Windows 10: Using variables with the rename command in a batch file

Hello,

I am trying to use variables in renaming a robocopy log file but I continually receive a 'syntax error'. Everything works perfectly until I use the rename command. I am using the latest build of Windows 10. Any advice will be appreciated, thank you. The batch file script is as follows:


@echo off

REM set date stamp

for /f "delims=" %%a in 'wmic OS Get localdatetime ^ find "."' do set dt=%%a

set YY=%dt:~0,2%

set MM=%dt:~4,2%

set DD=%dt:~6,2%

set stamp=%YY%%MM%%DD%


REM set variables

set fname=placeHolder

set source="C:\Me\SrcPath\%fname%"

set target="C:\Me\tgtPath\%fname%"

set project=ListMake

set tempLog="C:\Me\LogFiles\temp.log"

set finalLog="C:\Me\LogFiles\log%project%Backup%stamp%.log"


Rem use robocopy to to copy src folders to tgt folder and log data in temp log


Rem copy src1 folder

set fname=src1

Robocopy %source% %target% /MIR /XA:SH /XD AppData /XJD /R:5 /W:15 /MT:32 /V /NP /LOG+:%tempLog%


REM Copy src2 folder

set fname=src2

Robocopy %source% %target% /MIR /XA:SH /XD AppData /XJD /R:5 /W:15 /MT:32 /V /NP /LOG+:%tempLog%


REM************The rename below is where I continuously get an error.

REM************I have tried setting variable values with and without quotes

REM************as well as trying the rename command with and without quotes around the variables

REM************no matter which permutation I use the batch file returns a syntax error during rename


ren %tempLog% %finalLog% /q



Pause

:)

 

How to Batch Rename files ?

I have a lot of files I want to give names to. I already found a way to get names into a text I need. So all these names i have in text, I want to give to other files.

How do i do this in a batch process ?

Currently trying to learn FastStone Image viewer. Seems to be updated version of Resizer by the same company?
That has been useful for other batch processes for images . But I've yet to figure the batch naming options .

A different software I'm considering for this task is called Advanced Renamer .

Maybe I've become too slow through the years because :
I've been looking for the right tutorial that I can clearly understand and found none .
They seem to be out of my grasp .


Note : I currently use a bat file, that takes the names of other files I have in a folder and puts them into a text file.

( I'd prefer a one click Bat process ideally for this specific task ) .

So I'd be happy with a bat file that can also take those names in my text list
and apply them to files I want to rename in any given folder with those . If anyone knew how to do that.

It don't matter the order applied - as long as each file in the folder receives one name from the list.
The names I pulled are from images in a folder. The names are to be applied to a equal number of files ,
which is a different extension. so no worry about them having the same name. So just the names .




- - - Updated - - -

I found this thread. But unsure how to apply it and its replies into the bat i need ?

stackoverflow rename-files-after-a-list-of-names



Update possible reference
for loop - Creating a batch file to rename TXT files based on content (removing inappropriate syntax) - Stack Overflow

- - - Updated - - -

and yet another reference i need help understanding if its useful
windows - Generate file-folder list.txt file in a directory/subdirectory & rename list.txt to folder/subfolder name using dir & ren command in a batch file - Stack Overflow

 

batch file programming-setting variables with ping replies

I think %a% would put the value in "a" variable.

Tutorial here: http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/630/using-variables-in-windows-batch-files/

 

How to Batch Rename files ?

First, make a backup of the files. Bulk renaming can cause major problems so you will appreciate the backup if things go horribly wrong.

Second, as you mentioned, there are programs to handle renaming for you. Check out: Introduction - Bulk Rename Utility

Third, if you want to use a batch file (and you've completed step 1), try this from the command prompt:

for /f "delims=" %v in (TextFileWithFilenamesToRename) do echo ren "%v" "%v_NewFilename"

The previous command will show you the how the ren command will work without actually changing the filenames.
Without knowing what the text file with the name of the files to rename looks like, you may have to tinker
with the command to get it right.

If everything looks good, you can perform the actual rename command by removing the echo command as in:
for /f "delims=" %v in (TextFileWithFilenamesToRename) do ren "%v" "%v_NewFilename"

Good luck