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Rename Batches of Files in Windows XP or Vista

February 21st, 2008 | by Loren |

When you download photos onto a computer, typically the file names are just a string of numbers. If the files are all of a similar theme or event, a way to make them easier to work with would be to rename all the photos to what the theme or event was. Here are the steps to rename a group of files:

Note: This will be easier to do if you change the folder View to List or Details.

  1. Select the group of files to rename.

    2. If it’s all the files you’re viewing, push Ctrl + A (select all). If it is a few files that are in order, single-click the first file, hold Shift while clicking on the last file.

  2. Push F2, type in the file name.
  3. Push Enter to finish.

More notes:

  • If you can see the file extension, like .jpg or .doc, be careful to not remove that out of the name.
  • The files will have the given name, and be sequenced with (1), (2), (3), etc.
  • To further change the name on individual files, select each and push F2, then move the cursor using the arrow keys past the common name or drag and select part of the name with your mouse.
  • You can delete the number and parenthesis.

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  1. 3 Responses to “Rename Batches of Files in Windows XP or Vista”

  2. By Michelle on Nov 17, 2009 | Reply

    How do you insert a file name and path in the footer in Windows Vista? It use to be real easy in older versions but it seems like it has been removed as an option unless it is manually typed in the footer.

  3. By Loren on Sep 6, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Richard – I don’t have Vista, so didn’t directly test this post. From doing some research, you are not the only person with that complaint about renaming in Vista. I couldn’t find a fix, and it looks like most users go to a third-party batch renaming software to solve the problem. PCWorld.com or cnet.com would have some freeware, plus reviews of the software.
    If you find a solution Richard, please share it by leaving another comment.

  4. By Richard Gibeau on Sep 4, 2008 | Reply

    I have tried this method in Vista, but it doesn’t work. I have mixed extension home-photos and videos and it renames them OK, but they lose the order that I have put them in. It might be because they have different extension mixed together, but this does not “always” affect the order. In XP, I used example: name- (1). that is name, a minus sign, a space, (, then any number I want to start with, then a ), and hit enter.

    What formula works in Vista?

    Thanking you in advance for any help.

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