PowerShell - Loop through files and rename
2
newbie here. I am trying to write a PowerShell script to:
- loop through all files in directory
- List item
Get all .pdf files ONLY
Rename them-the file names are long - over 30 chars
-They contain 2 numbers which I need to extract
-Example:
Cumulative Update 11 for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 (Build 25480).pdf ->
RESULT : = 18CU11.pdf
I tried examples from bunch of sites and I can't seem to even loop successfully.
Either get an error - that path doesn't exist or that can't rename files as somehow loop gets a filepath and that I can't rename
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName;
$newname = $_.FullName.Remove(0,17);
#$newname = $_.FullName.Insert(0,"CU")
Rename-Item $oldname $newname;
$oldname;
$newname; #for testing
}
That's just latest attempt, but any other ways of doing it will be fine - as long as it does the job.
powershell scripting
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
add a comment |
2
newbie here. I am trying to write a PowerShell script to:
- loop through all files in directory
- List item
Get all .pdf files ONLY
Rename them-the file names are long - over 30 chars
-They contain 2 numbers which I need to extract
-Example:
Cumulative Update 11 for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 (Build 25480).pdf ->
RESULT : = 18CU11.pdf
I tried examples from bunch of sites and I can't seem to even loop successfully.
Either get an error - that path doesn't exist or that can't rename files as somehow loop gets a filepath and that I can't rename
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName;
$newname = $_.FullName.Remove(0,17);
#$newname = $_.FullName.Insert(0,"CU")
Rename-Item $oldname $newname;
$oldname;
$newname; #for testing
}
That's just latest attempt, but any other ways of doing it will be fine - as long as it does the job.
powershell scripting
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
2
How do your original filenames look exactly?
– TobyU
Nov 13 '18 at 8:39
4
If it says the path doesn't exist, then probably .. the path doesn't exist? You should include the actual output from your attempts!
– marsze
Nov 13 '18 at 8:53
add a comment |
2
2
2
newbie here. I am trying to write a PowerShell script to:
- loop through all files in directory
- List item
Get all .pdf files ONLY
Rename them-the file names are long - over 30 chars
-They contain 2 numbers which I need to extract
-Example:
Cumulative Update 11 for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 (Build 25480).pdf ->
RESULT : = 18CU11.pdf
I tried examples from bunch of sites and I can't seem to even loop successfully.
Either get an error - that path doesn't exist or that can't rename files as somehow loop gets a filepath and that I can't rename
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName;
$newname = $_.FullName.Remove(0,17);
#$newname = $_.FullName.Insert(0,"CU")
Rename-Item $oldname $newname;
$oldname;
$newname; #for testing
}
That's just latest attempt, but any other ways of doing it will be fine - as long as it does the job.
powershell scripting
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
newbie here. I am trying to write a PowerShell script to:
- loop through all files in directory
- List item
Get all .pdf files ONLY
Rename them-the file names are long - over 30 chars
-They contain 2 numbers which I need to extract
-Example:
Cumulative Update 11 for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 (Build 25480).pdf ->
RESULT : = 18CU11.pdf
I tried examples from bunch of sites and I can't seem to even loop successfully.
Either get an error - that path doesn't exist or that can't rename files as somehow loop gets a filepath and that I can't rename
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName;
$newname = $_.FullName.Remove(0,17);
#$newname = $_.FullName.Insert(0,"CU")
Rename-Item $oldname $newname;
$oldname;
$newname; #for testing
}
That's just latest attempt, but any other ways of doing it will be fine - as long as it does the job.
powershell scripting
powershell scripting
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
edited Nov 16 '18 at 12:44
Arthur
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
asked Nov 13 '18 at 8:34
ArthurArthur
185
185
2
How do your original filenames look exactly?
– TobyU
Nov 13 '18 at 8:39
4
If it says the path doesn't exist, then probably .. the path doesn't exist? You should include the actual output from your attempts!
– marsze
Nov 13 '18 at 8:53
add a comment |
2
How do your original filenames look exactly?
– TobyU
Nov 13 '18 at 8:39
4
If it says the path doesn't exist, then probably .. the path doesn't exist? You should include the actual output from your attempts!
– marsze
Nov 13 '18 at 8:53
2
2
How do your original filenames look exactly?
– TobyU
Nov 13 '18 at 8:39
How do your original filenames look exactly?
– TobyU
Nov 13 '18 at 8:39
4
4
If it says the path doesn't exist, then probably .. the path doesn't exist? You should include the actual output from your attempts!
– marsze
Nov 13 '18 at 8:53
If it says the path doesn't exist, then probably .. the path doesn't exist? You should include the actual output from your attempts!
