Desperate Help Needed: How to check if files have been modified?

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  1. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
       #1

    Desperate Help Needed: How to check if files have been modified?


    Hi all, I DESPERATELY need some help here.

    I've been using Dropbox for over 2 years now and I've been sharing my Dropbox account with other users. I've got some .PDF files stored in my Dropbox folder and I'm VERY worried that these .PDF files have been modified by another Dropbox user.

    This is my question: How can I check if my files in my Dropbox folder on my local HDD have been edited at all?

    Thank you for any help!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #2

    You could look at the date modified and compare this to your local backup perhaps?

    If they should never have been modified then the creation date and the last modified date should be the same (which will make things easier). You can see this by right click > properties > details
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  3. Posts : 76
    Windows 10 x64 Pro
       #3

    Assuming you have a 100% "good" version of your file(s) and another one that you want to verify, use HashMyFiles to compare the hashes of the files (a sort of digital signature). If there are different, something must have changed.
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  4. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks so much for your replies!

    I've got another similar issue, but it doesn't involve Dropbox.

    I've got one .PDF file that is located across a few different devices and HDD's and I just wanted to know if there's a way I can check if it's been altered by anyone? In other words, it's supposed to be the same .PDF file with the same content, but how can I check if anyone of them have been altered?

    Thank you!
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  5. Posts : 7,871
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #5

    This may be old fashioned but you can just use the old DOS file compare command fc from a command prompt. Type fc /? to see the options. Also see http://www.howtogeek.com/206123/how-...ommand-prompt/
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  6. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks, but how can I be sure that'll definitely tell me that the .PDF hasn't been changed? I just want to know that the pages and text inside it hasn't been changed because it's an e-book in .PDF format.

    Is there something else I can try with a GUI?
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  7. Posts : 7,871
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #7

    I did a Google search for "visual file compare" and found this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compar...mparison_tools

    That should keep you busy for the rest of the day :)

    I still think fc is a quick and simple test.
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  8. Posts : 1,750
    Windows 10 Pro
       #8

    Steve C said:
    I did a Google search for "visual file compare" and found this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compar...mparison_tools

    That should keep you busy for the rest of the day :)

    I still think fc is a quick and simple test.
    Try Beyond Compare from Scooter Software. It may be just what you need.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Like I said, I just want to know that the content within the .PDF file is unchanged like the text and the number of pages.

    Is there an app in particular someone can highly recommend for me?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Hey guys, this is a really important issue for me so I'd love to hear more opinions from the experts on here!
      My Computer


 

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