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How to do a find replace on file names within a directory with a script.

I have a an excel sheet that will have first/last name and an account number.

I have a directory of files that are named via acct number, I would like to script a way to rename all those account numbers to first/last name. For example find replace "account number" with the name listed by the account number.

Does anybody know of a good way to do that, or have a working script

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McOz

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SOLUTION

DrDamnit

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Preston55

ASKER

side question on that, some of the files have extended names for example

john smith is account number 34576,

so he may have two files which would be 34576_abcdef.tif and 34576_mnop.tif

With using those scripts can it preserver the _abcdef, yet change the 34576 to John Smith

Hope that makes sense, Thanks Again.

McOz

OK, if that is the case you will need to use this code:

Sub renameFiles()
    myPath = "C:\New Folder\" 'the path to your directory (remember backslash at end)
    i = 2 'start on second row, assuming you have headers
    Do Until Cells(i, 1).Value = "" 'loop down the excel sheet until the first empty cell
        strFile = Dir(myPath & Cells(i, 1).Value & "*.xls*", vbNormal)
        Do While strFile <> ""
            Name strFile As Replace(strFile, Cells(i, 1).Value, Cells(i, 2).Value & Cells(i, 3).Value)
            strFile = Dir
        Loop
        i = i + 1
    Loop
End Sub

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This will replace the account number in any filename that begins with the account number.

Cheers

wls3

Is this Excel--as in .xls/.xslx--or .csv? Also, do you have a preference on which scripting language? I see you put several.

Also, as someone who has a predilection for using Excel to manipulate stuff in a pinch, I am wondering why not try this low-rent solution: assuming your have columns A (first name), B (last name) and C (account number), why not use something this is in column D:

="ren C:\your\folder\path\"&C1&".ext C:\your\folder\path\"&A1&B1&".ext"

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The output would be:

A: Will
B: Steele
C: 12345
D: ren C:\your\folder\path\12345.ext C:\your\folder\path\WillSteele.ext

Drag this down to your last row and then copy/paste Column D values into a .bat file. Double-click the .bat file and renaming is complete. I would also STRONGLY recommend testing and backing up your directory before running this.

wls3

Sorry, posted too soon. The command in traditional cmd shell would be:

="ren C:\your\folder\path\"&C1&".ext "&A1&B1&".ext"

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Do not use the full path to prefix the second file name.