– marsze
Nov 13 '18 at 8:53
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
0
Try this logic:
[string]$rootPathForFiles = Join-Path -Path $env:USERPROFILE -ChildPath 'DesktopPowerShell Practice'
[string]$listOfFilesToRename = Get-ChildItem -Path $rootPathForFiles -Filter '*.PDF' | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName
$listOfFilesToRename | ForEach-Object {
#get the filename wihtout the directory
[string]$newName = Split-Path -Path $_ -Leaf
#use regex replace to apply the new format
$newName = $newName -replace '^Cumulative Update (d+) .*NAV 20(d+).*$', '$2CU$1.pdf' # Assumes a certain format; if the update doesn't match this expectation the original filename is maintained
#Perform the rename
Write-Verbose "Renaming '$_' to '$newName'" -Verbose #added the verbose switch here so you'll see the output without worrying about the verbose preference
Rename-Item -Path $_ -NewName $newName
}
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
1
Thank you very much that works perfectly.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 13:53
add a comment |
3
Check the Help for Rename-Item. The Parameter -NewName requires the name of the file only, not the full path.
Try out this:
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName
$newname = $_.Name.Remove(0,17)
Rename-Item -Path $oldname -NewName $newname
$oldname
$newname #for testing
}
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
Still throws an error - Rename-Item Cannot rename the specified target, because it represents a path or device name.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 9:53
add a comment |
0
Please try this
Get-ChildItem -Path "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | Rename-Item -NewName $newname
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
2
and$newnamewould be the same for all files?
– derloopkat
Nov 13 '18 at 9:18
No, but the logic to renaming would be the same for all files.
– Arthur
Nov 13 '18 at 17:10
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
0
Try this logic:
[string]$rootPathForFiles = Join-Path -Path $env:USERPROFILE -ChildPath 'DesktopPowerShell Practice'
[string]$listOfFilesToRename = Get-ChildItem -Path $rootPathForFiles -Filter '*.PDF' | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName
$listOfFilesToRename | ForEach-Object {
#get the filename wihtout the directory
[string]$newName = Split-Path -Path $_ -Leaf
#use regex replace to apply the new format
$newName = $newName -replace '^Cumulative Update (d+) .*NAV 20(d+).*$', '$2CU$1.pdf' # Assumes a certain format; if the update doesn't match this expectation the original filename is maintained
#Perform the rename
Write-Verbose "Renaming '$_' to '$newName'" -Verbose #added the verbose switch here so you'll see the output without worrying about the verbose preference
Rename-Item -Path $_ -NewName $newName
}
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
1
Thank you very much that works perfectly.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 13:53
add a comment |
0
Try this logic:
[string]$rootPathForFiles = Join-Path -Path $env:USERPROFILE -ChildPath 'DesktopPowerShell Practice'
[string]$listOfFilesToRename = Get-ChildItem -Path $rootPathForFiles -Filter '*.PDF' | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName
$listOfFilesToRename | ForEach-Object {
#get the filename wihtout the directory
[string]$newName = Split-Path -Path $_ -Leaf
#use regex replace to apply the new format
$newName = $newName -replace '^Cumulative Update (d+) .*NAV 20(d+).*$', '$2CU$1.pdf' # Assumes a certain format; if the update doesn't match this expectation the original filename is maintained
#Perform the rename
Write-Verbose "Renaming '$_' to '$newName'" -Verbose #added the verbose switch here so you'll see the output without worrying about the verbose preference
Rename-Item -Path $_ -NewName $newName
}
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
1
Thank you very much that works perfectly.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 13:53
add a comment |
0
0
0
Try this logic:
[string]$rootPathForFiles = Join-Path -Path $env:USERPROFILE -ChildPath 'DesktopPowerShell Practice'
[string]$listOfFilesToRename = Get-ChildItem -Path $rootPathForFiles -Filter '*.PDF' | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName
$listOfFilesToRename | ForEach-Object {
#get the filename wihtout the directory
[string]$newName = Split-Path -Path $_ -Leaf
#use regex replace to apply the new format
$newName = $newName -replace '^Cumulative Update (d+) .*NAV 20(d+).*$', '$2CU$1.pdf' # Assumes a certain format; if the update doesn't match this expectation the original filename is maintained
#Perform the rename
Write-Verbose "Renaming '$_' to '$newName'" -Verbose #added the verbose switch here so you'll see the output without worrying about the verbose preference
Rename-Item -Path $_ -NewName $newName
}
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
Try this logic:
[string]$rootPathForFiles = Join-Path -Path $env:USERPROFILE -ChildPath 'DesktopPowerShell Practice'
[string]$listOfFilesToRename = Get-ChildItem -Path $rootPathForFiles -Filter '*.PDF' | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName
$listOfFilesToRename | ForEach-Object {
#get the filename wihtout the directory
[string]$newName = Split-Path -Path $_ -Leaf
#use regex replace to apply the new format
$newName = $newName -replace '^Cumulative Update (d+) .*NAV 20(d+).*$', '$2CU$1.pdf' # Assumes a certain format; if the update doesn't match this expectation the original filename is maintained
#Perform the rename
Write-Verbose "Renaming '$_' to '$newName'" -Verbose #added the verbose switch here so you'll see the output without worrying about the verbose preference
Rename-Item -Path $_ -NewName $newName
}
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
answered Nov 16 '18 at 12:57
JohnLBevanJohnLBevan
14.3k145105
14.3k145105
1
Thank you very much that works perfectly.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 13:53
add a comment |
1
Thank you very much that works perfectly.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 13:53
1
1
Thank you very much that works perfectly.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 13:53
Thank you very much that works perfectly.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 13:53
add a comment |
3
Check the Help for Rename-Item. The Parameter -NewName requires the name of the file only, not the full path.
