renaming files

When I rename multiple files which are already organized by number or alphabetical order...that previous order is lost. The files though renamed, are assigned a new and random oder. How can I retain the previous sequencing when renaming multiple files?
Hartlyn

You can't unless you rename them individually. The Explorer will always append a number to your name when you rename several in one strike.

The problem is not that they are renamed and numbered...the problem is that the SEQUENCE of their original numbering is ARBITRARILY rearranged. A new sequence is imposed that has nothing to do with the original sequence, destroying the order the files were previously in. Why are files labeled numerically being rearranged into a different order when renamed?
Hartlyn

Because the suffix changes the order. You have to rename them individually to get away from the suffix.

BTW: With the "arrange by" - top right, you can sort them by different attributes. Maybe that helps.

arvinwebb,

You are mistaken in your "absolute" concurrence with whs...as is whs himself. Windows 7 previously renamed multiple files in the SAME numerical (or alphabetical) order they were in when when renamed.
1 blue, 2 blue, 3 blue would always be renamed: red (1), red (2), red (3) when renamed as multiples. The original numerical sequence was retained, only the title/name was changed. So I know Windows 7 can do this. For some reason it is no longer doing this. The original numerical sequence is being arbitrarily changed to a random numerical order. How can I restore the previous sequential renaming capacity?
Please don't repeat that "it can't be done".
Thanks,
Hartlyn

Hello Hartlyn,

You might see if this may be the issue.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/132144-sort-order-numbers-file-folder-names.html

Brink,
Thank you for the direct...but I've done more checking and I don't think that's the right tree to bark up.
For those following this thread, and perhaps encountering the same problem:
The problem appears to be that jpgs and tifs, regardless of file number, are not renamed in the same sequence, but separated out according to file type; so there will be: red (1) jpg…followed by: red (1) tif. This completely screws up saving the sequence. The mystery is that this has not always been the case within my Windows 7. At one time multiple renaming DID retain the sequence, regardless of the file type.
It no longer does so now. Why the change?...and what might I do to restore that capacity?
Mystified,
Hartlyn

Hello hartlyn, I have been following this thread and the information given by others is correct and true, if windows 7 did used to order your files in a certain manner not familiar with regular use, then I can only suggest that you did not use windows explorer to name the files but a 3rd party application must have done it for you, after using windows of all varieties, I have always known files to be named in the manner described by whs, and described by yourself.

the reason the order is screwed up is there is no order when naming multiple files, windows will just name the files in order of first come, first served so to speak, as for tif files and jpg files messing up the order, that is because 2 different file extensions will never share the same name, eg/ red(1).jpg and red(1).tif will always happen as the tif and jpg extensions at the end will determine that.

the only way to organise these photos would be to "arrange by date" and it will sort them out to when the picture was taken, the only other way is to name every individual file yourself, sorry if it wasn't something you wanted to hear but that is the facts.

MrNeeds.
Perhaps you cannot help me with this because you’ve never known it was possible, so never looked for how it could be done. Windows 7 (not “some 3rd party application”) has been accomplishing it for some time now. I am looking to RESTORE something that already existed…not create something new. Your statement that “there is no order when naming multiple files, windows will just name the files in order of first come, first served” is ridiculous. What do you think determines the “first to come”? Aside from that, everything else you said was simply wrong.

This consistant disinformation is disappointing to me…particularly when it is stated so emphatically as truth.
I found Vista 7 Forum in the first place because it was the only site that told me how to do something very simple that every other site/responder said was not possible. It was not only possible, but turned out to be simple as well.
This is the same situation: It IS possible to rename multiple mixed files in the order they originated…because until recently Windows 7 was doing it with no problems.
You do a disservice to the people on this forum telling them things can’t be done…when they can. Just say “I don’t know how” if you feel the need to respond to such queries. The danger is that someone will believe you (because it’s so emphatically stated) and stop looking for an answer.
I would love to hear from anyone with insight into why the Windows 7 renaming function would suddenly change…but don’t waste my time and yours by telling me again that something it has been doing quite nicely for over a year can’t be done.
Thanks for any help forthcoming,
Hartlyn

This thread is continued at the link below since it's for Windows 7 and not Vista.


Renaming - Windows 7 Forums