diff --git a/taglib/ape/apefile.cpp b/taglib/ape/apefile.cpp
index 0e7f6734..22c49356 100644
--- a/taglib/ape/apefile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/ape/apefile.cpp
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ using namespace TagLib;
 
 namespace
 {
-  enum { ApeAPEIndex, ApeID3v1Index };
+  enum { ApeAPEIndex = 0, ApeID3v1Index = 1 };
 }
 
 class APE::File::FilePrivate
@@ -218,6 +218,16 @@ void APE::File::strip(int tags)
   }
 }
 
+bool APE::File::hasAPETag() const
+{
+  return d->hasAPE;
+}
+
+bool APE::File::hasID3v1Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v1;
+}
+
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // private members
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/taglib/ape/apefile.h b/taglib/ape/apefile.h
index cbf6d810..62b328be 100644
--- a/taglib/ape/apefile.h
+++ b/taglib/ape/apefile.h
@@ -139,27 +139,38 @@ namespace TagLib {
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the ID3v1 tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
        * if there is no valid ID3v1 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist. If there is already an APE tag, the
-       * new ID3v1 tag will be placed after it.
+       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the APE::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v1 tag.  Use hasID3v1Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v1Tag()
        */
       ID3v1::Tag *ID3v1Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the APE tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
        * if there is no valid APE tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * a APE tag if one does not exist.
+       * an APE tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the APE::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an APE tag.  Use hasAPETag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an APE tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasAPETag()
        */
       APE::Tag *APETag(bool create = false);
 
@@ -173,6 +184,20 @@ namespace TagLib {
        */
       void strip(int tags = AllTags);
 
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an APE tag.
+       *
+       * \see APETag()
+       */
+      bool hasAPETag() const;
+
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v1Tag()
+       */
+      bool hasID3v1Tag() const;
+
     private:
       File(const File &);
       File &operator=(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/asf/asffile.h b/taglib/asf/asffile.h
index bbd666ff..a3c618ed 100644
--- a/taglib/asf/asffile.h
+++ b/taglib/asf/asffile.h
@@ -53,7 +53,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
        * false, \a propertiesStyle is ignored.
        *
        * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+       * read.
        */
       File(FileName file, bool readProperties = true, 
            AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle = AudioProperties::Average);
@@ -64,7 +65,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
        * false, \a propertiesStyle is ignored.
        *
        * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+       * read.
        *
        * \note TagLib will *not* take ownership of the stream, the caller is
        * responsible for deleting it after the File object.
@@ -118,7 +120,6 @@ namespace TagLib {
       virtual bool save();
 
     private:
-
       int readBYTE(bool *ok = 0);
       int readWORD(bool *ok = 0);
       unsigned int readDWORD(bool *ok = 0);
diff --git a/taglib/flac/flacfile.cpp b/taglib/flac/flacfile.cpp
index 42bd33b5..be9d77c8 100644
--- a/taglib/flac/flacfile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/flac/flacfile.cpp
@@ -510,3 +510,17 @@ void FLAC::File::removePictures()
   d->blocks = newBlocks;
 }
 
+bool FLAC::File::hasXiphComment() const
+{
+  return d->hasXiphComment;
+}
+
+bool FLAC::File::hasID3v1Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v1;
+}
+
+bool FLAC::File::hasID3v2Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v2;
+}
diff --git a/taglib/flac/flacfile.h b/taglib/flac/flacfile.h
index 8c680a32..740a2cfc 100644
--- a/taglib/flac/flacfile.h
+++ b/taglib/flac/flacfile.h
@@ -139,39 +139,57 @@ namespace TagLib {
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the ID3v2 tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this returns a null pointer
        * if there is no valid ID3v2 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an ID3v2 tag if one does not exist.
+       * an ID3v2 tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the FLAC::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v2 tag.  Use hasID3v2Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v2Tag()
        */
       ID3v2::Tag *ID3v2Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the ID3v1 tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
-       * if there is no valid ID3v1 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist.
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this returns a null pointer
+       * if there is no valid APE tag.  If \a create is true it will create
+       * an APE tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the FLAC::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v1 tag.  Use hasID3v1Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v1Tag()
        */
       ID3v1::Tag *ID3v1Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the XiphComment for the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this returns a null pointer
        * if there is no valid XiphComment.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * a XiphComment if one does not exist.
+       * a XiphComment if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has a XiphComment.  Use hasXiphComment() to check if the 
+       * file on disk actually has a XiphComment.
+       * 
        * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the FLAC::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasXiphComment()
        */
       Ogg::XiphComment *xiphComment(bool create = false);
 
