How to Rename Multiple Files in Windows 7

w7r.blogspot.com

About this Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to rename a set of images to the same name with a number representing their original order. This is also called batch renaming.

A Few Simple Steps

1. Find and highlight the files you wish to rename
2. Right click any of the highlighted files from the group. Then, select "rename".
3. Type a new name that the group of files will share, such as "Zoo Photos"
4. Click or press "Enter" once you have the desired group name for your files.

An Example

Start: 42124.jpg, 42125.jpg, 42126.jpg, 42127.jpg
Rename input: "Vacation"
End: Vacation (1).jpg, Vacation (2).jpg, Vacation (3).jpg, Vacation (4).jpg

Quick Tip:

If you want to select all files in a folder to group rename, simply press Ctrl and A simultaneously.

View Hidden Files Idly Sitting on your Computer

In Windows 7 it couldn't be easier with the Search tool.

1. Press Start (bottom left hand corner)
2. Type "Folder Options"
3. Select "Folder Options"
4. Click on the "View" panel
5. Locate "Hidden files and folders, or drives"
6. Check the circle next to Show hidden files, folders, and drives

7. The files revealed shouldn't be tampered with unless you are sure you know what you are doing. The system files work together and are best left alone, but it interesting to take a look to what really lies in your desktop, folders, and directories.

Interesting: Try And Save A Windows File With The Name "Con"

       Did you try it? If not, that's okay because I did for you. 

   You can't do it! A friend told me about this and my first thought was that the word must serve a special roll that prohibits it to be used as a file name. There are several others words or strings (programming term for group of characters) that are unavailable to Windows users in terms of file naming: com, com1, con, lpt1, con., .con, prn, aux, nul. To name a few... The reason why we can't name files certain words, phrases (or strings) is because they are device names in MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) and Windows. For more information there is a great article in wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Device_file

Who Doesn't like a Nice View? Windows Shortcut Navigation

   When navigating through groups of folders and files it can be overwhelming, confusing, and tedious to try and find one specific folder. One solution is the Windows 7, Search feature. [start] > *type something* > [enter]
   Often, however, the search feature cannot locate the file you are looking for because it cannot see or interpret its contents or doesn't have user permission to see into certain sections of the users computers. BUT, there is hope and knowledge to be gained right here and now that will eliminate your deepest headaches:
>>View, Sort By, and Group By<< For now I will focus on "View"

   View can be used to edit how the files and folders appear in the navigation panels.
    To edit it: (Directions)
      1.[right click] the panel, not the file, but the white space in the window
      2.hold your cursor over View to have the options revealed on the side: 

  Extra Large Icons; Large Icons; Medium Icons; Small Icons; List; Details; Tiles; Content; Expand All Groups; Collapse All Groups.

My best advice is to try them (above) out because it is easy to undo the changes:

   To undo the changes you made: [Right Click] > [View] > [Select your previous choice(s)]

           or

    Try [Ctrl] + [Z] (little keyboard short cut)

How to Change File and Program Icons

The 6 easy steps:
   1. Locate the file icon that needs to be changed on your desktop
   2. [Right click] the file and select [Properties]
   3. Click the last panel labeled [Customize]
   4. Right click [Change Icon]
   5. Left Click [browse] to find your desired Icon image (64x64 pixels is the norm)
   6. [Double click] the image and exit the [window]

You can create your icons, use your operating system's icon, or borrow custom icons from google images and other sources to use. Have fun!