Merge Switchboard

    11 – click on ‘WMC XML Profile Cache’

    Metadata Utility – Merge Switchboard – WMC XLM Profile Cache
    Metadata Utility – Merge Switchboard – WMC XLM Profile Cache
    Metadata Utility – Messages - Cache
    Metadata Utility – Messages – Cache

    Click ‘Yes’ to Cache All Records to your Local Profile

    Note: If ‘no’ records were pre-selected, then Metadata Utility will prompt you to automatically select all records and Cache all records to your Local Profile.

    For Additional Information, visit Section: Metadata Utility – Operation – Delete Windows Media Center Cache click here.

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Using Advanced Commands to show you all your records

    This is a neat feature of Metadata Utility, that shows you how extremely flexible and robust Metadata Utility really can be, especially for those advanced users that like to use Keyboard shortcuts and/or right mouse clicks to sort the Data.

    In this example, we will use Metadata Utility’s Advanced Commands to show ‘all’ records without using the ‘Media’ Button by clicking through the different Queues until we reached the ‘All Records’ Queue.

    -Search for a Movie (any movie), regardless if that Movie is in any Queue (Media, Pending, Suspect, Orphan)

    Metadata Utility – Main - Search
    Metadata Utility – Main – Search

    -Right click on a Field that has data populated and select ‘Text Filters – Equals’ and on the Pop-Up box type an asterisk ‘ * ‘ (without spaces, without single quotes) – click ok

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters

    Though you’ve technically have applied an ‘Advanced Filter’, the asterisk ‘ * ‘ (without spaces, without single quotes) equals to ‘all’ (in other words it causes Metadata Utility to show ‘all’ records, though still in a ‘Filter’ mode).

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters - Result
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters – Result

    If you still don’t want to see the ‘Filter’ Activated at the bottom of Metadata Utility, but still want to keep all records, then you can right click on the same field you just used to apply the filter in the first place and select ‘clear filter’ (on the given field, which in this case is the ‘Title’ Field)

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters - Clear
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters – Clear

    Metadata Utility will now show ‘all’ records, without an ‘Advanced Filter’ applied and without having cycled through the ‘Media’ Button to the ‘All Records’ Queue.

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Using Advanced Commands

    You can use the right click functionality in any field in Metadata Utility to:

    -Re-Sort your Records (Ascending/Descending order)
    -Apply/Remove an Advanced Filter

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Using Advanced Filters

    This advanced functionality allows you to easily sort and manage your Media Information in Metadata Utility.

    For this example, we want to filter all movies that are stored in the ‘Zz\Wmedia’ Share.

    -In Metadata Utility click the ‘Media’ Button 6 Times to cycle through all the Queues until you reach the Queue ‘All Records’.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main - All Records
    Metadata Utility – Main – All Records

    -Options

    -Record Selector Button – Navigate until you reach a Record that has in the Path Builder 02 the Value ‘Zz\Wmedia’ (without the single quotes).
    -Best Option – Advanced Filter Search Enter the parameter we are looking for in this example: ‘Zz\Wmedia’ (without the single quotes).

    Option – Record Selector Button – Navigate until you reach a Record that has in the Path Builder 02 the Value ‘Zz\Wmedia’ (without the single quotes)

    Metadata Utility – Main - Navigation Buttons
    Metadata Utility – Main – Navigation Buttons

    -Page Up and Down in your Keyboard – until you reach a Record that has in the Path Builder 02 the Value ‘Zz\Wmedia’ (without the single quotes)

    Metadata Utility – Keyboard - Page Up - Page Down
    Metadata Utility – Keyboard – Page Up – Page Down
    Metadata Utility – Keyboard
    Metadata Utility – Keyboard

    Option – Best Option – Advanced Filter Search Enter the parameter we are looking for in this example: ‘Zz\Wmedia’ (without the single quotes)

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced Search
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced Search

    As soon as you enter the Value ‘Zz\Wmedia’ (without the single quotes) in the Advanced Filter Search Field, you will notice that Metadata Utility will go directly to the first Record that meet the Criteria

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Once you are on a the Record that contains the Value that in this example we are looking for ‘Zz\Wmedia’ (without the single quotes), then:

    -Right click on the ‘Media Builder 02’ Field and select
    -Equals ‘Zz\Wmedia’

