Open Source tool (read: free) to extract metadata from Word

To see what is different between two files I use Compare It!

If you just have the current file, here is a quick reference on Metadata The Mysterious World of Metadata
B. Metadata You Might Find - Microsoft Word Example

Microsoft Word metadata gets the bulk of the attention these days, so let's take a closer look at it. Do you know how to check for metadata in Word documents? Microsoft's website is a useful resource for information about this hidden data.

1. Document Properties

Even if they are aware of metadata being created and associated with a document, many people do not realize how simple it is to view the metadata in documents. We will not go into much detail here, but spending 5 to 10 minutes under the Help menu in Word or on Google will open up new worlds for you.

For a quick example, simply open a Microsoft Word document and click on "Properties" under the "File" menu. You'll find a screen that will allow you to see the wide range of metadata that is and can be associated with a Word document. People have been embarrassed by nearly all of these items, from revealing that someone outside the firm was the original author of an agreement to showing only a few minutes of actual editing time on a document for which many hours of time was charged for preparation. Again, it's not so much the information itself – it's the context that matters.

2. Track Changes and Comments

Everyone's favorite forms of metadata are "Track Changes" and comments. An opposing party or even a judge can turn the "Track Changes" back on in a document after you thought you turned them off. There are lots of embarrassing and costly examples I'm sure that you have heard about. The sensitivity of this information is obvious.
You simply must learn how these features work and what precautions to take. Note that Office 2003 has built in some warnings and settings to help you out. Note too that you can set up Word to reveal hidden information in documents, which helps you see what is in your documents and, of course, will let you see what might be in documents that are sent to you.

3. Earlier Edits and Versions

If you are not careful about default settings, you may find other surprises. Earlier versions might be included as part of the final document you send, even if you use Adobe Acrobat to create a PDF file as a way to remove metadata. In certain situations, a Word document might contain information to allow someone else to use the "undo" feature to reveal changes and revisions.

And with a nod to H, check out these articles on his blog More on Word Metadata and Yet, even more on Word metadata

3. Earlier Edits and Versions

If you are not careful about default settings, you may find other surprises. Earlier versions might be included as part of the final document you send, even if you use Adobe Acrobat to create a PDF file as a way to remove metadata. In certain situations, a Word document might contain information to allow someone else to use the "undo" feature to reveal changes and revisions.

Thanks, this is the portion that is of direct interest to me… what tool can I use to be able to retrieve past versions of a document? I need to see what changes have been made to it. I hope I am explaining clearly what I need )

The versioning is actually stored as part of the document. The metadata just tells you that it is there.

Working with Document Versions

yep, I looked there but there's no other version in there that I can switch to… and since clicking on track changes does not display any, does that mean that it's a no go for this file?

Hello RedCellSecurity,

If you need a quick tool you should look at DocScrubber. You can find this tool at http//www.docscrubber.com/

I've used it in a few cases myself. Important is the fact you can save the metadata to show / confront your boss. Below is an example of the output from DocScrubber from blair.doc
More information about the 2003 investigation of this document can be found at http//www.computerbytesman.com/privacy/blair.htm

DOC SCRUBBER v1.1
Analysis Performed at 214924 on 5-1-2008
File Analyzed F\Downloads\blair.doc

Title Iraq- ITS INFRASTRUCTURE OF CONCEALMENT, DECEPTION AND INTIMIDATION
Author default
Company default
Keywords
Subject
Comments
Template Used Normal.dot
Application Microsoft Word 8.0
Created 3-2-2003 103100
Last Saved 3-2-2003 121800
Last Edited By MKhan
Last Printed 30-1-2003 223300
Page Count 1
Word Count 3875
Character Count 22090
Revision Count 4
Unique Identifier (GUID) {5E2C2E6C-8A16-46F3-8843-7F739FA12901}
Recent Hyperlinks List Not Found.

Revision Log Found 10 hidden revision(s)
"cic22" edited file "C\DOCUME~1\phamill\LOCALS~1\Temp\AutoRecovery save of Iraq - security.asd"
"cic22" edited file "C\DOCUME~1\phamill\LOCALS~1\Temp\AutoRecovery save of Iraq - security.asd"
"cic22" edited file "C\DOCUME~1\phamill\LOCALS~1\Temp\AutoRecovery save of Iraq - security.asd"
"JPratt" edited file "C\TEMP\Iraq - security.doc"
"JPratt" edited file "A\Iraq - security.doc"
"ablackshaw" edited file "C\ABlackshaw\Iraq - security.doc"
"ablackshaw" edited file "C\ABlackshaw\A;Iraq - security.doc"
"ablackshaw" edited file "A\Iraq - security.doc"
"MKhan" edited file "C\TEMP\Iraq - security.doc"
"MKhan" edited file "C\WINNT\Profiles\mkhan\Desktop\Iraq.doc"

Thanks, I will look into this tool…

I remember that bitform discover was good to find hidden in word.

That was free software made by java.

But there is no way to get the file in these days depite of Google.

Is there anyone who still have this setup file for windows?

I hope someone still have. If so, plz send to email "kshksh@hitel.net".

Thanks~!