@@ -208,6 +226,27 @@ namespace TagLib {
        */
       void addPicture(Picture *picture);
 
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has a XiphComment.
+       *
+       * \see xiphComment()
+       */
+      bool hasXiphComment() const;
+
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v1Tag()
+       */
+      bool hasID3v1Tag() const;
+
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v2Tag()
+       */
+      bool hasID3v2Tag() const;
+
     private:
       File(const File &);
       File &operator=(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/it/itfile.h b/taglib/it/itfile.h
index 25828b03..703f37fd 100644
--- a/taglib/it/itfile.h
+++ b/taglib/it/itfile.h
@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
          * Constructs a Impulse Tracker file from \a file.
          *
          * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+         * read.
          */
         File(FileName file, bool readProperties = true,
              AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle =
@@ -49,7 +50,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
          * Constructs a Impulse Tracker file from \a stream.
          *
          * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+         * read.
          *
          * \note TagLib will *not* take ownership of the stream, the caller is
          * responsible for deleting it after the File object.
diff --git a/taglib/mod/modfile.h b/taglib/mod/modfile.h
index 04a38a73..9164ece5 100644
--- a/taglib/mod/modfile.h
+++ b/taglib/mod/modfile.h
@@ -40,7 +40,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
        * Constructs a Protracker file from \a file.
        *
        * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+       * read.
        */
       File(FileName file, bool readProperties = true,
            AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle =
@@ -50,7 +51,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
        * Constructs a Protracker file from \a stream.
        *
        * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+       * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+       * read.
        *
        * \note TagLib will *not* take ownership of the stream, the caller is
        * responsible for deleting it after the File object.
diff --git a/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.cpp b/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.cpp
index f109e5f1..e496840a 100644
--- a/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.cpp
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ using namespace TagLib;
 
 namespace
 {
-  enum { MPCAPEIndex, MPCID3v1Index };
+  enum { MPCAPEIndex = 0, MPCID3v1Index = 1 };
 }
 
 class MPC::File::FilePrivate
@@ -239,6 +239,15 @@ void MPC::File::remove(int tags)
   strip(tags);
 }
 
+bool MPC::File::hasID3v1Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v1;
+}
+
+bool MPC::File::hasAPETag() const
+{
+  return d->hasAPE;
+}
 
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // private members
diff --git a/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.h b/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.h
index e1665690..f01ca74c 100644
--- a/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.h
+++ b/taglib/mpc/mpcfile.h
@@ -136,28 +136,39 @@ namespace TagLib {
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the ID3v1 tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
-       * if there is no valid ID3v1 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist. If there is already an APE tag, the
-       * new ID3v1 tag will be placed after it.
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this returns a null pointer
+       * if there is no valid APE tag.  If \a create is true it will create
+       * an APE tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the APE::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v1 tag.  Use hasID3v1Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v1Tag()
        */
       ID3v1::Tag *ID3v1Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the APE tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
        * if there is no valid APE tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * a APE tag if one does not exist. If there is already an ID3v1 tag, thes
-       * new APE tag will be placed before it.
+       * an APE tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.  If 
+       * there already be an ID3v1 tag, the new APE tag will be placed before it.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the APE::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an APE tag.  Use hasAPETag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an APE tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasAPETag()
        */
       APE::Tag *APETag(bool create = false);
 
