Find like files of single folder across whole computer


  1. Posts : 194
    Win 7,8.1 ,10
       #1

    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
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,020
    Windows 10 Pro 20H2 19042.572
       #2

    You may want to look at CCleaner. It has a function to report duplicate files on an entire disk.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 194
    Win 7,8.1 ,10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    storageman said:
    You may want to look at CCleaner. It has a function to report duplicate files on an entire disk.
    Was hoping one program could work to com pare a folder to all hardrives. Blah
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       #4

    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--
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 194
    Win 7,8.1 ,10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    EdTittel said:
    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
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       #6

    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--
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 194
    Win 7,8.1 ,10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    EdTittel said:
    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--
    Which would be better for this? PS seems to be replacing bats bit by bit so PS would be if just to learn a bit more about it..
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 268
    Windows 10 Pro x64 v22H2
       #8

    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)

    Find like files of single folder across whole computer-location.jpgFind like files of single folder across whole computer-criteria.jpg
    Last edited by ComputerGeek; 09 Jan 2017 at 23:56.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       #9

    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--
      My Computers


 

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