Finding a specific file within a long directory of files can be difficult when the filename doesn't make the author, or subject obvious.  Here's how to determine the Author and Subject of a file without ever having to open it.

Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to view file details, and as you move your mouse over the filename, an information balloon will appear and display: Type, Author, Title, Subject, Notes, Date and Size of the file.  See image below.

If no other field information was entered the balloon will display Type, Date and Size.  To be more useful I recommend completing the fields for Title, Subject and Author. You can access the document properties from File/Properties.  See image below.

This aid in Windows XP works with all the Microsoft Office Products, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.  In fact, it works with many other file types too.  I hope this saves you time on your next file search...