pouët.net

I need to compare two folders, they both have shitloads of files and subfolders in them. Thing is, *cough* iTunes has removed some files from a backup I've just done, so I need to know exactly what has been removed and/or changed.

Is there any software or any other way to ease the task of comparing two folders?

Cheers

Beyond Compare

Cheers.

Total commander - synchronize directories

Cheers ggn, that's a blast from the past, didn't realise it was still going.

I did try that Microsoft thing, "SyncTool". It said it copied all the files, but somehow missed some. Kinda what lead me to this situation.

For now I just need to know what files iTunes has got rid of. The latest version 9.2 has changed the way the artwork is used in the software. I've got a feeling it's that, but I just need to make sure it is, so I have some peace of mind. :)

something that uses the ntfs journal.

superplek, I would but offhand it looks a bit too deep for me.

Araxis Merge has a feature to compare directories.
It's designed for source files but maybe it will suit your needs.

Total Commander a blast from the past?
tz tz tz.
it's my everyday tool at work and at home.

I think WinMerge can do the job as well. You can try:

http://winmerge.org/about/

Zip the files and out source the task to India.

FreeCommander can compare and synchronize folders. And is free.

how can someone work WITHOUT total commander

(emphasis on "work")

Rasmus: He needs an exact result, so outsourcing is not an option.

diff -rq dirA dirB

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll try and get on with it later if I can get the bloody time!

rasmus: You need a bloody slap for that! :P

styx: I remember it from years ago, but never really used it.

If you're on a Mac, Transmit can do the same folder-sync as Total Commander (on local folders too).

Yeah, yeah, yeah,. I was introduced by a friend to Total Commander (I knew beforehand norton commander in DOS of course, I just didn't knew an equivalent in windows and never searched) in 1999 and he wondered the same, how the fuck can someone work without total commander, he introduced it to everyone and most avoided it. Most people in my past jobs didn't even use it and when they got in my computer and I had the total commander open they were confused and said "close that shit, let's open windows explorer". Of course it's what everyone is used to, but it seems not many like total commander.

Gloom: Nah, Win7. :)

Optimouse ;) : How similar to the old Directory Opus on the Miggy?

Easy, just use DirectoryOpus. DOpus > TC.

The lesson to learn here: Don't use ITunes! :)

Yeah i see all this love for Total Commander, and while it sure is really handy, i way prefer Directory Opus, but each unto their own, the main thing is as Gargaj points out, those tools really help your work flow in so many cool ways where Windows Explorer is severely lacking.

Totally agree keito. I'm currently chugging along with Free Commander and I'll probably stick with it. The sync is just running and I'll be doing a manual compare when it finishes just to be doubly sure. If it works out fine, I'll be doing all my file handling with it.

maytz: Actually I was right in the first place, it was just iTunes messing with artwork files, nothing else. I did a before/after compare, the only files that were different were just parts of the cover art database.

seconding 'beyond compare' it's the daddy.

On windows I use grigsoft "CompareIt" and "SynchronizeIt".
http://www.grigsoft.com/index.htm

Good if you have to compare archives a lot.