Multiple file search and replace

[wwaag]

I need a file utility that will enable me to search and replace multiple files (in my case photo files). Let me explain. Suppose I have folder X that contains my original set of photo files. I have also have folder Y which is a subset of photo files found in folder X that I have modified. I would like to be able to select a subset of files in folder Y, find the corresponding files in the original folder X, and then do a replacement in folder Y.

In my case, folder Y are photo files that I have modified and I would like to simplly replace them with the original photo files. At present, I'm doing them one at a time--there's got to be an easier way. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

wwaag

[gadgetguy]

Windows Explorer. Use the shift key to select multiple contiguous files or the ctrl key for multiple non-contiguous files. Then drag and drop.

[wwaag]

I understand how to use Explorer to select files. However, this doesn't seem to help me to then use those files as search criteria for finding corresponding files with the same name in another folder. If I'm missing the boat, please explain. Thanks.

wwaag

[gadgetguy]

Sorry, I missed the part about wanting to search, but if you already know the source and destination folders why do you want to search?

[davideck]

Directory Toolkit might help you...

http://www.funduc.com/directory_toolkit.htm

[wwaag]

I simply want to be able to replace the selected files from the original files. Again, these are all photos. My original unprocessed folder has pover 1600 files. The ones I want to replace are those that I've screwed up during post-processing. In other words, I want to revert back to the original. I simply want an easy way to replace selected files into my second folder which again is a subset of the larger one.

I guess one way would be to open 2 windows of Explorer simultaneously, select ones to be replaced, and then manually select those highlighted files in the other window. It still seems there should be an easier way.

wwaag

[wwaag]

Thanks davideck

Directory Toolkit will do exactly what I want. Will certainly be a time-saver.

wwaag

[JerryB]

I need a file utility that will enable me to search and replace multiple files (in my case photo files). Let me explain. Suppose I have folder X that contains my original set of photo files. I have also have folder Y which is a subset of photo files found in folder X that I have modified. I would like to be able to select a subset of files in folder Y, find the corresponding files in the original folder X, and then do a replacement in folder Y.

In my case, folder Y are photo files that I have modified and I would like to simplly replace them with the original photo files. At present, I'm doing them one at a time--there's got to be an easier way. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

wwaag

hi,
First how easy something is when it come to graphics depends a lot how initially folders are arranged and your file name converntion.... also do these duplicates have the same file name..if so that become much much easier....

however. I am wondering if a good graphic file manager program would work out best for you...!!! you can either click adrag or just do move and you can do batch processing of them..... take a look at xnview at xnview.com (freeware) or gwspro at http://www.mindworkshop.com/alchemy/alchemy.html (sharware) see if they can do what yo want....... file manager part of it is only a small portion of what the program can do but the very least it give you preview thumbnails, move groups of file, can open mulitble windows to manage....

[wwaag]

JerryB

Thanks for the reply. I already use ThumbsPlus, an image-management program, and already have well over 50K thumbnails in the database with associated comments, keywords, etc. I've been using T+ for the last 6 or 7 years and really like it, although as always, there are limitations. Hopefully, my need to restore the original images, will only be a one-time problem. Again, thanks.

wwaag