@@ -178,6 +189,20 @@ namespace TagLib {
        */
       void remove(int tags = AllTags);
 
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v1Tag()
+       */
+      bool hasID3v1Tag() const;
+
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an APE tag.
+       *
+       * \see APETag()
+       */
+      bool hasAPETag() const;
+
     private:
       File(const File &);
       File &operator=(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/mpeg/mpegfile.h b/taglib/mpeg/mpegfile.h
index 03b6cab1..ba2b9f9b 100644
--- a/taglib/mpeg/mpegfile.h
+++ b/taglib/mpeg/mpegfile.h
@@ -204,39 +204,57 @@ namespace TagLib {
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the ID3v2 tag of the file.
        *
-       * A tag will always be returned, regardless of whether there is a
-       * tag in the file or not. Use ID3v2::Tag::isEmpty() to check if
-       * the tag contains no data.
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
+       * if there is no valid ID3v2 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
+       * an ID3v2 tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
+       *
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v2 tag.  Use hasID3v2Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
        *
        * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v2Tag()
        */
       ID3v2::Tag *ID3v2Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the ID3v1 tag of the file.
        *
-       * A tag will always be returned, regardless of whether there is a
-       * tag in the file or not. Use Tag::isEmpty() to check if
-       * the tag contains no data.
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
+       * if there is no valid ID3v1 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
+       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
+       *
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v1 tag.  Use hasID3v1Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
        *
        * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v1Tag()
        */
       ID3v1::Tag *ID3v1Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the APE tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
        * if there is no valid APE tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an APE tag if one does not exist.
+       * an APE tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
+       *
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an APE tag.  Use hasAPETag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an APE tag.
        *
        * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasAPETag()
        */
       APE::Tag *APETag(bool create = false);
 
@@ -293,17 +311,23 @@ namespace TagLib {
       offset_t lastFrameOffset();
 
       /*!
-       * Returns whether or not the file on disk contains ID3v1 tag.
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v1Tag()
        */
       bool hasID3v1Tag() const;
 
       /*!
-       * Returns whether or not the file on disk contains ID3v2 tag.
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v2Tag()
        */
       bool hasID3v2Tag() const;
 
       /*!
-       * Returns whether or not the file on disk contains APE tag.
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an APE tag.
+       *
+       * \see APETag()
        */
       bool hasAPETag() const;
 
diff --git a/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.cpp b/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.cpp
index 7bb60a55..efc248bc 100644
--- a/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.cpp
@@ -137,6 +137,11 @@ bool Ogg::FLAC::File::save()
   return Ogg::File::save();
 }
 
+bool Ogg::FLAC::File::hasXiphComment() const
+{
+  return d->hasXiphComment;
+}
+
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // private members
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.h b/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.h
index 148743a0..950fbb07 100644
--- a/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.h
+++ b/taglib/ogg/flac/oggflacfile.h
@@ -91,11 +91,19 @@ namespace TagLib {
 
       /*!
        * Returns the Tag for this file.  This will always be a XiphComment.
+       *
+       * \note This always returns a valid pointer regardless of whether or not 
+       * the file on disk has a XiphComment.  Use hasXiphComment() to check if 
+       * the file on disk actually has a XiphComment.
+       * 
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the FLAC::File and should not be
+       * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
+       * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasXiphComment()
        */
       virtual XiphComment *tag() const;
 
-
-
       /*!
        * Returns the FLAC::Properties for this file.  If no audio properties
        * were read then this will return a null pointer.
@@ -128,6 +136,13 @@ namespace TagLib {
        */
       offset_t streamLength();
 