Try out this:
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName
$newname = $_.Name.Remove(0,17)
Rename-Item -Path $oldname -NewName $newname
$oldname
$newname #for testing
}
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
Still throws an error - Rename-Item Cannot rename the specified target, because it represents a path or device name.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 9:53
add a comment |
3
Check the Help for Rename-Item. The Parameter -NewName requires the name of the file only, not the full path.
Try out this:
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName
$newname = $_.Name.Remove(0,17)
Rename-Item -Path $oldname -NewName $newname
$oldname
$newname #for testing
}
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
Still throws an error - Rename-Item Cannot rename the specified target, because it represents a path or device name.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 9:53
add a comment |
3
3
3
Check the Help for Rename-Item. The Parameter -NewName requires the name of the file only, not the full path.
Try out this:
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName
$newname = $_.Name.Remove(0,17)
Rename-Item -Path $oldname -NewName $newname
$oldname
$newname #for testing
}
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
Check the Help for Rename-Item. The Parameter -NewName requires the name of the file only, not the full path.
Try out this:
Get-ChildItem "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | #create list of files
ForEach-Object{
$oldname = $_.FullName
$newname = $_.Name.Remove(0,17)
Rename-Item -Path $oldname -NewName $newname
$oldname
$newname #for testing
}
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
answered Nov 13 '18 at 11:18
BuxmaniakBuxmaniak
1644
1644
Still throws an error - Rename-Item Cannot rename the specified target, because it represents a path or device name.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 9:53
add a comment |
Still throws an error - Rename-Item Cannot rename the specified target, because it represents a path or device name.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 9:53
Still throws an error - Rename-Item Cannot rename the specified target, because it represents a path or device name.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 9:53
Still throws an error - Rename-Item Cannot rename the specified target, because it represents a path or device name.
– Arthur
Nov 16 '18 at 9:53
add a comment |
0
Please try this
Get-ChildItem -Path "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | Rename-Item -NewName $newname
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
2
and$newnamewould be the same for all files?
– derloopkat
Nov 13 '18 at 9:18
No, but the logic to renaming would be the same for all files.
– Arthur
Nov 13 '18 at 17:10
add a comment |
0
Please try this
Get-ChildItem -Path "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | Rename-Item -NewName $newname
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
2
and$newnamewould be the same for all files?
– derloopkat
Nov 13 '18 at 9:18
No, but the logic to renaming would be the same for all files.
– Arthur
Nov 13 '18 at 17:10
add a comment |
0
0
0
Please try this
Get-ChildItem -Path "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | Rename-Item -NewName $newname
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
Please try this
Get-ChildItem -Path "C:Users******DesktopPowerShell Practice-Filter" -Filter *.pdf | Rename-Item -NewName $newname
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
edited Nov 13 '18 at 9:20
Mehmet Seckin
2,0392034
2,0392034
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
answered Nov 13 '18 at 9:13
thiyagu selvarajthiyagu selvaraj
413
413
2
and$newnamewould be the same for all files?
– derloopkat
Nov 13 '18 at 9:18
No, but the logic to renaming would be the same for all files.
– Arthur
Nov 13 '18 at 17:10
add a comment |
2
and$newnamewould be the same for all files?
– derloopkat
Nov 13 '18 at 9:18
No, but the logic to renaming would be the same for all files.
– Arthur
Nov 13 '18 at 17:10
2
2
and
$newname would be the same for all files?– derloopkat
Nov 13 '18 at 9:18
and
$newname would be the same for all files?– derloopkat
Nov 13 '18 at 9:18
No, but the logic to renaming would be the same for all files.
– Arthur
Nov 13 '18 at 17:10
No, but the logic to renaming would be the same for all files.
– Arthur
Nov 13 '18 at 17:10
add a comment |
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2
How do your original filenames look exactly?
– TobyU
Nov 13 '18 at 8:39
4
If it says the path doesn't exist, then probably .. the path doesn't exist? You should include the actual output from your attempts!
– marsze
Nov 13 '18 at 8:53