RL Vision Knowledge Base
Support questions and answers for software by RL Vision.
Note: This is an archived discussion. Any bug, problem or suggestion mentioned here is likely to have been fixed since it was written.
Subject: Re: Flash Renamer
Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:14:22 +0100Hello again,
Let me begin by telling you why the files are differently sorted (excerpt from the manual):
# Windows Explorer right click menu does not load files in the correct order!
When you right click on files in Windows Explorer to send them to Flash Renamer, the files arrive in the order that Explorer sends them in. The order does not correspond to the order you see in Explorer. Usually the files are sent in the order shown in Explorer, except for the first file! The first file will instead be the file that you right clicked on...
In order to solve this problem, Flash Renamer will (since v6.1) automatically sort the filenames alphabetically before renaming, since this is what most users expect. If this does not suit you, for example if you have the files in Windows Explorer sorted according to date, then you can turn this feature off by modifying the "Auto Sort Command Line Files" in the advanced settings.
If you turn this off, then here is a tip on how to avoid sorting problems: After you have selected files in Windows Explorer, always right click on the first file! This will make sure that the files are processed in the correct order. This is a good habit to learn, since it applies to all programs, not just Flash Renamer!
--
As you noted there is sorting functionality built in to Flash Renamer. I agree that it is a problem that you can not see the preview in thumbnail mode. I will see if I can make a fix for this. But you can always switch between the two modes. The sorting will stay intact.
--
Is the newer version easier? Well, I think so. I would argue that writing is more advanced than the new style. But not perfect. I have just today released a new version of the program where I tweaked the "add counter" function even more!
// Dan
J wrote:
> Dear Dan,
>
> Apologies for the delay - I have been much occupied by clearing out old files ready to start automatic backups and it has taken ages! Like my garage, the PC is crammed with useless objects as I tend to keep everything.
>
> I am quite happy to continue using the older version, but as you asked for some info on why I couldn't figure out the new one, I have prepared the following:
>
> Now: I have tried to work out how to rename the files and re-sequence them as with the older version, but still find the interface screen intimidating.With the older version it was obvious which tab to choose. (Please realise it's a mere amateur you are dealing with here!)
>
> 01 Using Explorer I selected 8 family photo files in their original sequence as per the first attached jpg image 001 (I hope it's clear enough)
>
> 02 I then re-arranged the thumbnails in Explorer to reflect a different sequence young-old (See image 002) This can be done only by using the thumbnail view.
>
> 03 Right-clicking choosing the latest Flash Renamer I used the * wildcard (I couldn't find another way of showing the file names on the right hand side) but as you see in image 003 the files have been listed in the original sequence before renaming. This didn't happen when using the old version of the program - the new sequence was copied and then renamed.
>
> Now there is probably a way of doing the same thing in the new version, but I cannot work out how! (It is possible to resequence the files in Flash Renamer if they are viewed as thumbnails, but then there is no view preview of the new file names.) You say the program is simpler - not for a non-programmer it isn't. It took me half-an-hour to work out how to make it list the files in the left column - by using the wild card. With the older version the files displayed in their new sequence before renaming simply by selecting the thumbnails in Explorer, right-clicking on the first one in the new sequence, and lo! the files were displayed in that sequence and then I could choose a new name etc etc. A remarkable utility that deserves to be listed as among the best available! So useful I use it almost every day.
>
> I use Photoshop and the batch rename facility is adequate for images, but it is only for images and will not work with Word files etc. So the right click to choose Flash Renamer is a godsend!
>
> I hope this explains why I find the new version difficult. My fault, I am sure.
>
> If you can, without going to too much bother, explain how I can do the re-sequencing in the new version, I shall be glad to check it out, but I am really quite content with the old one.
>
> Anyway, there's my problem explained for what it's worth!
>
> Jack
>
> On 17 January 2010 12:02, Dan (RL Vision) <*****@*****> wrote:
>
>
> Hi again,
>
> Sorry for the late reply. I feel bad that you did not find the new version as easy to work with as the old one. While it does contain many new things, I have also tried to make it easier to work with and understand...
>
> The old and new version should work together. (There might be a few problems with the right click menu, because both version will try to write to it, but this will end if you uninstall the new version.) Looking forward to seeing your screenshots!
>
> // Dan
>
>
>
> J wrote:
>> Hi there Dan,
>>
>> I would like to help, as I have found your app really useful in the past, but I uninstalled the trial version of the latest renamer. I found it far too complicated for my simple requirements, difficult to choose the correct tab to set up the parameters required. If I were to re-install it, would it live alongside the older version without interfering with it? I could then make some trials of what I want to use it for and send any results to you.
>>
>> Basically, I found it difficult to find the correct setting for simple renaming. When I did rename, the order of the files was not made according to the new sequence I had set up in Explorer.
>>
>> E.g. if I had some photos (which is what I usually use it for) labelled Vietnam 001, Vietnam 002...etc, and I wanted to re-order them as well as renaming, I could move them into the new order in Explorer (Vietnam 008, Vietnam 002, Vietnam 007 etc etc) then select them all, right click on the FIRST in the sequence, and choose new name and the prog would rename the whole sequence in the new order physically set up in Explorer. I could not get it to do that with the new version. In fact, I couldn't seem to find the correct tab in the left-hand box which would do exactly what the old version did - you seem to have changed that facility (but I may be wrong!)
