Testing a bulk rename ps1 script. Using the -WhatIf to make sure code doesn’t do a wild run-away rename. However, when I run the script through a debugger (saw that running straight through displayed nothing); the command with the -WhatIf appears to execute but the “whatif: ” console message never appears. When I run it through, step by step, the debugger, I break on the command in question, step into it, ISE flashes and the cursor moves to the next statement – the -WhatIf message doesn’t appear in the output, and the $? (I think that shows the last command execution status?) is True.

Where could the WhatIf output have gone, and/or what hvae I messed up in the script to make it malfunction?

Also, is there a way to display the $_.Fullname value as a kind of log entry when -WhatIf is removed?

NOTE:

• Using PowerShell 7.4.2
• All variables in the command in question are correctly assigned – checked values prior to stepping into command. I removed extraneous code to simplify this post.

[CmdletBinding()]

# Rename files in directory tree

# Rename all files in specified directory and sub directories using the old and new patterns 
# *** Add "-Recurse " once proven rename works as desired (to prevent wild rename run-away)
                                                                                               #******
    Get-ChildItem $workPath -File -Recurse `                                            
               |  ForEach-Object {Rename-Item $_.Fullname `                             
                                     -NewName ($_ -replace $w, $n) -WhatIf              
                                 }

#   if (not $?) {
#       write-host "*** Rename to $newName did NOT work"
#   }
}

"Done"

######################
Terminal output

PS X:PS Rename>                                   # Terminal cursor position prior initiating debug
PS X:PS Rename>                                   # Terminal cursor position AFTER initiating debug

# No terminal output during execution