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April 23, 2002 12:00 AM

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

John Savill
Windows IT Pro
InstantDoc ID #24937
Rating: (4)

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

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Comments
Add A Comment
  • Anonymous User
    7 years ago
    Jan 31, 2005

    great tip! timesaver.

  • Dave
    9 years ago
    Jun 29, 2003

    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

  • Callum Alden
    10 years ago
    Oct 06, 2002

    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?

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