Peters Flexible RenAmiNg Kit (PFrank)

pengtzu · Joined: 23 Oct 2010 Posts: 3

I'm trying to re-import my iTunes library after a crash. I'm getting an error that one of the files names is invalid or too long (weird, since it wasn't an issue before the crash.) I suspect this is a very mundane request, but I can't seem to figure out how to accomplish this. I want to shorten every single filename to somewhere around 50 characters, by simply chopping off anything to the right of that point. I suspect that would give me unique filenames, but if there were any duplicate filenames, I hope it would give me some option other than phailing or overwriting files. Any suggestions? TIA!

admin · Site Admin Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 448 Location: Canada

Hi,

On the main window, there is a pre-defined regex pull-down list. In it there is an entry for deleting the first 4 characters of a name. insert it in the custom renaming creator and then change the 4 to 50.

The top menu of the main window has a View entry. Pull it down and select 'Options'. The options window will appear. On the left side select 'Rename Scan'. The right side will then show an option at the top for customizing how you want to handle duplicates.

Hope that helps.

Peter.

pengtzu · Joined: 23 Oct 2010 Posts: 3

Hello and thank you! Unfortunately, if I understand correctly, your suggestion deletes the first ## of characters in the title. I want to delete any characters from the ed, in other words, and characters to the right of the 50th one. Let me know if I misunderstood. Or, any other suggestions?

admin · Site Admin Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 448 Location: Canada

Sorry - I should have referred you to the entry: 'Keep first 4 characters in'
Insert it in the custom renaming creator and then change the 4 to 50.

Peter.

pengtzu · Joined: 23 Oct 2010 Posts: 3

Sounds dead on. I want to backup the folder first but I'll report back on how it works. Thanks!

alankempster · Joined: 24 Feb 2012 Posts: 2 Location: United Kingdom

I tried this, but it chopped off the file extension as well. Then I tried changing the start of the expression from (?x) to (?E) and it stopped making any changes at all. Any ideas?

alankempster · Joined: 24 Feb 2012 Posts: 2 Location: United Kingdom

Just found the answer myself - the expression needs to start with (?Ex).

admin · Site Admin Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 448 Location: Canada

Good to hear that you were able to resolve things.

Peter.