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters

    You will notice that immediately Metadata Utility will Filter and show only the records that Match ‘Zz\Wmedia’.
    You will also notice that though you are still in ‘Metadata Utility: Show All Records’ Queue, however due to the Advanced Filter we just applied, now even in the ‘Metadata Utility: Show All Records’ Queue, you will ONLY have showing all records that match ‘Zz\Wmedia’

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters

    If you want to remove the Filter and go back to see ‘All Records’ you have (also) options:

    -Navigate to each Field that you have applied a Filter (yes, you can apply multiple Filters on multiple Fields), then
    -right click and select (for this example) ‘Clear Filter on PathID02’ to go back to see all records again

    Metadata Utility – Main - Advanced - Filters
    Metadata Utility – Main – Advanced – Filters

    or

    Simply using the Metadata Utility’s ‘Media’ Button, click again to cycle through until you reach the ‘All Records’ Queue again, ie. ‘Media’ Button 6 Times to cycle through all the Queues until you reach the Queue ‘All Records’.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main - Navigation Buttons
    Metadata Utility – Main – Navigation Buttons

    Alternative, if you use Metadata Utility’s main ‘Search’ function (found on the top of Metadata Utility) to search for any other Movie in your Metadata Utility, the Advanced Filter will also be automatically reset/removed.

    Note:
    After removing an ‘Advance Filter’, there still may be any valued you may have typed in the ‘Advance Search’ Box at the bottom in Metadata Utility still visible. This however, does not have any impact on either the operation (Search, Filters, etc) and other commands that you may execute in Metadata Utility.

  • Metadata Utility - How To - Initial SetUp

    Upon installation, there are a few Settings to SetUp:
    Metadata Utility

    -License Management

    Metadata Utility
    Allows you to Register the License(s) of the purchased Feature(s), ie. ‘Windows Media Center’ Metadata ‘XML’ Management, etc

    Metadata Utility – License Management
    Metadata Utility – License Management

    Metadata Utility
    To access ‘License Management” follow these steps:
    From the Main Switchboard, click on ‘Maintenance Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard

    click on ‘Look Up Maintenance Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard

    click on ‘License Management Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - License Management Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – License Management Switchboard

    click on ‘License Management’

    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard - LookUp Maintenance Switchboard - License Management Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Maintenance Switchboard – LookUp Maintenance Switchboard – License Management Switchboard

    -Register New License

    Metadata Utility – License Management
    Metadata Utility – License Management

    click on ‘Add New’

    Metadata Utility – License Management - Add
    Metadata Utility – License Management – Add

    click ‘Yes’ to continue or ‘No’ to cancel

    Metadata Utility - Messages - License Management - Edit
    Metadata Utility – Messages – License Management – Edit
    Metadata Utility - License Management
    Metadata Utility – License Management

    double click to edit record

    Metadata Utility - License Management - Edit
    Metadata Utility – License Management – Edit

    Select the Stage to register

    Metadata Utility - License Management - Edit - Select Stage
    Metadata Utility – License Management – Edit – Select Stage

    click on ‘License Manager’

    Metadata Utility - License Management - Edit - License
    Metadata Utility – License Management – Edit – License
    Metadata Utility - License Management - Edit - License
    Metadata Utility – License Management – Edit – License

    -Select ‘Activate’
    -Enter the License Key
    -Enter the registered Email Address
    -click ‘Activate’
    Confirmation upon successful registration

    Metadata Utility - Messages – License Management - Confirmation
    Metadata Utility – Messages – License Management – Confirmation

    -Click ‘ok’ on the confirmation Message
    -click ‘Close’ to close ‘License Manager’
    -click ‘Close’ to close ‘License Management’ or, continue to register other Stage Licenses (ie. Stage 2, Stage 3, etc)

    -Data Provider API Key Management

    In order to use ‘Metadata Utility Online Search Tool’, ie. to search online and download movie(s) information, you will need to register a Search Provider. Metadata Utility uses ‘The Movie Database’ as the main search provider for movie information.

