How to Rename Multiple or A Series of Files in Windows Vista

If you have multiple files, or a series of files that you want to rename the file name to a name with same common pattern differentiated by just the numbering, Windows Vista itself provides an easy way to rename the files, by using just the Windows Explorer (you may known it as Computer, Documents, Pictures or Musics).

How to Rename Multiple Files in Windows Vista with Windows Explorer

In Windows Explorer folder, select a few files that you would like to rename. You can press and hold CTRL key while click on each of the files that you want to select multiple files. In your files are listed in successive order, simply highlight the first file, hold down the SHIFT key, and the click on the last file in the batch to select all files between them.

Once the files are selected, right click on any one of the files, and select “Rename”. Or simply press F2. Type in a new base name that you want to use, press ENTER when done. The files will then be renamed to the same name you typed with a number in parentheses appended to the end of the name to make up a unique name for each file, i.e. NEWFILENAME (x), with x starting from 1 and running consecutively till every document is named. Extension is not affected

Revert Renaming Files

If you accidentally rename files wrongly, or don’t feel like the naming convention done by Windows Vista, press CTRL+Z keyboard shortcut to undo the rename change. Alternatively, click on “Edit” menu, and select “Undo”.