>>
>> Anyway, let me know if I can install the new version alongside the old without problems and I will try to send some screen shots of what I am trying to do.
>>
>> Jack
>>
>>
>>
>> 2010/1/9 Dan (RL Vision) <*****@*****>
>>
>>
>> I'm glad to hear that you got it working! However, I would still be interested in knowing more about your problems with the sorting. If you could tell me in more detail what you where doing and the functions you used. You see, I have just recently made a pretty big change inside the code, and it is possible that there is still some bug left that I have not found. Any help is appreciated!
>>
>> // Dan
>>
>>
>>
>> J wrote:
>>> Thanks, Dan,
>>>
>>> Panic over! I simply re-installed the program (v.4.62) and the lightning symbol appeared this time in the context menu, so I now have it working as it always did! After all your work compiling the application I expect what I use it for is employing only a tenth of its power and doesn't reflect the creativity you put into it.
>>>
>>> Still, it is now doing service again and helping me to keep all my photos in order. I would be totally lost without it. I'm afraid that most of its wider power (particularly the updated version) is wasted on me as I simply use only a fraction of it and cannot understand its deeper uses.
>>>
>>> Thanks for your interest and I apologise for taking your time with a false alarm!
>>>
>>> Yours
>>>
>>> Jack
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 2010/1/7 Dan (RL Vision) <*****@*****>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I would like to know more about your problem with the ordering of the files. Can you send me a few screenshots showing this in action, so I can see options and filenames before and after etc.
>>>
>>> About the right click menu, perhaps you are using a 64-bit version of Windows? It does not (yet) work there. (You can use the 32-bit version of Windows Explorer to get around this.)
>>>
>>> // Dan
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> J wrote:
>>>> I have been using Flash Renamer for a number of years now, with great success. It's a terrific little program! However, with a few PC changes and one or two crashes, I have had to re-install it several times. This has been no problem up till now because I have the original reg code.
>>>>
>>>> But I now do have two problems:
>>>>
>>>> 1) I downloaded the trial for the latest version but don't like it, because when the program loads the files that I have re-arranged in order to change the names to reflect the new order, it darn well goes and uses the original alphanumeric order in the first column so although it changes the names the file order remains the same! No good for me. I shall continue to use the old version, 5.3
>>>>
>>>> 2) However, although I have set it to show in the menu when right clicking, it will no longer do this. I have had no problem with it before. Can you suggest something to rectify this - maybe re-installing will do it?
>>>>
>>>> Hope you can help.
>>>>
>>>> Jack
>>>>
>>>> NB: my original order was in 2004, and my email address then was *****@***** Please note my change of address to: *****@*****
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Let me begin by telling you why the files are differently sorted (excerpt from the manual):
# Windows Explorer right click menu does not load files in the correct order!
When you right click on files in Windows Explorer to send them to Flash Renamer, the files arrive in the order that Explorer sends them in. The order does not correspond to the order you see in Explorer. Usually the files are sent in the order shown in Explorer, except for the first file! The first file will instead be the file that you right clicked on...
In order to solve this problem, Flash Renamer will (since v6.1) automatically sort the filenames alphabetically before renaming, since this is what most users expect. If this does not suit you, for example if you have the files in Windows Explorer sorted according to date, then you can turn this feature off by modifying the "Auto Sort Command Line Files" in the advanced settings.
If you turn this off, then here is a tip on how to avoid sorting problems: After you have selected files in Windows Explorer, always right click on the first file! This will make sure that the files are processed in the correct order. This is a good habit to learn, since it applies to all programs, not just Flash Renamer!
--
As you noted there is sorting functionality built in to Flash Renamer. I agree that it is a problem that you can not see the preview in thumbnail mode. I will see if I can make a fix for this. But you can always switch between the two modes. The sorting will stay intact.
--
Is the newer version easier? Well, I think so. I would argue that writing
// Dan
J wrote:
> Dear Dan,
>
> Apologies for the delay - I have been much occupied by clearing out old files ready to start automatic backups and it has taken ages! Like my garage, the PC is crammed with useless objects as I tend to keep everything.
>
> I am quite happy to continue using the older version, but as you asked for some info on why I couldn't figure out the new one, I have prepared the following:
>
> Now: I have tried to work out how to rename the files and re-sequence them as with the older version, but still find the interface screen intimidating.With the older version it was obvious which tab to choose. (Please realise it's a mere amateur you are dealing with here!)
>
> 01 Using Explorer I selected 8 family photo files in their original sequence as per the first attached jpg image 001 (I hope it's clear enough)
>
> 02 I then re-arranged the thumbnails in Explorer to reflect a different sequence young-old (See image 002) This can be done only by using the thumbnail view.
>
> 03 Right-clicking choosing the latest Flash Renamer I used the * wildcard (I couldn't find another way of showing the file names on the right hand side) but as you see in image 003 the files have been listed in the original sequence before renaming. This didn't happen when using the old version of the program - the new sequence was copied and then renamed.