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Data Provider API Key
    Metadata Utility – Data Provider API Key

    Click ‘Add New’

    Metadata Utility – Switchboard - Data Provider API Key Management
    Metadata Utility – Switchboard – Data Provider API Key Management

    Click ‘Yes’ to Edit List

    Metadata Utility - Messages - License Management - Edit
    Metadata Utility – Messages – License Management – Edit

    Double Click to Edit

    Metadata Utility – Switchboard - Data Provider API Key Management
    Metadata Utility – Switchboard – Data Provider API Key Management

    Select ‘TmDb’ + Enter Your Data Provider API Key

    Metadata Utility – Switchboard - Data Provider API Key Management
    Metadata Utility – Switchboard – Data Provider API Key Management

    Click on ‘Active’ to activate your API Key

    Metadata Utility – Switchboard - Data Provider API Key Management
    Metadata Utility – Switchboard – Data Provider API Key Management

    Click ‘Close’

    Metadata Utility – Switchboard - Data Provider API Key Management
    Metadata Utility – Switchboard – Data Provider API Key Management

    Note: Enter ‘The Movie Database’ API Key – Make sure that you select only one single entry as ‘Active’ (in case you had multiple API Keys, even from the same Provider, then select only one API Key active. You can enter as many keys as you want, just make sure all other ones are NOT selected as ‘active’).

    User’s who ‘out of the box’ start using Metadata Utility and simply don’t follow the ‘initial Set-Up’ will first run into an issue, once an attempt to either Generate XML Files and/or Cache XML Files to their Local Profile. In that case, just follow the online documentation to update the Media Resource as needed.

    Metadata Utility – Data Provider API Key Maintenance
    Metadata Utility API Management

    While ‘Metadata Utility – Data Provider API’ Key is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘Metadata Utility – Data Provider API’ Key to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    For additional Information on how to generate an API Key, see our Q&A Section: ‘The Movie Database’ (TMDb) API Key – Why is needed? (Inser_Link_Here).

    -Metadata Utility Resource

    Enables Metadata Utility to check the Partition and/or /NAS Target location where the Movie Library is located and verify the (those) resource(s) is (are) Online before any process takes place.

    Metadata Utility – Media Resource
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource

    From Metadata Utility’s Main Switchboard,
    click on ‘Enter/View Information Switchboard

    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Main Switchboard

    click on ‘Metadata Utility Switchboard’

    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard
    Metadata Utility – Forms Switchboard

    click on ‘Metadata Utility Resource’

    Metadata Utility – Resource
    Metadata Utility – Resource

    Note: if you need to add more than one Resource, then use the scroll bar to scroll to the next field underneath, or click on the ‘Tab’ Key on your Keyboard to navigate to the following record.
    Always remember, if a field has a white background, then the field is locked. In such case, double clicking on the field, will unlock it (or alternative, you can also click on the ‘Edit Record’ Button –remember on first time opening, that the button may not be enabled. This is not an error, is part of the design in Metadata Utility for safety).

    To verify the resources you entered have been saved, you can close and re-open ‘Metadata Utility Resource’.

    While ‘Metadata Utility Resource’ is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘Metadata Utility Resource’ to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    On a brand new installation, the “Metadata Utility Resource” will come with a sample “Metadata Utility Resource” List. For older ‘Legacy’ installations, that list may be empty (as seen in the picture to the right).

    Metadata Utility – Media Resource
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource - Add New
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource – Add New
    Metadata Utility – Messages - Edit List
    Metadata Utility – Messages – Edit List

    -click on ‘Add New’ and/or ‘Edit’ List.
    -double click on the ‘Media Resource’ Field (white area).
    -once in Yellow, then you can enter the Resource Information

    Metadata Utility – Media Resource – Messages - Edit List
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource – Messages – Edit List
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource - Edit
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource – Edit
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource - Edit
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource – Edit
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource
    Metadata Utility – Media Resource

    Note: Do NOT include a Backslash at the end of Path of ‘Media Resource’.

    -Metadata Utility – Data Provider API Key

    If a Data Provider has not been registered, then enter ‘The Movie Database’ API Key – Make sure that you select only one single entry as ‘Active’ (in case you had multiple API Keys, even from the same Provider, then select only one API Key active. You can enter as many keys as you want, just make sure all other ones are NOT selected as ‘active’).

