Windows IT Pro is the leading independent community for IT professionals deploying Microsoft Windows server and client applications and technologies.
  
  
  Advanced Search 


April 23, 2002

How can I perform a bulk file rename in Windows XP?

RSS
Subscribe to Windows IT Pro | See More Tips Articles Here | Reprints | Or get the Monthly Online Pass—only $5.95 a month!

A. XP lets you rename files in bulk by simply selecting multiple files within Explorer and pressing the F2 key. When you use this feature, the OS applies the name you enter to the first file and applies the same name with a number in brackets to the other files you selected (the file extensions remain unchanged). For example, if you select the following files,

  • notes.doc
  • figures.xls
  • disney.jpg
  • holiday.gif
and renamed the first file (notes.doc) to file.doc, XP would rename the remaining files as follows:
  • file (1).xls
  • file (2).jpg
  • file (3).gif

End of Article



Reader Comments
What if, however I want to rename bulk files for use on the Internet, where brackets cause trouble in file names, with FTP servers and such?

Callum Alden October 06, 2002


Man, is this great or what? When I downloaded my digital camera prior to this trick every time naming files was done manually. It was a drag doing dozens of files. I'd buy you a beer for this trick. Thanks, Dave

dave June 29, 2003


great tip! timesaver.

Anonymous User January 31, 2005


You must be a registered user or online subscriber to comment on this article. Please log on before posting a comment. Are you a new visitor? Register now




Top Viewed ArticlesView all articles
Confirmed: Battery Life Issues Not Windows 7's Fault

Microsoft on Monday issued a lengthy statement about the recent Windows 7 battery controversy, echoing my assessment from earlier in the day, but backing it up with hard, cold evidence. ...

Microsoft Warns of Windows Version Expirations

Microsoft warned that this year will see three out-of-date Windows versions slip into retirement. ...

Battery Life Issues Almost Certainly Not Windows 7's Fault

While Microsoft is still investigating a notebook battery life issue that was supposedly caused by Windows 7, some interesting trends have emerged. ...


Related Events 7 Ways To Get More From Your SharePoint Deployment Now

Check out our list of Free Email Newsletters!

Related Resources Introducing Left-Brain.com, the online IT bookstore
Looking for books, CDs, toolkits, eBooks? Prime your mind at Left-Brain.com

Discover Windows IT Pro eLearning Series!
Clear & detailed technical information and helpful how-to's, all in our trademark no-nonsense format


Windows IT Pro Home Register FAQ for Windows WinInfo News
Europe Edition About Us Contact Us/Customer Service Media Kit Affiliates / Licensing  
SQL Server Magazine Office & SharePoint Pro DevProConnections IT Job Hound
Left-Brain.com Technology Resource Directory asp.netPRO ITTV Windows SuperSite 
 
 Windows IT Pro is a Division of Penton Media Inc.
 © 2010 Penton Media, Inc. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement