Viewing metadata using Pinpoint and other software tools

The data that does not show up in the documents is often more important than the data in the document. How best to view and locate that meta data.

First things first, Microsoft recommends that you use the process below on a copy of your document rather than the original. The reason for this is that if you use the tool to remove data, it may not be possible to restore it afterward. So depending on the details, the inspector finds, the intent of your document, and who you plan to share it with, consider this option.

To view that hidden data, open the document you want to check and then follow these steps.

• 1. Click the File tab and select Info on the left side.

  2. Next to Inspect Document, click Check for Issues. Before you click that button, you may see details next to it with a summary of what’s been found already.

• 1. Select Inspect Document.

  2. If you have not saved your document yet, you may be prompted to do so. Choose Yes or No per your preference.

  3. When the Document Inspector displays, check the boxes for all items you want the tool to look for. You have almost a dozen categories from comments and revisions to custom XML and invisible content.

  4. Click Inspect.

You’ll then see the results of the inspection. The green checkmarks mean no items were found. The red exclamation points indicate items have been found and you’ll see exactly what those items are.

Now the ball is in your court. You can click the Remove All button next to items found to remove them from your document. Or you can Close the tool, make changes yourself, and then reinspect it.