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Joined: Dec 2003
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I'm not talking about viruses but normal clutter. I have so much duplicated data that I'd like to eliminate but don't know if some program may be needing it eventually.
Many, if not all, of my mp3s and pics have multiplied.
I ran a Duplicate File Finder but hesitate to delete anything for fear of botching something important.
I've recently started using a desktop organizer but need a plan or scheme to eliminate the harmless garbage first.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
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Hi Don, I have done that tedious job with all the duplicate BIAB files that just landed on my drive and stayed there just like weeds, dust, sand, and stones on a not maintained driveway. - 1. make a full backup with all that clutter -- have that backup in randomly accessible files, so you can restore a single file by just copying. I use a program from Seagate that came with the backup drive.
- 2. take an external disk -- you only need it temporarily -- and create the file structure of your best dream.
- 3. run your duplicate finder -- if that duplicate finder has the capability of byte by byte comparison, like AllDup, that is best.
- 4. move one of the duplicates to the prepared landing spot on the external disk *)
- 5. gleefully erase all the others.
- 6. move everything else that you want to keep onto that external drive to the right spots in the prepared file structure.
- 7. and again put a smile on your face and delete on your drive what is moved -- you still have that backup.
- 8. move the content of the temporary drive to your hard disk again -- and remember if there is something missing: You have that backup.
*) There are duplicates that are not duplicates because of the byte by byte comparison. The real hard part is to decide which one you want to keep. I wish you a happy August, file erasing month of 2015. Guido
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Thank you, Guido.
It was you who introduced me to FENCES freeware to organize my desktop but things still continue to multiply and get out of control very quickly.
I had mentioned mp3s and photos multiplying but you are correct, .mgu and .sgu (BIAB) songs do it too.
I will begin using your advice immediately.
Many thanks.
Don
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Journeyman
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Possibly the best advice I have seen Guido is your idea of first making the full backup, then however you do it, delete what you think is rubbish, as it is still there on the backup if it is actually something needed after all. Very good advice indeed and I will remember that one.
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Guido, I took the liberty of posting your logical solution on www.majorgeeks.com. I hope you don't object. Don
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I don't object. This is part of my best practices collection. I developed these in many years of trial and error. I don't copyright my best practices. Actually they are "horse sense".
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Thank you, Nev. I have learned that the hard way. (Smile.)
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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You have to be careful with duplicate file finders and erasers.
I used one and nearly screwed up the computer since it deleted duplicates but picked the wrong ones..... what a freaking mess.
One thing I do now is delete the backup files Windows likes to make for restores. That's one thing that slowly eats up HD space.
I was at 95% full on C and things were v....e....r...y......s...l....o....w....... hit the delete button on the backups and kept the most recent one.... waaaa laaaa.... I suddenly had 60% on the drive.... it opened up almost 40% of the drive
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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AllDup is the duplicate finder of my choice. It offers several search and compare options. I usually use the byte by byte option and then select "by hand" which files I want to delete. These deletes are final. They don't show up in the bin. In the case of MGUs and such many duplicates remain undeleted. Sometimes there is a title entered instead the one generated from the filename, or a different style is selected, or it is simply stored in a different key. So you still need to open some file for a visual comparison. But the preselection using AllDup is very helpful. I refrain from automatic deletion of duplicates.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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