Comparing similar directories

[kaspaas]

Hi,

I need a package (preferable WinXP) to compare 2 directories and show the files which are not the same.

I have a set of data on my server, and made a copy of that data to my laptop. I've changed quite a bit of data on my laptop while travelling, but am no longer sure which files are involved.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Mux]

There are a number of software options depending what you need to do.
Here is something I use: Beyond Compare
Other such as: Araxis Merge and Ultra Edit Compare (<-- very cool but was a bit over the top for me.)

 

[Messugga]

I'd code you something but frankly, no time Are both data sets on the same machine or does it need to be able to compare across a network?

 

[bdt]

On first blush Merge looks pretty interesting. Here's a simpler alternative that may be a better fit for this purpose: DeDupe, about which:

DeDupe, a duplicate file finder tool, assists users to find and remove duplicate files in your system. This tool aids the needs from a novice user to any IT savvy Professional. Increase the hard disk space by deleting or compressing the duplicate files into a zip file, moving the duplicate files to a folder. DeDupe will find and removes the duplicate files before they cause havoc to your system.
...
DeDupe identifies the duplicates only when the file names are same. This is compared against other duplicate files with the next level of match.

Surely once you what's the same, you get to know what's different?

 

[HavocXphere]

Total Commander can do that as far as I know.

 

[KaasP]

Unix/Linux is chock full of tools to make that sort of thing easy. Cygwin is a port of most of these to windows. Get it here
Of course you need a bit of technical expertise to make these tools do your bidding.

If it absolutely must be windows, the makers of ultraedit have a product called ultracompare, it's here.
There is a free trial version available, to buy outright costs $30

Pretty sure that would suit your requirements, from the description:
>>>
System Administration
We all know to make backups - but what happens when something goes wrong and you need to compare your legacy backup with your current backup? That's where a compare/merge/sync tool comes in.
>>>

 

[GPS]

"Second copy" can do a backup every time a file change. Also has a full synchronization feature. Use it to keep my PC and notebook in sync. Very nice. www.secondcopy.com

 

[cyberarmy]

I use allway sync to see which files are modified/deleted/added in my work laptop and backup server.

 

[BiteMe]

Hi,

I need a package (preferable WinXP) to compare 2 directories and show the files which are not the same.

I have a set of data on my server, and made a copy of that data to my laptop. I've changed quite a bit of data on my laptop while travelling, but am no longer sure which files are involved.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

the tool you are looking for is called dsynchronize
available here
http://dimio.altervista.org/eng/ (scroll down a bit)
can compare two folders, either locally or via a lan, display the difference, and optionally automatically copy from A to B, from B to A or synchronise A+B, with optional overwrite/delete

freeware

 

[Deenem]

WinMerge , google it

 

[SecretCode]

FileSync (www.fileware.com) is old and nags after 30 days but is v flexible.