Mass Delete Files based on an Excel Spreadsheet

[MrFrantastic]

Hey everyone. I'm having an issue getting rid of some old files. I have over 3700 pictures files (jpg & jpeg) saved on my network of current and former student ID photos. Each file is saved as a unique ID number. I have all of my current student ID numbers (about 1200) in an Excel spreadsheet. How can I use the current ID numbers to either delete the old/not in use pictures or find/move all the current picture files to a new folder?

Thanks!

 

[PeteWright]

Hello @MrFrantastic
This could be done using VBA if you accept that. Pure Excel cannot modify (or delete) files.
May I know a little bit more about your data?
Could you post an example of your spreadsheet? (You may change the names and IDs to something random)

I think it could work as follows:
First you sort your data (the current student IDs) in alphabetical (numerical) order, then you create a macro-enabled-spreadsheet (*.xlsm), create a macro (VBA code) and run it.
The macro would take the ID and look for the corresponding file (like ID 123456 -> 123456.jpg or 123456.jpeg, the extension can use wildcards) and move it to a directory of your choice.
In the end what's left are the IDs (picture files) you don't need.

If you accept using VBA and tell me more about your data I could write a macro that does the job.