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has a XiphComment.
+       *
+       * \see tag()
+       */
+      bool hasXiphComment() const;
+
     private:
       File(const File &);
       File &operator=(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/ogg/oggfile.h b/taglib/ogg/oggfile.h
index b36daecb..8fed4ba0 100644
--- a/taglib/ogg/oggfile.h
+++ b/taglib/ogg/oggfile.h
@@ -82,9 +82,7 @@ namespace TagLib {
 
     protected:
       /*!
-       * Contructs an Ogg file from \a file.  If \a readProperties is true the
-       * file's audio properties will also be read using \a propertiesStyle.  If
-       * false, \a propertiesStyle is ignored.
+       * Constructs an Ogg file from \a file.
        *
        * \note This constructor is protected since Ogg::File shouldn't be
        * instantiated directly but rather should be used through the codec
@@ -93,9 +91,7 @@ namespace TagLib {
       File(FileName file);
 
       /*!
-       * Contructs an Ogg file from \a file.  If \a readProperties is true the
-       * file's audio properties will also be read using \a propertiesStyle.  If
-       * false, \a propertiesStyle is ignored.
+       * Constructs an Ogg file from \a stream.
        *
        * \note This constructor is protected since Ogg::File shouldn't be
        * instantiated directly but rather should be used through the codec
diff --git a/taglib/ogg/opus/opusfile.cpp b/taglib/ogg/opus/opusfile.cpp
index 135e19b7..7f7e3e78 100644
--- a/taglib/ogg/opus/opusfile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/ogg/opus/opusfile.cpp
@@ -59,18 +59,20 @@ public:
 // public members
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-Opus::File::File(FileName file, bool readProperties,
-                   AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle) : Ogg::File(file)
+Opus::File::File(FileName file, bool readProperties, AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle) :
+  Ogg::File(file),
+  d(new FilePrivate())
 {
-  d = new FilePrivate;
-  read(readProperties, propertiesStyle);
+  if(isOpen())
+    read(readProperties, propertiesStyle);
 }
 
-Opus::File::File(IOStream *stream, bool readProperties,
-                   AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle) : Ogg::File(stream)
+Opus::File::File(IOStream *stream, bool readProperties, AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle) :
+  Ogg::File(stream),
+  d(new FilePrivate())
 {
-  d = new FilePrivate;
-  read(readProperties, propertiesStyle);
+  if(isOpen())
+    read(readProperties, propertiesStyle);
 }
 
 Opus::File::~File()
diff --git a/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.cpp b/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.cpp
index 605fbb13..dd81abd3 100644
--- a/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.cpp
@@ -123,6 +123,7 @@ bool RIFF::AIFF::File::save()
   return true;
 }
 
+
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // private members
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.h b/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.h
index cd584b18..6686d6de 100644
--- a/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.h
+++ b/taglib/riff/aiff/aifffile.h
@@ -85,6 +85,12 @@ namespace TagLib {
 
         /*!
          * Returns the Tag for this file.
+         *
+         * \note This always returns a valid pointer regardless of whether or not 
+         * the file on disk has an ID3v2 tag.  Use hasID3v2Tag() to check if the file 
+         * on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+         *
+         * \see hasID3v2Tag()
          */
         virtual ID3v2::Tag *tag() const;
 
@@ -113,6 +119,13 @@ namespace TagLib {
          */
         virtual bool save();
 
+        /*!
+         * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+         *
+         * \see ID3v2Tag()
+         */
+        bool hasID3v2Tag() const;
+
       private:
         File(const File &);
         File &operator=(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.cpp b/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.cpp
index 50769409..882c7ed5 100644
--- a/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.cpp
@@ -45,7 +45,9 @@ class RIFF::WAV::File::FilePrivate
 public:
   FilePrivate() :
     properties(0),
-    tagChunkID("ID3 ")
+    tagChunkID("ID3 "),
+    hasID3v2(false),
+    hasInfo(false)
   {
   }
 
@@ -59,6 +61,9 @@ public:
   ByteVector tagChunkID;
 
