Rename function not working properly...

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RickyVan Author

Level 1

8 points

Rename function not working properly...

When I rename numerical files, the rename function drops some sequences.

Mac mini, macOS 11.0

Posted on Apr 17, 2021 7:12 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

1ssmith

Community Specialist

Apr 18, 2021 9:22 AM in response to RickyVan

Hello RickyVan,

We understand some sequences are being dropped when renaming files containing numbers.

If you Change view options in the Finder on Mac, does it still appear that some sequences are being dropped? We want to make sure you're able to view the entire name of the file to determine if any numbers in the name of the file are being dropped.

If numbers in the name appear to be dropped only on some files, can you tell us if there are other files already saved on your Mac that contain the same sequences? If needed, please see how to Search with Spotlight on Mac.

We also noticed that your post indicates you're using macOS High Sierra, but that you're also using a Mac mini with macOS version 11.0. If you've already updated to macOS Big Sur, please be sure you're using the latest version of macOS Big Sur. If an update is needed, we'd recommend creating a Time Machine backup prior to updating. These links can help:

If some sequences continue to be dropped when renaming files with numbers in the name, please let us know if this only happens with a specific file format or app. Can you also confirm the exact macOS version you're using on your Mac? We'll use these details to determine how to proceed.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

Leanne_68

Community Specialist

Apr 19, 2021 10:45 AM in response to RickyVan

RickyVan,

You're very welcome, and these additional details are helpful.

Since this happens when you're renaming files, can you tell us how you're renaming more than one file at a time? Are you using Finder to rename files?

We also want to make sure there isn't already a file with the same name on your Mac. If you Search with Spotlight on Mac to see if there's already a file ending in 989711, does it show a file with this name?

If there is already a file with the same name, we'd recommend renaming one of the files on your Mac to accommodate the name you'd prefer.

If there isn't a file with the same name, we'd like to see if this happens in another user account on your Mac. Please see how to Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Can you tell us what happens when you try renaming files in a new user account?

Thanks!

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Answer 3

RickyVan Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 19, 2021 9:19 AM in response to 1ssmith

Thank you for getting back to me.

First, I selected High Sierra because there wasn't an option for Big Sur. However, I did update that OS to the latest version of Big Sure hoping that would help. It did not.

The files I'm trying to rename are merely image files with .jpg, .png or .gif, with six digit names: 989735 for example. As an experiment I tried renaming 15 files as icons (my preferred viewing), which it skipped some sequences; then I tried in list and it did the same thing, only skipping different sequences.

I used 9897 in the first box and 11 in the second box. Instead of starting with 989711, the computer started with 989714, proceeded to rename sequentially for a few numbers, then skipped one or two, and ended with 989729 instead of 989725 like it should have.

I don't rename files often but when trying to rename into a different set of six digits, or sometimes four digits, it's obviously very frustrating if the ultimate sequence is incorrect.

I hope this further detail helps.

Thanks, RickyVan

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Answer 4

RickyVan Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 19, 2021 5:04 PM in response to Leanne_68

I really appreciate your quick responses to my query. Thanks again.

When I want to rename a series of image files, I highlight them - anywhere from 15 to 80 files - and right click to choose the option to Rename. I must be using Finder to do this, but I honestly am not sure.

I tried "Search with Spotlight" but the only results offered were to search the internet. I think I understand that you're wondering if there are files with similar endings, but the endings are .jpg mostly, because they are image files in a folder. Often in a folder that's in another folder. Are these called "Daughter" folders?

Anyway, this could all be moot since I've tried experimenting about six different times, and suddenly the files are in the proper sequencing order. I don't know how it happened, but there we are.

Yours, RickyVan

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Apr 19, 2021 5:13 PM in response to RickyVan

Then there's an App for that...

https://www.publicspace.net/ABetterFinderRename/index.html

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Answer 6

chris_g1

Community Specialist

Apr 20, 2021 5:58 AM in response to RickyVan

RickyVan,

We're glad to hear files are displaying in the proper sequencing order.

If there is a file with the same name and extension on your Mac, regardless of where it's located, it will prevent you from naming another file with the same name and extension.

If you do notice this behavior again, or have any additional questions, please let us know.

We're truly happy to do all we can to help.

Thanks again!

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Rename function not working properly...

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