Renaming

hartlyn1 · 15 Apr 2011

Shawn,
You brought me to Windows 7 Forums by telling me how to very simply do something scores of others insisted could not be done (Windows Explorer Auto Arrange - Disable).
I have another simple question that all the responders here say "it can't be done"
...despite my having been able to do it for over a year now.
The problem is it has recently stopped doing it.
I have been able to retain the original sequencing (numerical or alphabetical) when I do multiple renames within a folder since shifting to Windows 7. That capacity has stopped recently and I don't know why, or how to restore it. I've addressed this to you because ALL the responders here have told me that what I have been doing for a year now cannot be done. They will obviously be of no use in helping me to restore something now gone missing when they (wrongly) insist it doesn't exist.
Can you help?
Hartlyn

Continued from: renaming files - Vista Forums

Brink · 15 Apr 2011

Hello Hartlyn,

You might see if doing a system restore using a restore point (if available) dated when you were able to do it to see if you may still be able to afterwards.

Thorsen · 15 Apr 2011

Although I hate to say it... maybe a third party software is needed. I read your other thread and do find this weird. I have seen a few minor problems in Win7 but I would expect the sequence to be retained. I just tried this and found the same result. when renaming multiple file types, they are sorted by file type and named the same ex. red(1).txt red(1).html, red(2).html..... etc.

I looked, but have not tried this software yet....

Introduction - Bulk Rename Utility

hartlyn1 · 15 Apr 2011

Shawn,
Thank you for getting back to me. I hope the new thread/ personal appeal was not a breach of forum etiquette, but I was getting idiotic responses.
My thought is that the application of the “auto-arrange – disable” that you originally showed me how to do created the change. The timing is similar.
If so…if I do a system reset I will lose the auto-arrange – disable that I value. It might come down to a choice between the two. As it stands: the multiple-rename works except for distinguishing between file types (JPGs and TIFs). That is what has been lost (the capacity to combine file types in a sequencing adoption). If there is a way around that (subordinate the type to the numerical antecedent) I am home free. What do you think?
Ineffably,
Hartlyn

hartlyn1 · 15 Apr 2011

Thorsen,
Thank you. Bulk Rename Utility is my fall back plan. But because I was able to do it before without a 3rd party I haven't given up yet on returning to the fold.
Effulgence,
Hartlyn

Brink · 15 Apr 2011

Hartlyn,

I think that you might give the program that Thorsen posted above a try to see how it may work for you.

If the restore point was dated before you applied the “auto-arrange – disable”, then yes it will undo it as well. However, you could just as easily reapply it again afterwards.

Thorsen · 15 Apr 2011

Ok well..... that utility works, but is a little complex looking. If you look at my screenshot below I can give you an example.

Select/highlight the files you want to rename and then in the options below, type in the original you want replaced (red) and the new type (Blue).... you then click on the rename button in the lower right corner.

you might have to play around with some of the features to get it to work for different types of file names, but it keeps the order that you have them arranged without looking at file types for renaming sequence.

Here is screenshot

Thorsen · 15 Apr 2011

Understood Hartlyn and as I said I reluctantly suggest a third party app. I know you want this to work the way it should. Not sure why it is doing the rename in this fashion. I really don't....

I have tried to rename things in the past, but never looked closely at what I was doing.... My computer acts as such. I tested and saw the same results you are describing. I don't know if mine ever worked any differently though.

I hope a restore corrects it and if not, the bulk rename utility can do what you need and as complex as it is, it is very useful looking. (a bit intimidating though....)

allend66 · 16 Apr 2011

Just a suggestion - File menu tools from lopesoft has an advanced renamer. insert, delete, substitute, wild cards etc. not as intimidating as bilk rename util.

MrNeeds · 16 Apr 2011

Hartlyn, my post wasn't meant to offend, it was merely to say that I do not know of windows vista to do anything like that, since I don't use win7 I couldn't confirm it, I do a service for free, not a disservice at a price, I could keep my knowledge to myself but I share with others, I did this with you and you did not appreciate but instead you attacked, sorry I couldn't help you, but next time when someone try's to help, please don't insult them, because my intention was to help...