Hello,

I'm tearing my hair out and hoping someone might be able to help me.

I have some MP3 files that just seem incapable of retaining their ID3 tags. For instance. I've just had to move some MP3s from one drive to another. As a result some of the tags have gone missing in some of the files.

I've been using a variety of tagging software to try and put them all back but sometime the tags I add take and sometimes they don't, sometimes some do in some files and other times some don't. Sometimes some/all tags can be seen in one tag editor but not in another (I do understand the version differences in ID3 tags).

It's the weirdest MP3 problem I've ever experienced.

I've tried using different versions of the ID3 tags (v1, v2 etc etc). I've tried deleting all tags and starting again (lots of times). I've tried with various tagging software:

MP3Tag
Foobar 2000
Winamp
Windows Media Player
And more.....

But always the results are flaky and inconsistent.

Can anyone suggest anything I might to? I've run out of ideas. Any suggestions will be very appreciated.

MC

I think a more structured analysis of the problem is necessary to give any advices.

I'd first check my tagging settings at 'Options > Tags > Mpeg' and make sure that all of my files only have one tag version written to the files (you can check this via the 'Tag' column or via 'Properties' from the context menu in Mp3tag). From the list of programs you're using I'd suggest writing 'ID3v2.3 with UTF-16' only (you don't need reading and writing of APEv2 tags).

After that, try to reproduce the problem again.

Hi Florian,

Thanks for this. I use your program as my MP3 tagging software of choice. IMHO it's by far the best, so thanks!

The program was already set up to read (and remove) all tags but only to write ID3v2.4 UTF-8. I have now changed this so it writes ID3v2.3 UTF-16. I have then removed all tags and attempted to add the tags back in.

And.. all seems OK! The tags are all there and they can be read correctly by Foobar, Wimamp and Windows Media Center.

I don't understand.... I've had this problem for years (and with lots of versions of MP3tag).
I have to admit to being a bit suspicious that the tags will screw up again... but will write back here if they do.

Anyway, thank you very much for your help Florian. I don't understand how this simple change could have made so much difference, but it obviously has.

MC