How do I re-name a batch of files?

Question

I've tried selecting all, then re-name them, but they keep the original name just with a number 1 in a bracket. Please help

Answer 1

Well, you can't rename them all at once, because you'd have to specify a new name for each one separately anyway. So, you are going ot have to pick them one by one and rename.

Answer 2

It does depend on your requirements. If you have 500+ files that all need renaming, you are best off writing a small script to do it for you while you make yourself a coffee. "Perl" is a good script language, but if you are on a Un*x system, then "Bash" will work just as well.

If you aren't into script programming, you can write a program in any language that will serve your needs.

There may very well be some applications written already that do this stuff, and it might be an idea to have a look on google. However, you are then stuck with the limitations of that particular application.

:-)

Answer 3

You can rename a whole load of files at a time in Windows XP. Highlight all the files you want to rename, rightclick and choose rename. Choose a name eg ben.jpg (don't forget the file extension) The files will be named ben1.jpg ben2.jpg etc automatically

Answer 4

Highlight the file in my documents, or wherever you have saved the file, right mouse click, and you will see a pane, choose the rename option, rename the file and click ok, if successfull, you cane use the same process for the others

Answer 5

Have you tried going into windows explorer. selecting one file at a time, right click, rename.

Answer 6

Some files, like system files, you can not rename. Otherwise they might be being used elswhere.

Answer 7

Some good freeware to do it....


http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/renamers/