A quicker way to Rename folders and files in Windows

Windows XP, Vista and the upcoming version 7 continue to help us accomplish certain computer tasks more quickly.

One of my favorite features involves the renaming of files. You can still use the techniques I outlined in a previous tip, but renaming files can be even faster with the right steps. If you have the need to rename a group of files (for example a group of freshly downloaded pictures from your digital camera), you can select them and rename them in groups. Here’s how:

1. Select the files or folders you want to change to a common name by clicking on them ONE time while holding down the Ctrl key
2. Push F2 on your keyboard OR right click on any file and click Rename OR click on the Rename tool from the Edit menu or the tool bar to the left of the folder
3. Type the new name for your file or folder
4. Press Enter on your keyboard
5. Windows now assigns the same name to all the files and numbers them starting with #1

This method saves loads of time and makes organizing your files much easier.

5 Responses to “A quicker way to Rename folders and files in Windows”

1. Chris Smith says:

   October 20, 2009 at 10:52 am

   You know, just because I consider myself a geek doesn’t mean I know everything.

   I never knew that you could do this! The example you give about naming photos that you just imported is exactly what I would do with this method, and I actually did it last night!

   Thanks for the tips, Rick.

   Reply
   • Rick says:

     October 20, 2009 at 8:53 pm

     Hey Chris and FJ, this is an older tip that I found deep in the bowels of HelpMeRick.com, but one that always elicits kisses, hugs, and tears when I demonstrate it at parties.

     Reply
     • Dave says:

       October 21, 2009 at 1:43 pm

       It is the quickest way to sequence a set of files. The only problem is the naming (numbering) convention used. All numbers are within parentheses, and the first file doesn’t even have a number. Also, you can’t get leading zeroes, so sequence you get is (1), (2) . . . (9), (10), (11) . . . (20). Some programs will sort this file sequence as (1), (10), (11) . . . (2), (20), (9). When I can’t live with that, I use a free program called RenameMaster.

       Reply
       • Rick says:

         October 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm

         Had not seen that little utility…thanks for sharing. I added the link to the utility in your comment.
2. FitJerk - Flawless Fitness says:

   October 20, 2009 at 6:48 pm

   Sweet f**king jebus. This will save me hours! Time to re-organize my por… err, workout videos. yeah.

   Reply