Rename Mapped Network Drive Files

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A Network Drive is a shortcut that redirects to a remote folder on a server computer. It gives you access to shared resources on local networks, websites and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers as if they were stored on the same physical computer. The process of establishing a connection with the network driver is called mapping a network drive.

Rename network drive files in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Use 10+ renaming rules in Easy File Renamer. Download Now.

Benefits of Using a Network Drive

There are immense benefits of using a network drive. Here are some of them:

    • You don’t need to have physical access to your documents and files stored on the remote server
    • Multiple groups of people can access the files stored on a network drive
    • Network drives are the preferred data sharing medium for large organizations such as call centres. Hundreds of support representatives can connect to the same network drive for data retrieval.
    • Network drives facilitate a smoother flow of updated information. For example, instead of emailing an updated version of a document to hundreds of employees, it’s easy to update the single file on a network drive server. Everyone will have access to the latest information.
    • Network drives can be configured to allow or disregard read and write permissions to certain people. You can configure network drives to choose who can read your files and who can edit them
  • Network drives can save storage of your host computer and serve as an additional storage medium.

Some Drawbacks…

    • As multiple people can have access to the common files on a network drive, it increases the likelihood of accidental deletion, unauthorized modifications and data loss.
  • Anyone with the credentials to access your network drive could copy confidential information without the owner’s knowledge

How to Rename Files on a Network Drive?

Step 1: Map your Network Drive

If you haven’t mapped your network drive yet, map it first. Mapping a network drive is very simple. Windows guides you through a wizard to enter your network drive credentials and creates an icon in the File Explorer. Once completed, your mapped network drive appears in File Explorer just like any other drive on your hard disk.

    1. Click on the Start button on your Taskbar.
    1. Open This PC from the left-hand side panel.
    1. Click the Computer tab on the Ribbon interface.
    1. Select Map Network Drive.
    1. Select any available drive letter in the Drives list. You cannot use existing drive letters that are in use.
    1. Type the remote path to your folder in the Folder field, or use the Browse button to locate it yourself.
    1. To enable Windows to automatically connect you every time you turn on your computer, mark the Reconnect at Sign-in checkbox.
  1. Click Finish to confirm.

Step 2: Rename Mapped Network Drive Files

There are multiple ways to rename your mapped network drive files. We’ll discuss both the manual and automatic procedure.

Method 1: Rename Files Manually

You can rename files manually using File Explorer. Here’s how:

    1. Open File Explorer (earlier Windows Explorer).
    1. Double-click your network drive icon and go to the folder that contains the files you want to rename.
    1. Select your files to rename. There are many ways to select multiple files:
        1. If you want to select all files in a folder, press Ctrl + A to select all.
        1. If you want to select a few files in a folder in an orderly manner, click on the first file. Press and keep holding the Shift key of your keyboard. Now, select the last file to complete the selection.
      1. If you want to select a few files in a folder in a non-orderly manner, click on the first file. Press and keep holding the Alt key and choose your files in a non-orderly manner.
    1. After selecting the files to rename, click on the Rename icon in the Home tab on the Ribbon, or just press the F2 key of your keyboard.
  1. Type a new common name for your files. File Explorer will automatically rename all the selected files and add incremental numbers to the original file name.

Important: It’s worth mentioning that manually renaming files has its own disadvantages. One major disadvantage is that you can only rename files with a single pattern. Another disadvantage is that you’ll need to browse through multiple folders, sub-folders to rename your files. If your files are scattered across multiple folders, sub-folders, it can take a few hours.

Method 2: Automatically Rename Files Using 10+ Renaming Patterns

The better way to rename your files is to use Easy File Renamer, a specialized file renamer software. It saves a lot of your time while giving you the freedom to select your desired renaming pattern.

Easy File Renamer Features

    • It’s safe and secure. In contrast to the manual method, the software will not mistakenly rename unwanted files.
    • You can rename files from multiple folders at once. No need to sit for hours renaming files from each folder independently.
    • Provides add-on features to batch edit mp3 file tags, batch move and clone large folders without transfer errors, load iTunes mp3 songs for renaming
  • Organize your data in a datewise orderly manner

Steps

    1. Download and install Easy File Renamer.
    1. Click on the System Renamer tab.
    1. Add folders for bulk renaming by clicking on the Folders tab and selecting Add Folders.
    1. You can add multiple folders by repeating the same procedure.
    1. Choose your desired renaming pattern from the left-hand side panel. EFR allows you to add prefix & suffix, remove or replace text, insert text into file names, add numbering, change file name case, etc.
  1. Once you’ve selected your desired rule, click on the Rename button to proceed.
Vikas
Sorcim Technologies (pvt) Ltd. | + posts

Vikas is a technology enthusiast who loves writing articles on computers and technology. He writes on various topics related to software, software reviews, troubleshooting and tips & tricks to make people's digital lives better.