Rename Groups of Photos

We love using our digital camera and loading the pictures onto our computer. We can instantly see whom/what we captured, sometimes to our liking, sometimes not. But they can have the strangest files names, such as PC240008.jpg, PC120035.jpg, etc.

Changing each name individually would be tedious. But with Windows XP, you can rename a group of images all at once – just follow these directions:

1. Right click the Start button
2. Choose Explore
3. Open the folder that contains your pictures
4. Select all the images that are from the same event (Hint: click on the first filename and SHIFT+click on the last or use CTRL+a to select all the images in the folder)
5. Right-click the first file selected
6. Choose Rename and enter a new name for that file. All the other files selected will be renamed automatically.
   
   For example, if you took 20 pictures on a trip to to Dallas/Ft. Worth, and renamed the first photo DFW, the other files will be named: DFW (1), DFW (2), through DFW (19).

FYI: Your photo-editing program may also give you the ability to rename your pictures. Use the help feature to search for “renaming files” for more information.

First Choice/Your Choice packs tips like these into their computer training programs throughout the Chicago area. For timely assistance with individual questions, the Help, I'm Stuck application support program is available nationwide.

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