files unable to open in CS2 bridge when batch renamed

Using Windows XP, Photoshop CS2,,Bridge,, performing a batch rename ....

I did a batch rename on my pics using the instructions in the Scott Kelby CS2 book. I used Bridge, , renamed in same folder, ,, with three digits after the file name. They all were renamed just fine, and I can view them on the bridge,, ,but can not open a single one of them. When I try,, I get a messages that says "Could not complete your request because its not the right kind of document".
When I look at the properties of the files,,, they all just give the new name of each file.

Are all these pics lost for some reason!?

Thanks
Christy

You renamed the extension. You can't do that - if it has a JPG extension, for example, PS expects it to contain JPG data. If its another file type, you'll get that error.

Note that there is a difference between renaming a file and "converting" it through Save As (which you can do automatically using actions in Batch).

Think of it as naming an Excel spreadsheet from XLS to DOC and expecting Word to autoamtically open it.

Thanks,, that makes sense. But I had no idea it would change the extension,, says nothing about that in the book instructions.
So now what do I do? Can I fix this?

Christy

If you know what type of files they are you could use Open As and then re-save which you might be able to create a batch action to do.

Or you could add or change the file extension manually in Windows Explorer.

If the new (wrong) filenames are something like the following, i.e., have extensions, but the wrong one:

filename.jpg
-or-
filename.psd

....you could overcome the damage by engaging the PS rename function. (Not to worry... it won't hurt this time. :))
* From the dropdown menu in the 1st box, choose "document name". * In the next box type, .jpg (or whatever the original [correct] file type extension was). * OK

PS will take the full file name, e.g., filename.psd, and append ".jpg" to it, resulting in filename.psd.jpg. Not pretty, but easy to do and functional.

If what you have now is file names without extensions, e.g.,

filename1
filename2
filename3

....the above will not work. PS will not be able to "see" the files from the rename dialog in order to rename them.

================

Plan B considerations:

If the above method won't work and the number of files is relatively small (your call on what that number is), Open as... [original file format] or manually correcting the extensions via Explorer are viable alternatives. If there are "lots of files,' these methods could take a long time.

If time is an issue or you would prefer a fully automated method, here's another option to consider. Download/install a low cost (or free) file naming/renaming program that will undo the damage quickly - like in about 3 seconds.

I use "Bulk Rename Utility" available for download here: <http://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk>

There are many programs of this nature available. google:

The Rename

for a popular and highly recommended program or

file renaming program

to get a boatload of alternatives.

Programs of this nature have options and flexibility far beyond what's possible with the built-in PS functionality.

IMPORTANT: Practice on a folder of 3-4 "practice files" copied from the ones you want to fix before applying the corrections to the entire folder.

================

Finally, something to remember: Always populate the last box among those in the PS rename dialog with either of the "extension" options from the dropdown menu. This tells PS where to put the file extension.

Good luck on the file recovery.

~Danny~

Finally, something to remember: Always populate the last box among those in the PS rename dialog with either of the "extension" options from the dropdown menu.

Danny brings up a good point. Looking at the files in explorer will (should) tell you. You may have omitted the extension entirely.

Danny, YrBkmngr
THANK YOU GUYS!
I am thrilled to report that I was able to open all files after doing what you recommended. I had no extensions at all on the files,, and after doing a batch rename again (fingers trembling),, and adding the correct jpeg extension,,, low and behold Photoshop could speak-a-my-language again!

It didn't take long despite the huge amount of photos I had in many different folders, because I was able to do one whole folder at a time.

This forum has saved my life twice now.

Hugs from one photographer to another
Christy

Kudos to Len, too, who originally suggested using the rename function in Explorer.

I must admit the reason I was able to spew possible causes & alternatives is becase of self-inflicted pain once upon a time. In other words, "Been there... done that" - more than once myself. :)

Glad we were able to help.