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Find like files of single folder across whole computer
I want to use a single folder as a base for file compare but scan the whole computer for like or same file/folder names.My archive folders are as fragmented as my mind. 0-o
I want to use a single folder as a base for file compare but scan the whole computer for like or same file/folder names.My archive folders are as fragmented as my mind. 0-o
You may want to look at CCleaner. It has a function to report duplicate files on an entire disk.
Gosh, this is something that could be scripted out but nothing that I'm aware of a program already supporting. Because the contents of the "base folder" defines a well-circumscribed universe of object to match, it's not a terribly difficult program. The only enhancement I'd suggest is to test hits to see if they're also hard-linked files. That's because each link to a single copy of a file will be reported as a duplicate, even though there's really only one physical copy plus a bunch of links...
Pseudo-code:
For all files in "base folder"
Set search target
Search all drives for matches to search target
Check if hit is linked file of some kind
Report non-linked files as duplicate --or-- take action on duplicate
HTH,
--Ed--
Well I only need to roughly match a folder name or the name of the file within the base folder but not the files in the sub folders. Then run a search per HDD letter for a single file type.
This may be doable with Windows command line search tool but I am unsure, just have it output to a text file but again I am unsure of it all.
I am a scattered brained fool thus I need esoteric things to un paint myself out of a corner LOL
Yes, you could do it either in a batch (.BAT) file or in a PowerShell (.PS1) script file. I can provide pointers to good reference and resource materials on either or both of these environments, if needed.
HTH,
--Ed--
Try PS if you want learning experience but the task itself could be much easier if you try using a dup file cleaner. I use DuplicateCleaner from Digital Volcano. I use the Pro version so you'll need check all functionality you need is also in their freeware version. To make searching easy, I'd move the Base Folder to a separate volume so you can compare it to all other volume(s) on computer. It allows for Similar filename as search criteria but never tried that option
Here's sample snapshots for setting Scan Location and Search Criteria based on v3.2.7. (They have a newer version out i haven't upgraded to yet. imagine it has still more options/flexibility)
Last edited by ComputerGeek; 09 Jan 2017 at 23:56.
Great suggestions, ComputerGeek! I'll have to try this for myself. And FWIW, I also agree with your advice about tackling PowerShell instead of the batch files/command line. MS has clearly indicate that while cmd.exe is not going away, PowerShell is the admin automation platform for today and tomorrow.
Thanks!
--Ed--