   DoubleTagUnion tag;
+
+  bool hasID3v2;
+  bool hasInfo;
 };
 
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -143,8 +148,10 @@ bool RIFF::WAV::File::save(TagTypes tags, bool stripOthers, int id3v2Version)
 
   ID3v2::Tag *id3v2tag = d->tag.access<ID3v2::Tag>(ID3v2Index, false);
   if(!id3v2tag->isEmpty()) {
-    if(tags & ID3v2)
+    if(tags & ID3v2) {
       setChunkData(d->tagChunkID, id3v2tag->render(id3v2Version));
+      d->hasID3v2 = true;
+    }
   }
 
   Info::Tag *infotag = d->tag.access<Info::Tag>(InfoIndex, false);
@@ -155,12 +162,24 @@ bool RIFF::WAV::File::save(TagTypes tags, bool stripOthers, int id3v2Version)
         setChunkData(chunkId, infotag->render());
       else
         setChunkData("LIST", infotag->render(), true);
+
+      d->hasInfo = true;
     }
   }
 
   return true;
 }
 
+bool RIFF::WAV::File::hasID3v2Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v2;
+}
+
+bool RIFF::WAV::File::hasInfoTag() const
+{
+  return d->hasInfo;
+}
+
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // private members
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -174,6 +193,7 @@ void RIFF::WAV::File::read(bool readProperties, AudioProperties::ReadStyle prope
     if(name == "ID3 " || name == "id3 ") {
       d->tagChunkID = chunkName(i);
       d->tag.set(ID3v2Index, new ID3v2::Tag(this, chunkOffset(i)));
+      d->hasID3v2 = true;
     }
     else if(name == "fmt " && readProperties)
       formatData = chunkData(i);
@@ -183,8 +203,10 @@ void RIFF::WAV::File::read(bool readProperties, AudioProperties::ReadStyle prope
       ByteVector data = chunkData(i);
       ByteVector type = data.mid(0, 4);
 
-      if(type == "INFO")
+      if(type == "INFO") {
         d->tag.set(InfoIndex, new RIFF::Info::Tag(data));
+        d->hasInfo = true;
+      }
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.h b/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.h
index 961703d0..11ace2b5 100644
--- a/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.h
+++ b/taglib/riff/wav/wavfile.h
@@ -103,11 +103,23 @@ namespace TagLib {
 
         /*!
          * Returns the ID3v2 Tag for this file.
+         *
+         * \note This always returns a valid pointer regardless of whether or not 
+         * the file on disk has an ID3v2 tag.  Use hasID3v2Tag() to check if the 
+         * file on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+         *
+         * \see hasID3v2Tag()
          */
         ID3v2::Tag *ID3v2Tag() const;
 
         /*!
          * Returns the RIFF INFO Tag for this file.
+         *
+         * \note This always returns a valid pointer regardless of whether or not 
+         * the file on disk has a RIFF INFO tag.  Use hasInfoTag() to check if the 
+         * file on disk actually has a RIFF INFO tag.
+         *
+         * \see hasInfoTag()
          */
         Info::Tag *InfoTag() const;
 
@@ -137,6 +149,20 @@ namespace TagLib {
         virtual bool save();
 
         bool save(TagTypes tags, bool stripOthers = true, int id3v2Version = 4);
+        
+        /*!
+         * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+         *
+         * \see ID3v2Tag()
+         */
+        bool hasID3v2Tag() const;
+
+        /*!
+         * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has a RIFF INFO tag.
+         *
+         * \see InfoTag()
+         */
+        bool hasInfoTag() const;
 
