Random tracks displaying incorrect artist info

[claudius06]

Hello Bernd,
For some time now (unfortunately I can’t be precise about the date), I’ve noticed that some songs display only the title, with a number shown instead of the artist. If I check in the Metadata Editor, the information appears normal—the artist is correctly listed. And it only affects a few songs at random. Do you have any idea what might be causing this issue?
Thank you for your help.
Claude.

[radio42]

No, I have never experienced something like this. Probably incorrect meta data tags inside the file?
Or you are using external .pfmd files and direct TAG data inside the file both in parallel, which have different values?
If you can send me such audio file, I can take a look…

[claudius06]

I sometimes use both external .pfmd files and direct TAGs—probably with the same information. I might have an idea: I’ve noticed that when I’m in MetaDataEditor, if I select one or more tracks, then go to Selection → Rename file from TAG, the information gets updated. Based on that, I was thinking it might be enough to select my entire folder (3,000 tracks) and run that action. What do you think?

[radio42]

Can you explain, why you use both? This is not recommended, as it always gives issues.
However, I assume, that this explains your issue as said above.

The "Rename file from TAG" basically ensures, that all TAGs are read in and then renames the files accordingly to your pattern. I.e. it removes the old and adds the new file. but TAGs itself are not changed. But if it helps...okay.

But I still recommend NOT to use both in parallel. So for what do you use the .pfmd file at all?

[claudius06]

It’s not intentional, I do it by mistake. In the end, what is the best practice? TAG data inside the file or external .pfmd file?

[radio42]

TAG Data inside the files is the default and recommended.

By default the use of .pfmd is even disabled. So you can turn this off and simply delete the .pfmd files.