IMHO also, Irfanview is by far the simplest way to do it.
Even easier is Oscar's Renamer. It has an extremely unique interface
for doing this. The files in a folder show up in a format that
simulates a notepad screen. Merely change the names as easily as if
you were typing a word on a page.
It has the ability to add sequenced numbering at the beginning of
files just be selecting the ones you want numbered and then pressing
EDIT > ADD NUMBER. To change the position of those numbers, just add
a "0" to the files numbered 1 to 9 and then quickly write a macro
(macros can be saved, too, to be invoked at a later time - good for
all those repetitive tasks like renaming digicam pictures!). The
macros can be accessed by the buttons right on the toolbar or by TOOLS
RECORD MACRO or TOOLS > PLAY MACRO.
Registering the program via the registry doesn't work on my Win98SE,
but I just use PCMag's ContextEdit to add Oscar's to the context menu.
This is definitely one of the programs in my basic repertoire that I
can't live without.
Find it here:
http://www.mediachance.com/free/renamer.htm
Good luck whichever program you decide to use.