       private:
         File(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/s3m/s3mfile.h b/taglib/s3m/s3mfile.h
index 5fedc92e..d2d98fea 100644
--- a/taglib/s3m/s3mfile.h
+++ b/taglib/s3m/s3mfile.h
@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
          * Constructs a ScreamTracker III from \a file.
          *
          * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+         * read.
          */
         File(FileName file, bool readProperties = true,
              AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle =
@@ -49,7 +50,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
          * Constructs a ScreamTracker III file from \a stream.
          *
          * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+         * read.
          *
          * \note TagLib will *not* take ownership of the stream, the caller is
          * responsible for deleting it after the File object.
diff --git a/taglib/toolkit/tstring.cpp b/taglib/toolkit/tstring.cpp
index 373d533f..34481ca7 100644
--- a/taglib/toolkit/tstring.cpp
+++ b/taglib/toolkit/tstring.cpp
@@ -311,6 +311,11 @@ const char *String::toCString(bool unicode) const
   return d->cstring->c_str();
 }
 
+const wchar_t *String::toCWString() const
+{
+  return d->data.c_str();
+}
+
 String::Iterator String::begin()
 {
   return d->data->begin();
diff --git a/taglib/toolkit/tstring.h b/taglib/toolkit/tstring.h
index b463eff2..32860e19 100644
--- a/taglib/toolkit/tstring.h
+++ b/taglib/toolkit/tstring.h
@@ -173,34 +173,59 @@ namespace TagLib {
     virtual ~String();
 
     /*!
-     * If \a unicode if false (the default) this will return a \e Latin1 encoded
-     * std::string.  If it is true the returned std::std::wstring will be UTF-8
-     * encoded.
+     * Returns a deep copy of this String as an std::string.  The returned string 
+     * is encoded in UTF8 if \a unicode is true, otherwise Latin1.
+     *
+     * \see toCString()
      */
     std::string to8Bit(bool unicode = false) const;
 
     /*!
-     * Returns a std::wstring version of the TagLib string as a wide string.
+     * Returns a deep copy of this String as a wstring.  The returned string is 
+     * encoded in UTF-16 (without BOM/CPU byte order).
+     *
+     * \see toCWString()
      */
     const std::wstring &toWString() const;
 
     /*!
-     * Creates and returns a C-String based on the data.  This string is still
-     * owned by the String (class) and as such should not be deleted by the user.
+     * Creates and returns a standard C-style (null-terminated) version of this 
+     * String.  The returned string is encoded in UTF8 if \a unicode is true, 
+     * otherwise Latin1.
+     * 
+     * The returned string is still owned by this String and should not be deleted 
+     * by the user.
      *
-     * If \a unicode if false (the default) this string will be encoded in
-     * \e Latin1.  If it is true the returned C-String will be UTF-8 encoded.
+     * The returned pointer remains valid until this String instance is destroyed 
+     * or toCString() is called again.
      *
-     * This string remains valid until the String instance is destroyed or
-     * another export method is called.
-     *
-     * \warning This however has the side effect that this C-String will remain
-     * in memory <b>in addition to</b> other memory that is consumed by the
+     * \warning This however has the side effect that the returned string will remain
+     * in memory <b>in addition to</b> other memory that is consumed by this 
      * String instance.  So, this method should not be used on large strings or
-     * where memory is critical.
+     * where memory is critical.  Consider using to8Bit() instead to avoid it.
+     *
+     * \see to8Bit()
      */
     const char *toCString(bool unicode = false) const;
-
+    
+    /*!
+     * Returns a standard C-style (null-terminated) wide character version of 
+     * this String.  The returned string is encoded in UTF-16 (without BOM/CPU byte 
+     * order).
+     * 
+     * The returned string is still owned by this String and should not be deleted 
+     * by the user.
+     *
+     * The returned pointer remains valid until this String instance is destroyed 
+     * or any other method of this String is called.
+     *
+     * /note This returns a pointer to the String's internal data without any 
+     * conversions.
+     *
+     * \see toWString()
+     */
+    const wchar_t *toCWString() const;
+    
     /*!
      * Returns an iterator pointing to the beginning of the string.
      */
diff --git a/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.cpp b/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.cpp
index 93bf7183..dad08006 100644
--- a/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.cpp
@@ -219,6 +219,16 @@ void TrueAudio::File::strip(int tags)
   }
 }
 
