Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

narayan · 2020-04-15 05:09

Before I describe the problem, some history:

When I started using ReNamer, I installed ReNamer in C:\Program Files (x86)\Util\ReNamer folder. (protected by Windows)
Years ago, I had created presets and saved them.
They are found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Util\ReNamer\Presets folder.

Then I learned to launch ReNamer from xplorer2 (an equivalent of Windows Explorer), using commandline.
It worked well for years.

A few months ago, I switched to another software called FreeCommander.
So I had to configure FreeCommander to launch ReNamer through commandline.

I struggled and somehow got it to work. I can see three presets when I launch ReNamer from FreeCommander.
**********
And here is the actual problem:

I tried to edit one of the presets, but ReNamer reports error.

Failed to save a preset.
Unable to open file "C:\Program Files\Util\ReNamer\Presets\Cleanup.rnp"

I tried to launch ReNamer as Administrator (directly, not through FreeCommander) and tried to edit the preset.
But it created a totally new set of presets in a different location: C:\Users\Narayan\Documents\den4b\ReNamer\Presets
It cannot access the old presets.

What I want is to be able to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander, and be able to save presets in that mode.
How can I do that?

IINW I am not supposed to use FreeCommander as Administrator.
I am also not supposed to launch ReNamer (through commandline) as Administrator.

Last edited by narayan (2020-04-15 05:12)

den4b · 2020-04-16 22:55

Hello, and welcome back!

The setup that you have described appears quite strange and could cause a lot of issues.

But first, please clarify a couple of things:

1) Windows version?
2) ReNamer version?
3) ReNamer was installed via Installer or as a Portable version?

You should not need to run ReNamer as an Administrator, unless you are trying to rename write-protected files.

Generally speaking, I would suggest a clean reinstall. Delete everything except your presets (copy them to a safe location), and then use the latest installer version to install it again.

narayan · 2020-04-17 03:44

I followed your instructions and tried to copy the mp file to a safe location.
And then I discovered that there is no Presets subfolder!
(I have enabled viewing of the Hidden and System files in FreeCommander.)

So I wonder how ReNamer keeps showing those presets in the menu...

1. Windows 10 Home, 64 bit version.
2. ReNamer 7.2.0.0
3. version: Installer

I have installed ReNamer normally (not "as administrator").

Here is some more information:

I select files/folders and then use "send to" context menu to invoke ReNamer.

BTW the problem is not in renaming the files, but access to the mp file, which is in Windows-protected area.
Also, when I launch as admin, it stores the mp in a different location, and apparently ReNamer does not provide a way to let the user decide where to store the presets.

I checked the "Send to" folder, and the property of the RenNamer link is as follows:

Target: "C:\Program Files\Util\ReNamer\ReNamer.exe"
Start in: "C:\Program Files\Util\ReNamer"
Run: Normal window
Advanced: The "Run as administrator" checkbox is unselected.

Last edited by narayan (2020-04-17 03:46)

narayan · 2020-04-17 04:24

I uninstalled ReNamer, and also deleted the presets folder in my user area.
Then I downloaded ReNamer 7.2 and installed it normally (not as admin).

Right away, I see two problems:
1. When I launch ReNamer, I get all previous presets! (I should not get any presets)
2. There is no Presets subfolder in the RenNamer's installation folder.

When I tried to edit a preset, Windows shows the following error:

Failed to save a preset.
Unable to open file "C:\Program Files\Util\ReNamer\Presets\Capitalize.rnp"

***************
[EDIT]

If I use the Settings > Browse menu of ReNamer, it shows me the Presets folder, where all the presets are listed!
So why does FreeCommander not show that subfolder??
(I have enabled the Show hidden files and Show system files settings of FreeCommander)
I can all other subfolders such as Help, Translits, Scripts and Help.

Further, I checked the Properties of the Presets subfolder, and it is NOT hidden!

Last edited by narayan (2020-04-17 04:35)

narayan · 2020-04-17 05:00

Again uninstalled ReNamer, and this time installed it in its default location. (Earlier I used to change the path)

Now the Presets >Browse... menu shows only one preset that I had created when I had run ReNamer as admin.
It is located in C:\Users\Narayan\Documents\den4b\ReNamer\Presets.

The other presets are not listed.