    Metadata Utility – Data Provider API Key
    Metadata Utility – Data Provider API Key

    Note: Due to many requests from our Users, on the latest Builds of Metadata Utility, we have been including a Pre-Populated Media Resource as seen in the picture immediately above. This is to further assist our new users as to what it is needed in Metadata Utility for proper operation.

    User’s who ‘out of the box’ start using Metadata Utility and simply don’t follow the ‘initial Set-Up’ will first run into an issue, once an attempt to either Generate XML Files and/or Cache XML Files to their Local Profile. In that case, just follow the online documentation to update the Media Resource as needed.

    Metadata Utility – Data Provider API Key Maintenance
    Metadata Utility API Management

    For additional Information, see our Q&A Section: ‘The Movie Database’ (TMDb) API Key – Why is needed?

    While ‘Metadata Utility – Data Provider API’ Key is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘Metadata Utility – Data Provider API’ Key to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    -Studio

    Metadata Utility comes with a Pre-Build List of approximately 200+ of the most commonly known Studios.
    If you have a movie in which the Studio is not in the list, you can always Double Click on the Studio Field to Open the Studio List and Edit, Add, Studios as needed.
    Note: If you overwrite, rename or delete a Studio Name, then keep in mind that any existing record in Metadata Utility that had that Studio linked, than those movies will automatically be updated with the change (and/or deletion) of the Studio that you just made (Remember Metadata utility is an RDBMS. Since all Data is linked, if you change one record, you can potentially affect many other records).
    We recommended, that you don’t Delete Studios, but better Add more, if needed.
    ‘Out of the box’ Metadata Utility comes with approximately 5399 pre-allocated of Records, out of which, in the case of the ‘Studio’ List only 200+ are in use, thus leaving plenty records available for further use before Metadata Utility will require additional action to increase the number of possible Studios available : ).

    While the ‘Studio’ List is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘Studio’ List to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    Note: Use extreme caution before deleting ANY existing Studios from the list as a deletion of a Studio will also delete that Studio Information from ALL Records that were linked to that Studio. This also applies to renaming an existing Studio. If you rename an existing Studio in the list, then all records linked to that Studio will automatically also be updated.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Studio List
    Metadata Utility – Studio List

    -Data Provider

    Metadata Utility – Data Provider
    Metadata Utility – Data Provider

    Metadata Utility comes with a Pre-Build List of 2 of Data Providers: The Movie Database (TMDb) and IMDB.
    Metadata Utility’s Movie Online Search Tool enables you to automatically add most of your movies. The Movie Database (TMDb) is the main provider that Metadata Utility’s Movie Online Search Tool uses to search the Movie Metadata Information.
    If you want to add more Data Providers, then you can always Double Click on the Data Provider Field to Open the Data Provider List and Edit, Add/Edit, as needed.
    Note: If you overwrite, rename or delete a Data Provider, then keep in mind that Data Provider, if it has already been linked to any of your movies, then that Data Provider will be also lost (or edited) for all movies linked to it (Remember Metadata utility is an RDBMS. Since all Data is linked, if you change one record, you can potentially affect many other records).
    We recommend, that you don’t Delete a Data Provider, but better Add more, if needed.
    You can add up to 5399 Data Providers before Metadata Utility will require additional action : ).

    While ‘Data Provider’ Key is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘Data Provider’ Key to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    Note: Use extreme caution before deleting ANY Data Provider from the list as a deletion of a Data Provider will also delete that Data Provider Information from ALL Records that were linked to that Data Provider. This also applies to renaming an existing Data Provider . If you rename an existing Data Provider in the list, then all records linked to that Data Provider will automatically also be updated.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Data Provider
    Metadata Utility – Data Provider

    -MPAA Rating

    Metadata Utility – MPAA Rating
    Metadata Utility – MPAA Rating

    Metadata Utility comes with a Pre-Build List of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America).
    If you want to add/Edit the MPAA Rating List (either add your own Rating System an/or add the particular Rating system in the country you live), then you can always Double Click on the MPAA Rating Field to Open the MPAA Rating List and Edit, Add, Studios as needed.
    Note: If you overwrite, rename or delete a MPAA Rating, then keep in mind that MPAA Rating, if it has already been linked to any of your movies, then that Data Provider will be also lost (or edited) for all movies linked to it (Remember Metadata utility is an RDBMS. Since all Data is linked, if you change one record, you can potentially affect many other records).
    We recommend, that you don’t Delete a Data Provider, but better Add more, if needed.
    You can add up to 5399 MPAA Rating before Metadata Utility will require additional action : ).