>
> Now there is probably a way of doing the same thing in the new version, but I cannot work out how! (It is possible to resequence the files in Flash Renamer if they are viewed as thumbnails, but then there is no view preview of the new file names.) You say the program is simpler - not for a non-programmer it isn't. It took me half-an-hour to work out how to make it list the files in the left column - by using the wild card. With the older version the files displayed in their new sequence before renaming simply by selecting the thumbnails in Explorer, right-clicking on the first one in the new sequence, and lo! the files were displayed in that sequence and then I could choose a new name etc etc. A remarkable utility that deserves to be listed as among the best available! So useful I use it almost every day.
>
> I use Photoshop and the batch rename facility is adequate for images, but it is only for images and will not work with Word files etc. So the right click to choose Flash Renamer is a godsend!
>
> I hope this explains why I find the new version difficult. My fault, I am sure.
>
> If you can, without going to too much bother, explain how I can do the re-sequencing in the new version, I shall be glad to check it out, but I am really quite content with the old one.
>
> Anyway, there's my problem explained for what it's worth!
>
> Jack
>
> On 17 January 2010 12:02, Dan (RL Vision) <*****@*****> wrote:
>
>
> Hi again,
>
> Sorry for the late reply. I feel bad that you did not find the new version as easy to work with as the old one. While it does contain many new things, I have also tried to make it easier to work with and understand...
>
> The old and new version should work together. (There might be a few problems with the right click menu, because both version will try to write to it, but this will end if you uninstall the new version.) Looking forward to seeing your screenshots!
>
> // Dan
>
>
>
> J wrote:
>> Hi there Dan,
>>
>> I would like to help, as I have found your app really useful in the past, but I uninstalled the trial version of the latest renamer. I found it far too complicated for my simple requirements, difficult to choose the correct tab to set up the parameters required. If I were to re-install it, would it live alongside the older version without interfering with it? I could then make some trials of what I want to use it for and send any results to you.
>>
>> Basically, I found it difficult to find the correct setting for simple renaming. When I did rename, the order of the files was not made according to the new sequence I had set up in Explorer.
>>
>> E.g. if I had some photos (which is what I usually use it for) labelled Vietnam 001, Vietnam 002...etc, and I wanted to re-order them as well as renaming, I could move them into the new order in Explorer (Vietnam 008, Vietnam 002, Vietnam 007 etc etc) then select them all, right click on the FIRST in the sequence, and choose new name
>>
>> Anyway, let me know if I can install the new version alongside the old without problems and I will try to send some screen shots of what I am trying to do.
>>
>> Jack
>>
>>
>>
>> 2010/1/9 Dan (RL Vision) <*****@*****>
>>
>>
>> I'm glad to hear that you got it working! However, I would still be interested in knowing more about your problems with the sorting. If you could tell me in more detail what you where doing and the functions you used. You see, I have just recently made a pretty big change inside the code, and it is possible that there is still some bug left that I have not found. Any help is appreciated!
>>
>> // Dan
>>
>>
>>
>> J wrote:
>>> Thanks, Dan,
>>>
>>> Panic over! I simply re-installed the program (v.4.62) and the lightning symbol appeared this time in the context menu, so I now have it working as it always did! After all your work compiling the application I expect what I use it for is employing only a tenth of its power and doesn't reflect the creativity you put into it.
>>>
>>> Still, it is now doing service again and helping me to keep all my photos in order. I would be totally lost without it. I'm afraid that most of its wider power (particularly the updated version) is wasted on me as I simply use only a fraction of it and cannot understand its deeper uses.
>>>
>>> Thanks for your interest and I apologise for taking your time with a false alarm!
>>>
>>> Yours
>>>
>>> Jack
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 2010/1/7 Dan (RL Vision) <*****@*****>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I would like to know more about your problem with the ordering of the files. Can you send me a few screenshots showing this in action, so I can see options and filenames before and after etc.
>>>
>>> About the right click menu, perhaps you are using a 64-bit version of Windows? It does not (yet) work there. (You can use the 32-bit version of Windows Explorer to get around this.)
>>>
>>> // Dan
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> J wrote:
>>>> I have been using Flash Renamer for a number of years now, with great success. It's a terrific little program! However, with a few PC changes and one or two crashes, I have had to re-install it several times. This has been no problem up till now because I have the original reg code.
>>>>
>>>> But I now do have two problems:
>>>>
>>>> 1) I downloaded the trial for the latest version but don't like it, because when the program loads the files that I have re-arranged in order to change the names to reflect the new order, it darn well goes and uses the original alphanumeric order in the first column so although it changes the names the file order remains the same! No good for me. I shall continue to use the old version, 5.3
>>>>
>>>> 2) However, although I have set it to show in the menu when right clicking, it will no longer do this. I have had no problem with it before. Can you suggest something to rectify this - maybe re-installing will do it?
>>>>
>>>> Hope you can help.
>>>>
>>>> Jack
>>>>
>>>> NB: my original order was in 2004, and my email address then was *****@***** Please note my change of address to: *****@*****
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
