Hello -- Please help me, I am in need of a Windows XP program which will look through a partition (volume), will look at each file, in all folders and subfolders. Then give me a list of duplicates (based on same size, same size and date, same name, etc) and then will allow me to eliminate those duplicates. Keeping one copy. Thanks!! P.S. this is not a sync operation, just housekeeping jasencase@graffiti.net

There are many third-party programs that will do this. Google for Duplicate File Finder. Life's more painless for the brainless.

My favorite is M$'s own dupfinder.exe Description (quoted from this source) The Duplicate Finder tool (dupfinder.exe) is probably one of the most useful Windows Support Tools. It’s perfect if you’re looking to remove as much clutter as possible from your PC. The Windows interface makes it easy to use, but tread carefully. If you do identify duplicate files don’t delete them immediately. It’s a good idea to rename them first and see if your system can cope without them. Only when you’re sure you don’t need them should you go ahead and delete. To launch the tool, click Start, Run, type dupfinder and press OK. In the Search in folder(s) drop-down box it’s set to C:\ by default. Leave this unchanged and click Start Search to begin a scan of your hard drive. Depending on the size of your hard disk this could take a while. In the results list right-click any item to see information on file sizes, creation dates and so on. This will help you to determine whether or not you actually need it. Be wary when deleting files that are located in your Windows folder or any of its sub folders. The chances are you’ll find a number of other duplicates elsewhere, so concentrate on those first. It's available as part of XP SP2 Support Tools. Go HERE to get it (WGA validation is required). i_XpUser

if you have a recovery partition and/or a "i386' windows install folder you can expect to see a number of duplicate files. The "i386" folder(s) is to install your windows. Do not delete duplicate files located in these folders. On my system I have four "i386" folders. One is in C:\WINDOWS\I386 and is the windows setup files folder. This folder is used when adding devices and installing things like printers. So deleting its files as "duplicates" is unwise. The other "i386" folders include the one on my recovery partition drive D: and two one drive C:, one for Bart PE and the other for Drivers. Basically do not mess with any of these. Compaq Presario SR1720NX Desktop Computer AT&T SBC Yahoo DSL Home Linksys Router/2 computers

Be aware that sometimes duplicate files are necessary and also files that show 0 for size may be necessary.

That's very good advice - thank you. Fortunately in this scenario I am finding duplicates of only data files, gathered from many sundry hard drives and now brought together onto a single volume. jasencase@graffiti.net

Below is a link for Beyond Compare. This is shareware. Full version upon install. States 30 days but I think it is actually 30 uses. The best program of its type I have seen. you can compare any two folders/ partitions/ drives. Have left and right columns. Shows the differences in color. Can filter any way you want. Try it, you won't regret it. http://www.scootersoftware.com/bc.h...