+bool TrueAudio::File::hasID3v1Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v1;
+}
+
+bool TrueAudio::File::hasID3v2Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v2;
+}
+
 
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // private members
diff --git a/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.h b/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.h
index d9fa5a4f..c3b7118f 100644
--- a/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.h
+++ b/taglib/trueaudio/trueaudiofile.h
@@ -164,30 +164,40 @@ namespace TagLib {
       virtual bool save();
 
       /*!
-       * Returns a pointer to the ID3v2 tag of the file.
+       * Returns a pointer to the ID3v1 tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
-       * if there is no valid ID3v2 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist. If there is already an APE tag, the
-       * new ID3v1 tag will be placed after it.
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
+       * if there is no valid ID3v1 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
+       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the TrueAudio::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v1 tag.  Use hasID3v1Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v1Tag()
        */
       ID3v1::Tag *ID3v1Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
-       * Returns a pointer to the ID3v1 tag of the file.
+       * Returns a pointer to the ID3v2 tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
-       * if there is no valid ID3v1 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist. If there is already an APE tag, the
-       * new ID3v1 tag will be placed after it.
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
+       * if there is no valid ID3v2 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
+       * an ID3v2 tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the TrueAudio::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v2 tag.  Use hasID3v2Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v2Tag()
        */
       ID3v2::Tag *ID3v2Tag(bool create = false);
 
@@ -200,7 +210,21 @@ namespace TagLib {
        * \note In order to make the removal permanent save() still needs to be called
        */
       void strip(int tags = AllTags);
+      
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v1Tag()
+       */
+      bool hasID3v1Tag() const;
 
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v2 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v2Tag()
+       */
+      bool hasID3v2Tag() const;
+    
     private:
       File(const File &);
       File &operator=(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.cpp b/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.cpp
index b174ef53..a560e90d 100644
--- a/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.cpp
+++ b/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.cpp
@@ -214,6 +214,16 @@ void WavPack::File::strip(int tags)
   }
 }
 
+bool WavPack::File::hasID3v1Tag() const
+{
+  return d->hasID3v1;
+}
+
+bool WavPack::File::hasAPETag() const
+{
+  return d->hasAPE;
+}
+
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // private members
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.h b/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.h
index e10c651d..6faa1580 100644
--- a/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.h
+++ b/taglib/wavpack/wavpackfile.h
@@ -84,7 +84,6 @@ namespace TagLib {
        * file's audio properties will also be read using \a propertiesStyle.  If
        * false, \a propertiesStyle is ignored
        */
-
       File(FileName file, bool readProperties = true,
            AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle = AudioProperties::Average);
 
@@ -131,27 +130,38 @@ namespace TagLib {
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the ID3v1 tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
        * if there is no valid ID3v1 tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist. If there is already an APE tag, the
-       * new ID3v1 tag will be placed after it.
+       * an ID3v1 tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the APE::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an ID3v1 tag.  Use hasID3v1Tag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasID3v1Tag()
        */
       ID3v1::Tag *ID3v1Tag(bool create = false);
 
       /*!
        * Returns a pointer to the APE tag of the file.
        *
-       * If \a create is false (the default) this will return a null pointer
+       * If \a create is false (the default) this may return a null pointer
        * if there is no valid APE tag.  If \a create is true it will create
-       * a APE tag if one does not exist.
+       * an APE tag if one does not exist and returns a valid pointer.
        *
-       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the APE::File and should not be
+       * \note This may return a valid pointer regardless of whether or not the 
+       * file on disk has an APE tag.  Use hasAPETag() to check if the file 
+       * on disk actually has an APE tag.
+       *
+       * \note The Tag <b>is still</b> owned by the MPEG::File and should not be
        * deleted by the user.  It will be deleted when the file (object) is
        * destroyed.
+       *
+       * \see hasAPETag()
        */
       APE::Tag *APETag(bool create = false);
 