    While ‘MPAA Rating’ Key is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘MPAA Rating’ Key to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    Note: Use extreme caution before deleting ANY MPAA Rating from the list as a deletion of a MPAA Rating will also delete that MPAA Rating Information from ALL Records that were linked to that MPAA Rating. This also applies to renaming an existing MPAA Rating. If you rename an existing MPAA Rating in the list, then all records linked to that MPAA Rating will automatically also be updated.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – MPAA Rating
    Metadata Utility – MPAA Rating

    -Path Builder

    Metadata Utility uses 3 Main Fields to Build the Path for any Movie. Out of the box Metadata Utility comes with a Pre-Built List for ‘Path Builder 01’ and ‘Path Builder 02’.

    Metadata Utility – Main - Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Main – Path Builder

    Path Builder 01

    Should be the NAS Name (UNC Path) or IP (UNC Path) – see examples immediately to the right.
    In order to create/add a list, just, as with any of the drop downs, double click on the field to open the list and edit as needed.

    For Example:
    If you have all your movies in within to NAS Storages, then you would create a record for each NAS:

    \\192.168.199.53
    \\192.168.199.54

    (Notice is JUST the IP in UNC Format and at the end of the NAS IP and/or NAS Name there is NO Backslash at the end of the NAS Name or IP Address – Metadata Utility will add a backlash after the NAS and/or IP automatically).

    If you want to enter the NAS by Name, then:

    \\NAS01
    \\NAS02

    Notice, there is NO Backslash after the NAS IP (or NAS Name).
    Do NOT include a Backslash after the NAS IP (or NAS Name) as Metadata Utility will do that automatically (see in Section ‘Path’ as described before).

    Metadata Utility – Path Builder
    Metadata Utility – Path Builder

    While ‘Path Builder 01’ Key is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘Path Builder 01’ Key to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    Note: Use extreme caution before deleting ANY Path Builder 01 from the list as a deletion of a Path Builder 01 will also delete that Path Builder 01 Information from ALL Records that were linked to that Path Builder 01. This also applies to renaming an existing Path Builder 01. If you rename an existing Path Builder 01 in the list, then all records linked to that Path Builder 01 will automatically also be updated.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Root Resource
    Metadata Utility – Root Resource

    Path Builder 02

    In order to create/add a list, just, as with any of the drop downs, double click on the field to open the list and edit as needed.

    In this particular example, we have a list of the possible Shares that could be found on each NAS that is used by Windows Media Center:

    Path02
    00\Wmedia
    Aa\Wmedia
    Bb\Wmedia
    Cc\Wmedia
    Dd\Wmedia
    Ee\Wmedia
    Ff\Wmedia
    Gg\Wmedia
    Hh\Wmedia
    Ii\Wmedia
    Jj\Wmedia
    Kk\Wmedia
    Ll\Wmedia
    Mm\Wmedia
    Nn\Wmedia
    Oo\Wmedia
    Pp\Wmedia
    Qq\Wmedia
    Rr\Wmedia
    Ss\WMedia.A
    Tt\Wmedia
    Uu\Wmedia
    Vv\Wmedia
    Ww\Wmedia
    Xx\Wmedia
    Yy\Wmedia
    Zz\Wmedia

    Notice, that on the Share ‘Ss’ the Directory where the Movies are located is called ‘WMedia.A’ where all others are called ‘Wmedia’ –that could have been deliberate, or error, but either way, Metadata Utility is extremely flexible to accommodate your naming conventions.

    For the ongoing example of a 2 NAS Setup with 27 Shares on each NAS (an in within these 27 different Shares are all the movies stored), then you basically have a good idea how flexible Metadata Utility can be.
    Do NOT include a Backslash at the end of Path Builder 02 as Metadata Utility will do that automatically (see in Section ‘Path’ as described before).

