File renamer utility?

speedlever · 15 Mar 2020

Is there a good file renamer utility that's safe to use anyone could recommend? I used to use Gizmo's list for app suggestions but this particular application has not been reviewed in several years, so I don't know if those apps are safe to use or not.

I have many files I need to rename but keep the individuality of the names. For instance, I need to rename all files in a particular folder from yyyy.mm.pdf to AMEXyyyy.mm.pdf keeping the yyyy.mm data unique. Another folder has a ton of files that need to be renamed from yyyy.mm.pdf to Visayyyy.mm.pdf.

I had all this figured out a month or so back but have already forgotten how I did it using an arcane script in either cmd prompt or powershell, I can't remember which. And now I'm drawing a blank how to do it. Again. smh. So I thought a nice freeware file renamer might help me out.

idgat · 15 Mar 2020

I use
Rename Master JoeJoe's freeware utilities - Rename Master Help
A.F.5 rename A.F.5 Rename your files - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Irfanview Image program has a (bulk/batch) rename facility that can be used for other than image/multimedia files

Callender · 15 Mar 2020

I use a utility that's included in SMF. Tested text files as an example:

File renamer utility?-search-my-files-v13-2019-dec-07-.jpg

SMF Link:

SMF - Search my Files - The Portable Freeware Collection Forums

speedlever · 16 Mar 2020

Thanks for the tips and the links! The example file output is great!

Is there an undo function in these apps in case I make a booboo?

Edit: Well, those programs are getting up there in age. The SMF link from PF.com links me to what's being reported as a trojan site. Now maybe that's a false positive, or not. Some of the others predate Vista. I used to use Irfanview years ago. Had totally forgotten about that program. Might give that a go if I can't find something I can work with.

Callender · 16 Mar 2020

speedlever said:

Edit: Well, those programs are getting up there in age. The SMF link from PF.com links me to what's being reported as a trojan site. Now maybe that's a false positive, or not. .

Here's an alternative download if you want to check it out:

Download Search my Files 13.0

It's an unsigned executable and it is a false positive.

Virus Total Report

File renamer utility?-zemana-antimalware.jpg

idgat · 16 Mar 2020

speedlever said:

Is there an undo function in these apps in case I make a booboo?

Very rarely, but in any case .. never do any sort of file management/manipulation/whatever unless there is a backup copy. Doesn't matter what software, or what process.

And even then, test it out on a (copied) sample selection.

mrgeek · 16 Mar 2020

idgat said:

I use Rename Master JoeJoe's freeware utilities - Rename Master Help
A.F.5 rename A.F.5 Rename your files - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Wow, I use BOTH of these classics ! I prefer the old versions of Rename Master because it's gotten bloated, while AF5 hasn't changed since the days of XP but simple to use w/o instruction. Between the two, there's virtually nothing I can't do.
PS; they both have 'Undo' functions - Rename Master has an Undo button and AF5 just hit Rename button again

Golden · 16 Mar 2020

Another option : CKRename

speedlever · 17 Mar 2020

Thanks a lot for the suggestions and clarifying the trojan link.

Nothing wrong with older programs... if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Callender · 17 Mar 2020

I've managed to get the standalone version without SMF if you want it:

It is also unsigned and you'd have to allow it to run.