loop through directory names using a batch file?

Question

Assume I have this structure:

d:/
  -- /alpha/
  -- /beta/
  -- /gamma/
  -- /delta/

I'm trying to execute a batch file that goes through those folders (but not through sub-folders within them).

How do I get this result using a FOR LOOP (assuming I don't know the name and quantity of the folders):

ren alpha alpha1
ren beta beta1
ren gamma gamma1
ren delta delta1

score 39 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 10 '22 at 09:44

39

This is all you should need -- directly at the command prompt:

for /D %i in (*) do rename "%i" "%i1"

or in a batch file (note the doubled %):

for /D %%i in (*) do rename "%%i" "%%i1"

The /D performs the command against the directory names, as per the help, which can be obtained using the command for /?

If Command Extensions are enabled, the following additional forms of the FOR command are supported:

FOR /D %variable IN (set) DO command [command-parameters]
If set contains wildcards, then specifies to match against directory
names instead of file names.

edited Apr 10 '22 at 09:44

T.J. Crowder

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answered Oct 15 '13 at 11:32

David Martin

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Simple and effective. `*` would work just as well as `*.*`, by the way. – Andriy M Oct 15 '13 at 11:42
29

`for /D %%a in (*) do rename "%%a" "%%a1"` <--- use this style in a batch file. The important changes are the doubled percent signs, and the quotes allow you to handle long path names. – foxidrive Oct 15 '13 at 11:43
1

Ah yes, enclosing the names in quotation marks is a good idea too, thanks for the heads-up @foxidrive. – Andriy M Oct 15 '13 at 11:44
2

This will run the command for the current directory! What changes to make to run it for any specific directory, say `C:\New` ? – CinCout Nov 03 '14 at 10:25
3

Just put the path where the wildcards are, e.g. (c:\new\\*) – David Martin Nov 03 '14 at 12:00
1

@Neoryder, put them in parentheses () – Kev Mar 30 '16 at 21:49

loop through directory names using a batch file?

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