I tried to change the Misc settings:
1 Register preset extension
2 Add to folders context menu
3 Add to "Send TO" context menu

But I am unable to do it:

Warning
Failed to apply system settings.
Failed to create key: "\.rnp"
(Try to start the program as administrator to apply these settings)

Last edited by narayan (2020-04-17 05:04)

Stefan · 2020-04-17 07:30

Hi narayan,

me didn't read all what was written here, but often the culprit is
just no write access to the folder where the files are stored (including the ReNamer.ini).
(This involve "C:\Program Files\" + "C:\Program Files (x86)" + "C:\Windows")

You are familiar with the protection system from Microsoft (UAC) since Vista ?

To check:
Open WinExplorer, go to the folder in question, right click and try to create a New Folder or New Textfile, ... success?

den4b · 2020-04-17 08:45

Narayan, your previous installation probably uses a customized location for storing settings and presets.

This can be done only manually by modifying the contents of this file:

C:\Program Files\Util\ReNamer\Storage.ini

The installer uses user profile directory by default, but installer would not overwrite this file if it already exists. So if you reinstall ReNamer into the same location, it will use your customized Storage.ini file. I would not recommend storing settings and presets in a write-protected location as it will cause the kind of issues that you are having.

You should uninstall ReNamer and completely delete your installation directory. Then, reinstall ReNamer.

Now, your settings and presets should be stored in:

C:\Users\Narayan\Documents\den4b\ReNamer\

Import your old presets and you should be good to go.

Regarding the warning "Failed to apply system settings". This is unrelated issue. In order to enable "Register preset extension" and "Add to folders context menu" options you need to temporarily launch ReNamer as an administrator, enable the settings, and exit ReNamer. The options can only be applied in an elevated mode.

narayan · 2020-04-19 11:42

Regarding the warning "Failed to apply system settings". This is unrelated issue. In order to enable "Register preset extension" and "Add to folders context menu" options you need to temporarily launch ReNamer as an administrator, enable the settings, and exit ReNamer. The options can only be applied in an elevated mode.

Ah! This is new-- IMHO there should be a tooltip/warning about the need to temporarily launching ReNamer as admin.
I will finish the experiment and revert.

@Stefan,
When I create a new folder in C:\Program files (x86)\Util, Windows pops up a warning:

Destination folder access denied.
[Continue] [Skip] [Cancel]

The Continue button has Windows defender icon before it (A shield with blue+yellow quarters).
If I click on it, Windows pops up another warning:

User Access Control
Do you want this application to make changes to your device?
[YES] [NO]

If I select Yes, then it goes ahead and creates the folder.
If I want to rename the folder, it follows the same sequence.

What do you recommend?

Stefan · 2020-04-19 16:25

narayan wrote:

...
@Stefan,
When I create a new folder in C:\Program files (x86)\Util, Windows pops up a warning:
....
What do you recommend?

Me think den4b posted already an solution? But ok, if you ask:

If you want to keep the program in by Windows^TM protected folder,
then right click that folder and give MODIFY right (includes write rights) to the group USERS, or to your personal account only.
(do not grant FULL access, that's to much,... would not hurt in private environment (opposite of company use), but not necessary at all)

Or just use a folder which is not in Program Files and not in Windows folder.

den4b · 2020-04-21 09:37

narayan wrote:

When I create a new folder in C:\Program Files (x86)\Util, Windows pops up a warning: Destination folder access denied.

That is expected, because Program Files is a protected location. Normally, you shouldn't manually create folders there. Instead, you can instruct the installer to use a different installation folder when installing fresh. Note that when upgrading, it will automatically install in the previously used location.

When installing fresh, make sure that the target folder is empty, otherwise you might inherit the previously adjusted settings path defined in "Storage.ini" file.

narayan wrote:

This is new -- IMHO there should be a tooltip/warning about the need to temporarily launching ReNamer as admin.
I will finish the experiment and revert.

Actually, the hint has been there since v5.72.7 Beta (2013-10-19):
> Added hint to run as administrator when failed to apply system settings.

This should really be handled in a more user friendly manner, i.e. prompting an elevated instance to make changes to system settings. Just didn't get around to it yet.

den4b Forum

#1 2020-04-15 05:09

Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#2 2020-04-16 22:55

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#3 2020-04-17 03:44

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#4 2020-04-17 04:24

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#5 2020-04-17 05:00

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#6 2020-04-17 07:30

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#7 2020-04-17 08:45

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#8 2020-04-19 11:42

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#9 2020-04-19 16:25

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

#10 2020-04-21 09:37

Re: Unable to launch ReNamer from FreeCommander and save presets

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