Changing file extension in bulk

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Hi,

I want to change the file type (extension) for large amounts of files at
once. Can anyone suggest a really good, free download for doing this? I'm
running XP Pro. I'm NOT talking about changing the 'name' of the files (which
I know I can do), but only the file extension.

Thanks so much!
 
GrammyJo said:
Hi,

I want to change the file type (extension) for large amounts of files at
once. Can anyone suggest a really good, free download for doing this? I'm
running XP Pro. I'm NOT talking about changing the 'name' of the files (which
I know I can do), but only the file extension.

Thanks so much!
Click to expand...

Can probably be done from the command prompt. Put the files
to be renamed in a working folder, e.g., rename. From the
DOS prompt, type something like:

ren [d:]\[folder]\*.ex1 *.ex2

and Enter.

What should happen is that all of the file with the ex1
extension would be given the ex2 extension. The wildcard
(*) symbol should retain the same name before the extension.

Test it. And good night.
 
GrammyJo said:
I want to change the file type (extension) for large amounts of files
at once. Can anyone suggest a really good, free download for doing
this? I'm running XP Pro.
Click to expand...

There is no tool necessary. Open the command prompt and change the
directory. Example for renaming .txt to .log files in that folder:

REN *.txt *.log
 
Rename (ren) help.

Type or paste the following line into Start | Run and click OK...

hh ntcmds.chm::/rename.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
Thank you all for your input! But I should have posted in a forum other than
'expert'. Sorry for that. I don't really know how to change the registry,
really worries me to try. I've used a PC for many years now and know quite a
bit, but the registry is a place I stay AWAY from if possible. If there's an
easier answer, please send it. Other wise, thank you again for your attempt
to help ;o)
 
Nobody mentioned the registry.

We all mentioned using the command prompt.

To open a command prompt...
Click Start | Click Run | Type: cmd | Click OK |

When the command prompt opens, type: ren /? and hit your Enter key.

The command: ren /? will display help for the Rename command.

Further help here for Rename...

Rename (ren)
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/rename.mspx?mfr=true

This is the same help article that you would see on your machine if you
opened Help and Support from your Start Menu, typed: ren in the Search
box, clicked on the arrow, clicked on Rename (ren), the second one in the
Suggested Topics list.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
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