Windows rename using wildcards

If checked, all matches of text in the Search field will be replaced with the Replace text. Otherwise, only the first instance of the Search for text in the file name will be replaced left to right. If checked, the text specified in the Search field will only match text in the items if the text is the same case. Case matching will be insensitive not recognizing a difference between upper and lowercase letters by default.

Only the file name portion not the file extension is modified by the operation. For example: txt. Only the file extension portion not the file name is modified by the operation. Deselecting causes files within folders to not be included in the operation. By default, all subfolder items are included. Select between four options to either convert items to be all lowercase, all uppercase, title case first character of name is capitalized , or capitalize each word.

Appends a numeric suffix to file names that were modified in the operation. For example: foo. The creation date and time attributes of a file can be used in the Replace with text by entering a variable pattern according to the table below.

Selecting the tool-tip in the Replace with field allows you to view and select from the supported patterns. For most use cases, a simple search and replace is sufficient. There may be occasions, however, in which complicated renaming tasks require more control.

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. I've got a piece of software that includes its own backup utility, but it generates folder names with the current date and time appended. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Rename folder using wildcard windows Ask Question.

Discussion forum for all Windows batch related topics. The built in HELP facility is of no help - it doesn't address wildcards at all. The Microsoft technet XP online help isn't much better. If you use wildcards in filename2, the characters represented by the wildcards will be identical to the corresponding characters in filename1. I've managed to successfully use wildcards in the filename2 parameter on some occasions, but it has always been trial and error.

I haven't been able to anticipate what works and what doesn't. Frequently I've had to resort to writing a small batch script with a FOR loop that parses each name so that I can build each new name as needed. Not very convenient. Of course knowing the rules would also benefit batch development. Yes - this is a case where I am posting a paired question and answer.

I got tired of not knowing the rules and decided to experiment on my own. No tests were done with unicode in file names. Compatibility with Windows 11 and Server November 29, Automation Workshop v5. Many security and UI improvements. September 24, Automation Workshop v5. View screenshots. How to automate? Extend a Task flow with efficient voice-enabled features How to automatically zip files? Automate Windows Tasks Automated workflows Automatically react when a file is modified in a network share Create a file and launch an app on user logon No-code automated CSV file parsing Automatically email files in a folder Automation videos Automate an FTP transfer Advanced file renaming Delete old log files.

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