I am currently moving images from a number of folders into a single folder. I constantly get a window coming up to say there is already a file in the receiving folder of the same name, so I have to rename it. Obviously this is because Windows names files in each folder 1,2,3 etc. by default and when amalgamating them the conflict occurs. Is there any way of giving each new file a unique number automatically at the outset? Many thanks in advance.

I might copy directory to file, take file each line and use a scheme to rename each file. I'm sure there is a more technical way. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

Not at the outset, but what you can do is to go into the folder and highlight all the files. Right-click the first file and select "rename" Here is where you get unique numbers. For an example, you may have a slew of files named Picture1.jpg, picture2.jpg, etc. through picture500.jpg. Rename the first file to something like "picture (1).jpg and when you press Enter, XP will then rename all the files to picture (2).jpg, picture (3).jpg, etc. through picture (500).jpg (Note the space character following the filename and before the ( ) You can name the files whatever you want - it's the numbers inside the brackets is what changes. Hth -

It's an interesting question, which I have asked myself as well, but there is no simple solution for this problem. You know, files are in directories for a reason. So, it depends on this reason, and that will lead you to rename files while handling them. I think the term is "flattening" a structure. If you can eliminate files, for example, keeping the newest of all similarly named files, it could be not that difficult. But otherwise, you will have to rename the files, think yourself of a way you want them renamed (in the resulting folder), and then we can provide a custom workout of that idea. There's not much software out there, that does something like this ... Hi there.

There are a number of 'rename' tools out there. Might I suggest: "Rename" :) http://www.herve-thouzard.com/modul... J. j e r u v y a t y a h o o d o t c o m

Many thanks for your helpful replies. I didn't realise all the files in a folder can be renamed in one go with the '()'. Bearing that in mind I suppose I could (with the benefit of hindsight) prefix the first folder number 1.(followed by text name) with all files in that folder renamed 1, 1(1),1(2) etc.as you suggest. Sub folders could be prefixed S1, S2, etc with their contents similarly renamed, and sub, sub, folders SS1, SS2 etc. Actually it would be quite helpful to glance at the top of the screen and know what folder level you're down to - I often forget where I am. 'SS3 Summer holidays 2006' for example lets you know exactly where you are. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious here. Hope I've got it right. Thanks for pointing out "Rename". I'll check it out.