FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ANE modify the content of my files?

No. ANE only changes the names of items. File contents, dates, and other metadata are fully preserved.

Can I undo a rename?

There is no built-in undo. Always use Preview first, and keep a backup for large jobs. You can also reverse a rename manually, for example, replace the new prefix with the old one.

Is ANE free?

Yes. ANE is freeware, no ads and no locked features. See the License for the full terms.

Which Windows versions are supported?

Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit). It may run on older versions, but they are not officially supported.

Do I need to install anything else?

No. ANE has no external dependencies. You may need a tool like 7-Zip only to extract a compressed download.

What is the difference between the Portable and Installer editions?

They are the same application. Portable runs directly with no installation; Installer sets up shortcuts and an entry in Apps & features. See the Installation Guide.

Why do some files appear in Preview but do not get renamed?

They were found during the scan, but only items whose names actually match your criteria are changed. Files without extensions, or partial matches, may appear without being renamed.

What happens if the new name already exists?

ANE detects the conflict and adds a numeric suffix (for example filename_1, filename_2) to avoid overwriting.

Can ANE work on a network drive?

Yes. Enter the network path in the target path box. Performance may be slower over a network, and the Recycle Bin may be unavailable for some network locations.

Can I search by file content instead of name?

No. ANE searches and renames based on names only.

Can I export results?

Yes. Both the rename results grid and Live Search results can be exported to CSV.

What is the difference between Sparse and Fully Allocated files?

Sparse files report a size but use almost no real disk space and are created instantly. Fully Allocated files actually write the data and use the full space. See the Batch Data Generator.

What does {word:red|blue|green} do I only get a few items?

It cycles through the words, one per item (red, blue, green, red, …). Because identical names get a numeric suffix, combine it with a counter such as {n:000} for clean results. See the Name Patterns Reference.

In Selection File Edit, what does "Levels" mean?

1 = only items directly in the source folder (the default); 0 = all levels down to the deepest subfolder; 2, 3, … = that many levels deep. See Selection File Edit.

Is it safe to fill a disk with the Batch Data Generator?

ANE checks free space before a fully-allocated run and warns you if it would not fit, and it stops cleanly if a drive fills up. Only generate data on drives that are yours to use, see Warnings and Safety.

How do I report a bug or request a feature?

See Contact and Support. Please include your ANE version, your Windows version, what you were doing, and any error message.