I have a 1TB WD ULtra MY Passport. It is filled with duplicate files, which I want to keep one copy and delete/erase the duplicates. I have tried deleting with Word to Recycle Bid and Webroot. These approaches delete the file content, but the file name and size are still there? Is there a way to get rid of these duplicate/deleted files and keep the ones I need? Thank you so much for any help. I will be extremely grateful.
scallion…I haven’t seen this issue for some time, I’ll try some thoughts…
- you need to determine where/what files or folders are taking up the space on your 1TB.
- I had this problem and found a PC utility called, Treesize. You can download the Free version on the web…just search. This app produces a Tree structure of the disk. Expand to open and see which folder has all the files. I’ve previously posted Treesize, so do a topic Search in this forum. Run it on your C: drive too. Once you find out where all your files are, either by size or numbers, you can go forward.
- as best I know, WD backup saves up to 5 versions of the same file, all in the History folder of the WD Backup.swstor folder. It does keep a copy of the last current file in the Volume folder.
- normally, most files are relatively small, except for Video’s. or Presentation stuff.
- now, I had a problem when my created backup choices, it did Cache files from Mozilla. I found over 4millon files being saved from temp locations. I now backup just my working files I need and maybe the Bookmarks from Mozilla.
thank you so much for these directions and for answering my questions.
scallion…if you use the Free Treesize or some other app to uncover your high size/file count, please post a summary of your conclusions. These forums work the best when users post questions and solutions. I would like to read further results. You could also post an image or two.
Also, a quick way to view size/file totals is, in Explorer, rt mouse click the disk or folder and choose Properties. You can use this method while drilling down thru your folders Tree.
Hope you find the cause of the lack of space. Hopefully it’s a file/folder you don’t need. You then can delete the culprit using Explorer. Then Edit your backup files in WD Backup.
What version of WD Backup are you using. You also said “. I have tried deleting with Word to Recycle Bid and Webroot.” What does this mean? Are you trying to delete files using these?
Frankly, I am just lost. The issue is not a lack of space. The issue is that over time due to backups and the like I have multiple copies of the same exact file in different folders on my WD Ultra Passport in a disorganized fashion for a variety of reasons. I have just bought a new laptop, HP ENVY. I do not just want to dump my back up files onto the laptop. My goal for my new laptop is to have it extremely organized and not filled with duplicates. To this end, I have tried to search for a specific file or topic on my external drive, and let’s say, five copies come up all the same name, size, date created but in a variety of folders on the drive. I have tried keeping one copy and deleting the other four, both through Word, which puts them in the Recycle Bin or Webroot, which supposedly deletes them permanently. This does delete the files. However, when I go back to the external drive and do a search for the same file, there are still five copies listed with the same name, date created, and SIZE. I can figure out which is the saved one by trying to open them one by one, but what I am looking for is a way to get the four erased files off, gone, removed from my external drive so I am just left with one copy of good files so then I can transfer to my new computer in my newly established organization system.
I have downloaded Treesize as suggested and it does have a duplicate file finder,. but we are talking about 100,000 of thousands of files. And I can’t find enough information on this function to use with confidence. They also have what they call a “deduplicator” but I am terrified to use because it is permanent and I can’t find enough of an explanation of how the work. I don’t want to play the sympathy card, but I have just been diagnosed with cancer, these files represent 20 years of work that I want to leave to my family, including at least 7 books I have written and copies of documents that no longer exist. There are literally hundreds of thousands of files on the external drive. My ability to think clearly is being affected by the stress of this recent diagnosis and just don’t have time or energy to learn every aspect of these programs, like Bitraser File Eraser, or find the proper one. So I was looking for some help and direction. Perhaps I am going at this in the wrong manner. Any suggestions are welcomed.
I downloaded TreeSize and it is a good program but I found something that directly addresses my specific issue of duplicate files on my hard disk and external drive. It is SO easy to use and can be mastered in mere minutes. It is by Stellar and called “Duplication Cleaner.” It has a free version, but I paid the $30 for the pro version and it has really uncomplicated my life. Just thought I would put it out there.
scallion…first, I want to say how sorry to hear about your issue and I can truly understand your purpose…
- I’m trying to understand…the multiple copies of the same files (date, size) appear in different folders on the backup WD Ultra drive? How is this possible because they would also have had to reside like that on you laptop. It’s hard to believe that you save-as into different folders manually. I know if you drag/drop or copy/paste, the files would have exact same properties when placed into different directories on your laptop.
- are you using WD Backup…what version? I don’t think Backup can copy a single laptop file into different folders on the Ultra…the files must exist as individual files in multiple folders already on your laptop…then Backup copies them to the Ultra and creates a current copy and up to 5 multiple versions of that named file.
- can you identify the multiples on your laptop? and maybe you placed them there…could you not at least house clean first before looking at your Ultra.
- you say 100,000 of thousands of duplicates…are these on the Ultra files in sets of 5max copies in the History folder?
- I have not used the Treesize duplicate file finder or deduplicator…I would not want to use a pgm that deletes duplicates myself. I’m the brute manual type of guy…
- on a Win PC Explorer, if you single pick a file, the hold the shift key and press the Delete key, a dialog box will appear and ask you if you want to Permanently delete the file…rather than to the Recycle bin. You can use the Cntl key to select multiple files, or the Shift key to select multiple range of files.
- in the WD Backup.swstor History …if you drill down to a specific folder, you will see up to 5 copies of the same file with a cryptic character name, one with LAST, and a final one with 0kb and matching the LAST date/time. A single Last used file is in the Volume folder.
- I still cannot wrap my head around you getting same name/date/size files in different folders on you Laptop unless you did copies yourself. I too would be nervous using Biteraser type programs without first tracking down the underlying problems.
- does the Backup have files that are no longer available on the laptop?
Sorry to take so long to get back to you, but I know you understand. Your email was detailed and extremely helpful. I believe like you in the manual approach and the control it offers. I have used your tips that really helped out. A long process but much safer. Again, your time and detail have truly been appreciated.
You were so gracious to take the time and effort to answer my questions. Thank you so much.
So Scallion…maybe you could summarize your issue and how you attacked the problem. Could be interesting if you share your situation…and…are you still with duplicate files. It’s still hard to visualize multiple duplicates unless you copied folders over and over.
They were copied over and over, when I had an issue, Geek squad backup several times in case they need to do a restore. Over time, change in laptop, led to tangled mess, but see a path Thanks.
I suggest you to use BitRaser File Eraser which will help you completely wipe out your storage drive. This tool helps the user to completely wipe their storage drive and make the drive ready to re-use. To know more about the tool and its features you can check the link below:
The tool is free for 30 days!
Hope it will help you!
Thank you so much for reply. I will try it out.
Regards,
