Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Bulk Rename Utility How-To's

Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby Troy2207 » Thu Apr 23, 2020 2:24 pm

This ought to be easy, but I am having difficulty with the huge number of options in the GUI. I have the same file in multiple subdirectories all within the same parent directory. I want to rename. For example, I need to change:

C:\DirA\Dir1\Filename1.pdf
C:\DirA\Dir2\Filename1.pdf
C:\DirA\Dir3\Filename1.pdf

to:

C:\DirA\Dir1\Filename2.pdf
C:\DirA\Dir2\Filename2.pdf
C:\DirA\Dir3\Filename2.pdf

I have tried putting the file name and the replacement filename in various boxes, but obviously I am doing something wrong. Please help.

Thanks!!
Troy
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Rename 1 filename in multiple SubDirs

Postby RegexNinja » Thu Apr 23, 2020 3:47 pm

Hi, the two areas you need to worry about are #2Name and #12Filters.

#2Name:
Check:Fixed, then type:Filename2 into the text-box.

#12Filters:
Mask=Filename1.pdf
Folders=UnChecked
Files/Folders=Checked

Then F5/Refresh to apply the filters to your folder: DirA
That should take of it.. Cheers.
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby Troy2207 » Fri Apr 24, 2020 11:55 am

Thanks for your response! Unfortunately, I think I am missing something. You said:

Mask=Filename1.pdf

I don't see a field named "Mask" in section 12 of anywhere. Did you mean the "Filter" box in section 12?

Also, the app did not find any files until I went to the specific subfolder containing the file. I need to be able to search inside multiple subdirectories inside a parent directory. How do I do that?

An an attempt to figure out the rest of my settings (since my current configuration cannot drill down into subfolders), I tried putting the Filename1.pdf in the "Filter" box. If go to a folder with the known file, it sees the file, which is good. However, the New Name shows the same as the existing name. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks!!
Troy
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby RegexNinja » Fri Apr 24, 2020 2:17 pm

Sorry, I typo'd and SubFolders was completely left out.. Here's all of the settings:

#2Name:
Check:Fixed, and then type:Filename2 into the text-box.

#12Filters:
Mask=Filename1.pdf
Folders=UnChecked
Files=Checked
SubFolders=Checked

Mask is the closest text-box to: Filters(12)..
After you type Filename1.pdf into #12's text-box, F5/Refresh to only to see those names in all SubFolders.
Also, remember to check Fixed in the Name(2) section before typing Filename2 into the text-box.
Sorry for the typo.. Cheers!
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby Troy2207 » Fri Apr 24, 2020 10:15 pm

Got it. And I figure out the rest. One thing that is not obvious is that the name in New Name column in the preview area does not change to the new name until you select it. The Rename button does not become active either until you do that. The documentation could do with some help from someone who has never used the tool before.

That said, it worked great!! Thanks again!!
Troy2207
 
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby RegexNinja » Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:55 am

You're right, I completely forgot about that.. Sorry, I should've caught it, considering your post.
That's one of the default settings I dont like, but I'm in the minority, so I changed it loong ago.
I'd rather have all my files pre-selected ahead of time.

If you're like that too, depending on your version, you can change:
Version 3.3.1.0: Actions / List / AutoSelectALLItemsAfterListingAFolder
Older versions: DisplayOptions / List / AutoSelectEntries

Then, once a folder is selected in the left-pane, all files in the right-pane are auto-selected.
Theres a new manual at: http://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk/foru ... =12&t=4743
It covers alot of stuff like this.. Cheers!
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby Troy2207 » Sun Apr 26, 2020 3:27 am

Wonderful info!! Thanks again!!
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby trm2 » Mon Apr 27, 2020 3:44 am

The documentation could do with some help from someone who has never used the tool before

??!

Please read the manual - it is over 300 pages - it delves into all aspects of the program from a beginner's to expert's point of view.
You can't be referring to 'that' manual are you?
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby Troy2207 » Tue May 05, 2020 6:34 pm

I think I missed something in my use of these instructions for at least a couple of the searches I did.

When I looked for File1.pdf. It renamed it to File1_.pdf.pdf

To fix it, I had to put "File1_" in the Name box.

Why was it duplicating the extension during the rename?

Thanks!!
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby trm2 » Tue May 05, 2020 6:38 pm

You probably have (if using RegEx) 'include ext' enabled
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Re: Renaming same file in multiple subdirectories

Postby trm2 » Tue May 05, 2020 6:40 pm

If that wasn't the case you have to provide a step by step on what you are doing - there are many parts to the
program. Just telling me you searched here and renamed there tells me nothing.
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