Comparing files?

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solaybro

628 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#159862 15-Dec-2014 13:51

Is there any way to compare files on two hard drives so I can see what files differ?

I am trying to compare my music library on my laptop against my music library on an external hard drive because I have just noticed that the folder sizes don't match when they should. I need to find out what files one hard drive has that the other doesn't.

Is there anyway to do this with out manually going through all my music?

Sideface

9295 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1197767 15-Dec-2014 13:58

FreeFileSyc at http://www.freefilesync.org/ free!

ViceVersa Pro at http://www.tgrmn.com/ not free

Both are excellent - have used them for years.
There are many alternatives.

Sideface

w00t

51 posts

Master Geek

#1197769 15-Dec-2014 14:00

SyncToy?

You can set up a folder pair between the directories and run a preview to see what would be copied/renamed/deleted.

michael001

160 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#1197798 15-Dec-2014 14:12

Beyond Compare is the tool you are looking for. http://www.scootersoftware.com/

It has a trial period that seems to last forever, so install, spend 2 minutes reading the how-to and you'll have the results you need.

wellygary

8273 posts

Uber Geek

#1197811 15-Dec-2014 14:32

michael001: Beyond Compare is the tool you are looking for. http://www.scootersoftware.com/

It has a trial period that seems to last forever, so install, spend 2 minutes reading the how-to and you'll have the results you need.

+1 On Beyond compare,

I use this to check that my HTPC drive is identical to a USB backup that gets taken off site every month or so...

solaybro

628 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#1197813 15-Dec-2014 14:36

Thanks for the help guys.

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek

#1197829 15-Dec-2014 14:54

WinDiff could be another option.

ObidiahSlope

260 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1197944 15-Dec-2014 16:56

Use the force solaybro, Windows Powershell.

(line may wrap)
PS C:\Users\xxxx> Compare-Object $(Get-ChildItem -include *.mp3 -path C:\old-directory\*) $(Get-ChildItem -include *.mp3 -path C:\new-directory\*)

Obsequious hypocrite