    While ‘Path Builder 02’ Key is opened you won’t be able to click on any other Windows that may be opened in the background. Close ‘Path Builder 02’ Key to be able to go back to any other opened windows that may be opened in the background inside ‘Metadata Utility.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Resource Path
    Metadata Utility – Resource Path

    Note: Use extreme caution before deleting ANY Path Builder 02 from the list as a deletion of a Path Builder 02 will also delete that Path Builder 02 Information from ALL Records that were linked to that Path Builder 02. This also applies to renaming an existing Path Builder 02. If you rename an existing Path Builder 02 in the list, then all records linked to that Path Builder 02 will automatically also be updated.

    Path Builder 03

    Is NOT a drop down list, but an actual Field will you will enter the exact Name of the Directory (Folder) that contains your movie.

    Metadata Utility – Main - Movie Path
    Metadata Utility – Main – Movie Path
    Metadata Utility – Select Folder
    Metadata Utility – Select Folder

    For example
    On the movie: +1 Party Invaders
    Path Builder 01: \\192.168.199.54
    Path Builder 02: 00\Wmedia
    Path Builder 03: +1.Party.Invaders

    Once clicked on the ‘Path’ Section, you will see what the complete Path will look like:

    This means that the movie ‘+1 Party Invaders’ should be located in the following path:

    \\192.168.199.54\00\Wmedia+1.Party.Invaders

    Note: Do NOT include a Backslash at the end of Path Builder 03.

    Metadata Utility – Main
    Metadata Utility – Main

    Example:

    Metadata Utility – Path
    Metadata Utility – Path
    Metadata Utility – Path - Media Location
    Metadata Utility – Path – Media Location

    Metadata Utility: Path

    Metadata Utility – Path
    Metadata Utility – Path
    Metadata Utility – Case Events
    Metadata Utility – Case Events

    Full Path:

    Shows you the Movie Path that built using Path Builder 01 + Path Builder 02 + Path Builder 03. Use this section to: double check that the Patch you built is accurate, that no double backslashes are found in within (middle) your built path –if there are, is because you added a backslash in either Path Builder 01 and/or Path Builder 02 and in such case, you need to go back, edit your entry and remove that backslash you entered– as well as checking that you did NOT entered a backslash at the end on Path Builder 03.

    A good way to check if the path you are seeing is correct, is to open the path by double clicking on the ‘Full Path’ field and let Metadata Utility open the path:

    Metadata Utility – Path
    Metadata Utility – Path
    Metadata Utility – Path - Media Location
    Metadata Utility – Path – Media Location

    If Metadata Utility is unable to open that path, then an Automatic Event will be generated indicating that the path you created is wrong and needs to be double checked and be corrected (as seen in the picture to the right showing the Automatic Case Event generated indicating the Path to the Movie could not be found –for example a cause could be that if the NAS/Partition where you have your movies is offline, then you will get that message. If you also have an error in your Path you build using Path builder, then you will see that error as your path will be wrong. In that case, then make the corrections as necessary and try again–).

    Video_TS:

    Location where the Movie Data Files are normally stored. This section is specially useful for advanced users and advanced troubleshooting.

    Folder.jpg

    Shows the path where the Thumb-nail-size Cover-Art File must be located and named.
    Note: File Name must be: Folder.jpg
    For additional details about this section, refer to: ‘Metadata Utility: Path’

    FolderL.jpg

    Shows the path where the Poster-size Cover-Art File must be located and named.
    Note: File Name must be: Folder.L.jpg
    For additional details about this section, refer to: ‘Metadata Utility: Path’

    Note: Film Duration – Metadata Utility has an already built in list from 1 to 5399 Minutes (we think that is enough as we have yet to find a Movie with 89+ Hours of length : ) ).

    XMLSmall

    Shows the path Metadata Utility will be using to generate the necessary XML File with a link the Artwork (small picture or Thumbnail size picture).

    XMLLarge

    Shows the path Metadata Utility will be using to generate the necessary XML File with a link the Artwork (large picture or Poster size picture).

    XMLLocation

    Shows the path Metadata Utility will be using to generate the necessary XML File.

    Poster Path

    Poster Path: File Name (in jpg format needed) used for Coverart download.

  • Error 2220 - Can't see Coverart (Folder.jpg/Folder.L.jpg)

    Metadata Utility can’t find Coverart File Message

    Verify that the Path of the Movie + Path for the CoverArt Files is correct.
    Verify that the NAS (or Partition) where the Movies are located is Online.
    For additional Information please look at section: ‘Metadata Utility: Path’.

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