Best way to safely remove duplicate files?

[Zer0_II]

What is the best way to safely remove duplicate files. I have a few programs which will find and delete duplicate files. However I know in some instances the duplicates exist for a reason. The reason I was wanting to do this is because I'm starting to run low on drive space, and I know I won't have the money anytime soon to buy another harddrive. In fact I really don't have the money to spend on CDs right now to backup my music. I was hoping to be able to clear out some extra space by removing some duplicate files, but I want to be able to do it safely also.

[+allan MVC]

On a piece of paper, make a note of every file you want to delete and its current location. Then create a new folder on your hd (name it "backup" if you like) and move the files from their current location to this new folder. Move them only a few at a time and live with the system for a few days. If there are no adverse effects, delete the files and then move a few more, repeating the above procedure until you've deleted everything you like.

Of course the best and safest method is to first create an image of your hd using a program such as Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost.

[alanwo]

NoClone - find and delete duplicate files by true byte-by-byte comparison. With smart marker, clean up hard drives.

http://noclone.net

[wasabi]

  alanwo said:

NoClone - find and delete duplicate files by true byte-by-byte comparison. With smart marker, clean up hard drives.

http://noclone.net

585723633[/snapback]

I use this also & love it

however

if you search for duplicates in lets say folders with programs (not yet installed) alot of duplicates will turn up and these you dont want to remove cause alot of diff programs same file size and names for program items - so use with caution if searching thru folders with programs.

You also have specific "duplicate & obsolete .dll" finder programs - try those too (with caution)

[odious_m]

Have a look at the sticky at the top of this thread....

Making your windows folder smaller!

I'd suggest just following the examples in the first post--after that it gets a little crazy!

[Lurch]

Perhaps I have been lucky, but this little freeware utility seems to serve me quite nicely...

Duplicate File Finder

http://srhoda.250free.com/