Windows 10: Find like files of single folder across whole computer

I want to use a single folder as a base for file compare but scan the whole computer for like or same file/folder names.My archive folders are as fragmented as my mind. 0-o

:)

 

Restore down on any of my windows folders not working. Instead freezes up, starts flashing and wont restore. On windows 10

I figured out the problem.

There was a folder that was minimized (restored down) to a size that the computer found too small. Every folder I opened would flash due to this.

The fix was to find the actual folder that started the whole mess... the one that was originally minimized to the offensive size per the computer.

I clicked on the folder today and I knew it was the one because when it popped up it was not flashing like crazy like all the others... it was the same size 2x3 but no crazy flashing occurring. Another big difference was that I was able to use my mouse and
increase the size of the folder by dragging the sides which I have been unable to do on all the other folders.

I dragged the sides until the folder was a larger minimized size and just like that the problem was gone.

I hope this helps everyone who comes across this problem. Find the original folder that was minimized (restored down) to the "too small" size and then resize that folder, everything will go back to normal once done.

 

Windows explorer can't find file types in a Google Drive folder, but can find them on the whole computer

Hello!

I'm trying to search a specific folder for a filetype in my Google Drive folder like this:

Search Google Drive: *.pdf

..and I got "No items match your search".

But when I search the whole computer (either "This PC" or "C:") I can find them.

Is there any way to fix this? I don't need to search the whole C; drive every time I need a file.

Thanks

 

You may want to look at CCleaner. It has a function to report duplicate files on an entire disk.

 

Was hoping one program could work to com pare a folder to all hardrives. Blah

 

Gosh, this is something that could be scripted out but nothing that I'm aware of a program already supporting. Because the contents of the "base folder" defines a well-circumscribed universe of object to match, it's not a terribly difficult program. The only enhancement I'd suggest is to test hits to see if they're also hard-linked files. That's because each link to a single copy of a file will be reported as a duplicate, even though there's really only one physical copy plus a bunch of links...
Pseudo-code:
For all files in "base folder"
Set search target
Search all drives for matches to search target
Check if hit is linked file of some kind
Report non-linked files as duplicate --or-- take action on duplicate

HTH,
--Ed--

 

Well I only need to roughly match a folder name or the name of the file within the base folder but not the files in the sub folders. Then run a search per HDD letter for a single file type.

This may be doable with Windows command line search tool but I am unsure, just have it output to a text file but again I am unsure of it all.


I am a scattered brained fool thus I need esoteric things to un paint myself out of a corner LOL

 

Yes, you could do it either in a batch (.BAT) file or in a PowerShell (.PS1) script file. I can provide pointers to good reference and resource materials on either or both of these environments, if needed.
HTH,
--Ed--

 

Which would be better for this? PS seems to be replacing bats bit by bit so PS would be if just to learn a bit more about it..

 

Try PS if you want learning experience but the task itself could be much easier if you try using a dup file cleaner. I use DuplicateCleaner from Digital Volcano. I use the Pro version so you'll need check all functionality you need is also in their freeware version. To make searching easy, I'd move the Base Folder to a separate volume so you can compare it to all other volume(s) on computer. It allows for Similar filename as search criteria but never tried that option

Here's sample snapshots for setting Scan Location and Search Criteria based on v3.2.7. (They have a newer version out i haven't upgraded to yet. imagine it has still more options/flexibility)

 

Great suggestions, ComputerGeek! I'll have to try this for myself. And FWIW, I also agree with your advice about tackling PowerShell instead of the batch files/command line. MS has clearly indicate that while cmd.exe is not going away, PowerShell is the admin automation platform for today and tomorrow.
Thanks!
--Ed--