hd writer doesn't recognize re-named files

I don't see the file extensions for the movies. How do I set folder options to display extensions? I can't seem to find that option.

Interesting thing though is that movies that I rename or move to a different file can still be recognized by Corel Video. It seems that HD Writer is the program with the issue. That's the program that came with the camcorder so I've been using that to download videos. This is an issue though because if I move these files to my external hard drive, HD Writer won't be able to recognize them. Pretty much I'm I have to keep them in the same location, same name given my HD Writer, or this program won't be able to access them.

I should be able to rename video files, right? And also move them? I can do that with my pictures.

Thanks so much.

"I should be able to rename video files, right? And also move them? I can do that with my pictures."

Some apps are like this. They have their ways and you find them to be unacceptable. Nothing seems broken here except the app does not agree with you.

There are only a few options here. Live with it, contact the supplier/author/etc. or replace it.
Bob

Thanks Bob. I think I might just download the movies manually via copy and past through windows explorer. They go in fine and I seem to be able to move and rename them. Just won't be able to use the program that came with the camcorder. That's really no biggie since I mostly use Corel Video. I assume copying them manually through explorer would be fine? Do you happen to know if I might run into any issues?

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help. Still learning quite a bit about videos and camcorders.

Melissa

But since it's a COPY operation it should not disturb the camera and give you a second change if that did not work.
Bob

because I don't know anything about camcorder software.

You asked about changing settings in folder options. If you are using Windows, (assumed but not confirmed), head over to the Control Panel then Folder Options, then the View tab, (should be the same for all versions of Windows), and remove the tick for "Hide extensions for known file types". Whilst you are there, select the setting just above for "Show hidden files, folders and drives". Click Apply then OK.

I think it's worth another try with this camcorder software. But if it fails again, even though the file extension remains unchanged, then this shows Bob's reasoning is right.

Mark

Thanks so much for all your help. Thanks for the step by step, Mark, of how to change this setting. Am about to give it a try.

Melissa

Hmmm... Sorry to be so dumb but I don't see Folder Options in Control Panel. I have Vista... maybe it's under something different?

Melissa

I found the Folder Options menu and did as you suggested. Then I copied/pasted a movie I downloaded via HD Writer to a different folder. It has the same name and same file extensions, but HD Writer won't recognize the moved file. It will only recognize the original file.

I guess if I'm to use HD Writer, I'll have to keep each file in the same place it downloads originally. This isn't always feasible what with reorganizing things on my computer... so it's looking like HD Writer isn't going to work for me.

As as aside I did a google search on this problem, and found several other people encountering the same problem. So it's apparently a problem with HD Writer.

Thanks again for trying to help. I'll have to do some further experimenting to make sure moving/renaming video files (keeping extension the same) doesn't effect Corel Video.

Melissa

OK... some more info. For some reason HD Writer did finally recognize the moved file. So that was successful. I think the problem was when I moved the file before I didn't move the other 3 associated things with it (don't know what they're called, but with every movie downloaded there are 3 other files downloaded with it).

However, when I renamed the files (keeping extensions the same), HD Writer gives an error and won't play the movie. So it seems the problem comes in renaming the file.

Interesting.

Melissa

Probably a bit wild, but here goes.

If this HD Writer won't let you change file names before you edit them, what about changing the file names afterwards?

Mark

In many systems the app uses a "set" of files. For example many dBASE apps would have the database and one or many index and text files. The idea of keeping all the data inside one file came later.

If there are 3 files in the set then my bet is you find all three must be the same name.
Bob

I hadn't thought of trying to change the name after editing. Thanks Mark... Will give that a try next.

Unfortunately, keeping all 3 files the same name doesn't work... HD Writer won't recognize them with the new names, even though they're the same & file extensions aren't changed.

Thanks so much for all the help! I really appreciate it.

Melissa