When opening properties on a placeholder for an archived file it is recalled from the Enterprise Vault (EV) server.

The file is recalled to the file system because a request has been made for additional information that the placeholder does not contain.  Certain types of files will show a Compatibility tab when opening the Properties on the file.  The file header is required to show this information and is the reason the file is recalled.  The request for the information comes from Explorer.exe which causes the recall to occur.  Below are some of the file types that will show a Compatibility tab.

In Figure 1 the Properties on a .exe file shows the Compatibility tab and the Size on disk displays the full size of the file.  This is due to the file being recalled to the file system as seen in the file name showing above the Properties window.  The file no longer displays the placeholder icon.  
 
Figure 1
 


In Figure 2 there is no Compatibility tab and the Size on disk displays the size of the placeholder and not the actual file size.  The file has not been recalled to the file system as seen in the file name showing above the Properties window.  The file still displays the placeholder icon.

Figure 2