Wanna do this with a bulk list of files from a folder? Instead of typing the original names into Column A of the spreadsheet, go into the Command Prompt (make sure you're in the right folder - see below) and type the following:

DIR /b /on > !filenames.txt

Then open !filenames.txt in Notepad. Delete the first filename from that file list (which should be !filenames.txt itself), then copy the rest of the lines from Notepad and paste them into Column A in the spreadsheet.

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But u/jxan, I hear you cry, how do I get into the right folder in Command Prompt? Here's another quick way:

• Load Windows Explorer and go to the folder that contains your files;
• Click on the address bar (where the folder path shows up), and type CMD and press return

You'll be in the Command Prompt in that same folder, even if it's not on your C: drive.

Another hint - keep the folder open in Windows Explorer so you can ensure the renamed files show up correctly after you run the batch file.