Windows 10: Desperate Help Needed: How to check if files have been modified?

Thanks for the replies!

I've looked at the ideas so far, but they're all 3rd party apps and I don't feel safe giving away access to my files to a 3rd party company. Is there a built-in way for me to check inside Windows 10 Pro?

 

Use the DOS fc (file compare) command like I advised in post 5 a few days ago. That's a very simple 'built in' command which meets your requirements.

 

Thanks I'll try that now!

 

I'm really hesitant about using the command prompt in case I do damage to my PC... is there a GUI app I can use that's built-in to Windows 10 Pro?

 

I use freefilesync to check (and sync) differences between folders. Very fast and can handle many files. I also use it for data backup.

 

You won't harm your PC using fc and there is no built in GUI version. Do the following to use fc:

• Copy the files to compare to a common folder e.g. c:\temp
• Open a command prompt - Windows key + X, then choose Command Prompt
• Go to your folder e.g. cd c:\temp
• Run fc e.g. fc filename1 filename2
• You will either get a short report that there are no differences, else a list of differences

There are various command switches you can use to refine how the file comparison is done - use fc /? to see the options.

 

Hi there
One of the best ways I know to do this is actually to use a Linux utility -- I know this involves a bit of extra work but IMO well worth while

Load a Live distro of Linux and then install Kompare (or run from a Linux VM) -- you need KDE desktop (quite Windows like BTW)






Another good one also on Linux is Kdiff3 as this can compare directories as well plus etc all sorts of useful stuff. For example Files in Dir A that aren't in B, Files in B that aren't in A etc -- very handy when tidying up NAS servers etc.





Sometimes the best tools are on other systems --don't be afraid to use them. !!!

I use these regularly - plus you avoid the NTFS restriction of File + directory name lengths.

Cheers
jimbo

 

Also, ask the people who share your Dropbox account if they did in fact edit any of your pdf files.

Consider controlling access to your files if it's that important.*really

 

This looks perfect for me, but it seems like a lot of work to install a virtual machine or run a Linux distro via my DVD drive just to use one app... Do you know of any apps that are made for Windows and are available on the Microsoft Store?

Thanks!

 

Yes, but it's not the built in W10 solution you said you wanted. The fc command is extremely simple unless you have many files to compare.

 

Thanks!

I'd be happy I don't want to use a 3rd party app because I'm VERY worried about getting some malware that'll have access to all of my data. I'd install something from the Microsoft Store as I find this to be trustworthy.

Is there anything you can recommend?

EDIT:

I really want an app that has a huge user base so I'm able to trust it with giving it access to all of my files on my HDD.