@@ -164,7 +174,21 @@ namespace TagLib {
        * \note In order to make the removal permanent save() still needs to be called
        */
       void strip(int tags = AllTags);
+      
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an ID3v1 tag.
+       *
+       * \see ID3v1Tag()
+       */
+      bool hasID3v1Tag() const;
 
+      /*!
+       * Returns whether or not the file on disk actually has an APE tag.
+       *
+       * \see APETag()
+       */
+      bool hasAPETag() const;
+    
     private:
       File(const File &);
       File &operator=(const File &);
diff --git a/taglib/xm/xmfile.h b/taglib/xm/xmfile.h
index a8f8f1e6..8ba67ad4 100644
--- a/taglib/xm/xmfile.h
+++ b/taglib/xm/xmfile.h
@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
          * Constructs an Extended Module file from \a file.
          *
          * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+         * read.
          */
         File(FileName file, bool readProperties = true,
              AudioProperties::ReadStyle propertiesStyle =
@@ -49,7 +50,8 @@ namespace TagLib {
          * Constructs an Extended Module file from \a stream.
          *
          * \note In the current implementation, both \a readProperties and
-         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.
+         * \a propertiesStyle are ignored.  The audio properties are always
+         * read.
          *
          * \note TagLib will *not* take ownership of the stream, the caller is
          * responsible for deleting it after the File object.
diff --git a/tests/data/no-extension b/tests/data/no-extension
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..65f57c2e
Binary files /dev/null and b/tests/data/no-extension differ
diff --git a/tests/data/unsupported-extension.xxx b/tests/data/unsupported-extension.xxx
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..65f57c2e
Binary files /dev/null and b/tests/data/unsupported-extension.xxx differ
diff --git a/tests/test_fileref.cpp b/tests/test_fileref.cpp
index 8cf1e8df..692013e6 100644
--- a/tests/test_fileref.cpp
+++ b/tests/test_fileref.cpp
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ class TestFileRef : public CppUnit::TestFixture
   CPPUNIT_TEST(testTrueAudio);
   CPPUNIT_TEST(testAPE);
   CPPUNIT_TEST(testWav);
+  CPPUNIT_TEST(testUnsupported);
   CPPUNIT_TEST_SUITE_END();
 
 public:
@@ -172,6 +173,15 @@ public:
   {
     fileRefSave("mac-399", ".ape");
   }
+
+  void testUnsupported()
+  {
+    FileRef f1(TEST_FILE_PATH_C("no-extension"));
+    CPPUNIT_ASSERT(f1.isNull());
+    
+    FileRef f2(TEST_FILE_PATH_C("unsupported-extension.xxx"));
+    CPPUNIT_ASSERT(f2.isNull());
+  }
 };
 
 CPPUNIT_TEST_SUITE_REGISTRATION(TestFileRef);
diff --git a/tests/test_string.cpp b/tests/test_string.cpp
index ae4ccedf..8bd8b236 100644
--- a/tests/test_string.cpp
+++ b/tests/test_string.cpp
@@ -72,6 +72,9 @@ public:
     String unicode2(unicode.to8Bit(true), String::UTF8);
     CPPUNIT_ASSERT(unicode == unicode2);
 
+	String unicode3(L"\u65E5\u672C\u8A9E");
+	CPPUNIT_ASSERT(*(unicode3.toCWString() + 1) == L'\u672C');
+
     CPPUNIT_ASSERT(strcmp(String::number(0).toCString(), "0") == 0);
     CPPUNIT_ASSERT(strcmp(String::number(12345678).toCString(), "12345678") == 0);
     CPPUNIT_ASSERT(strcmp(String::number(-12345678).toCString(), "-12345678") == 0);