At first it said only the registered version can delete. When I ran setup, it showed that it was activated. Fortunately, it allowed me to enter the ID/Code today even though the giveaway was yesterday.

It allows me to delete multiple files, showing the location of each. Thanks to the comments on this page, I was able to specify to omit system files. I also excluded program files for safety. Good Program!

I would like to say "THANK YOU" to all of those who respond with advice for the non-techies. ie: "Not for Newbies", "Non-techs use with care" and etc. I have read comments that said, "if you don't know what it is or does, do not use". However, many of us who are not familiar with a program can decide whether we have use for it, or not, if the explanation is in a less technical language.


Thank you again...Responders. And a big THANK YOU to our GOTD team for the terrific work they do!

Installed and activated fine on XP, but did not even install on windows 7.

I upgraded from previous giveaway (v2.5), and for a change, I am not quite sure what to say.

This new version seems quicker, and it does seem to find more similar files (I had some partially downloaded files that the program managed to identify as similar to already downloaded files). I found this very useful.

But, on the other hand, the previous version let me se ALL the files the program figured to be doubles, at the same time, with the possibility to chech/uncheck what files I wanted to delete.
I kind of liked that, it was easy and fast.
This new version with the "groups" are much slower.

So, the new version of the program seems more accurate, but less user-friendly.

When installing, the 2.5-version was replaced by the 3.0 version without any option to keep both programs.

Windows 7, 64 bit.

installed fine on win7 64bit, tried to run it on 734GB w/694,270 files and it choked and just sat there... oh well, you get what you pay for.

I should add that my install did not have system files enabled by default. Also, I scanned only my Desktop and My Documents directories as this is where all of my files are stored, so the scan ran much faster than if you scanned the entire drive and reduces the chances of finding system files even if that option were enabled. However, scanning only those directories may not work for someone who scatters files across the partition.

Interesting software and is of potential use to me. I installed it and ran a scan to test. I was very disappointed to see that the results screen does not provide either a created date or a modified date in the view. It only provides the file name (along with full path), file size, and file type columns. I found no way to modify this view either by right-clicking the column header bar or by using the view menu. Also, there did not seem to be any options or preferences area to configure this type of view. I'd be reluctant to delete files without verifying which is the newest first. Sure, I could open the folder and check this on the file system, but I would expect this software to provide a view with all pertinent information about the files in the results for maximum efficiency and ease of use.

@26
You can minimize by using the "Show desktop" feature...
Bottom right rectangle on 7.
For XP, it should be in your Quick Launch bar.
Just click these buttons.
As for Vista, I have no idea! (it sucks!!!!!!!)

Clone Terminator works -- if you don't count the progress bar -- by comparing actual files, not file names, in whatever folders you select. It works fairly fast, though at 1st time seems to drag because the progress bar showed 2% instead of ~75%, then accelerates from there. The app itself is portable with the exception of a folder with an .ini file under Docs & Settings \ [User Name] \ Application Data. It groups identical files, with groups on the left, contents [file names, paths, & size] on the right. You can select files & delete them either to the recycle bin or permanently. There were a couple of finds I was suspicious of, so I compared them with Microsoft's free WinDiff, & Clone Terminator was right.

The primary danger using an app like Clone Terminator to get rid of duplicate files, is you can very easily break programs, & Clone Terminator itself provides a perfect example... Clone Terminator is programed to look for it's .ini file in that folder under Docs & Settings where it installs it. If You move that file into the program's folder, where it should be able to easily find & use it -- it doesn't. Likewise, when you delete a file from any program's folder, will it find the replacement? If that replacement file is in the Windows or Windows system folder, maybe. Otherwise, probably not. This becomes even more problematic when the file in question is registered with Windows, for example as a Direct Show filter -- delete it & every app that might use it [depending on what you have installed, maybe a dozen or more], can't. If you stay away from program files & stick with something like MP3s you've collected, you don't have that risk that you'll break something, & you should be fine. Of course with disk space cheap -- I recently saw a 1TB drive for $30 something [after MIR] -- many (most?) will feel it's not worth the time & effort.

Installs OK, works well,I have a lot of duplicate files with diferent names and the same names and diferent formats and it finds the ones with diferent names and the same format which I would have taken a while to find without this program,and it lets you preview them before deleting OR sending to the bin.Thanks GAOTD.

Has a lot of small irritating things. Like you can't add a second folder áfter scanning a first one. Like the results are not in one long list. Like you have to manually select en delete a file.

***
I use the very old Unique Filer and Unique Filer Beta: development has stopped; first one is payware; beta is buggy, but both are very good in finding duplicate pictures. I trust it enough to delete 1000s at once. Alpha version also finds other file types (but I saw a mistake with two same size textfiles, so you do have to check before deleting).

Tried a test on a directory tree having 2900 files in it.

Firstly, a GUI badness: This does not use standard WinXP open dialog. Therefore, cannot copy/paste a path but rather have to navigate every time to add something to be scanned.

During the scan, this happened:

"Access violation at address 00500EB8 in module 'Clone Terminator.exe'. Write of address 00000258."

Curiously, it didn't die but rather gave a second error:

"Access violation at address 004720FC in module 'Clone Terminator.exe'. Write of address 00000000."

However, when the scan finished, the main windows showed up in a "ghost" form and did not respond to any mouse clicks. Had to kill it.

I think the problem is GUI related, very possibly the fade in/fade out stuff. Better to have a program that works than a program that is fancy.

Also, I can no longer say this runs very fast. This scan took over an hour. Not that I know how fast it *should* run. But I know, for example, that Windiff would deal with these files in under ten minutes.

There is one thing for sure I can say - I definitely know that there are duplicates and by projects/design. I have just finished downloading/registering fast - slicker than a fast silver bullet. No problem. Win XP Pro/Quad Core (3200)/500GB/partitioned etc. No test was done. Just jumped in and went to a file(dump) where I knew there would be duplicates. Found all. I was able to preview the files and was actually able to delete one video and then removed the remainder of the folder from the hit list (LOL). Nice. Then went on to the next folder. (They are shown by groups - Nice) I maximized and minimized the screen. Good clean look - not cluttered. Granted there are other programs that can do all this and maybe more. I've tried a vast majority of them, but this one is comfortable to the eyes. I will definitely be keeping this. There is a nasty project ahead for me and that is to reorganize my file system getting everything into my desigated project folders and Clone Terminator will definitely help alot. I like this program. Good job. Thank you GAOTD and Enlapse

BEWARE: I thought I was doing a Good thing when I ran one of these a few years ago on my XP machine. I didn't set a Restore point and ended up having to reinstall! Programs like this would be very useful if...they could actually read which files are absolutely required for OS to run properly.

#15: [bruce et. al.]
You might consider looking into software that treats your NTFS the way unix does. ALL copies of, and references to, a file after the first one may be treated as 'shortcuts' [actually called links] -and the actual data does not disappear until the last 'link' is deleted from the hard drive.

NTFS is a gorgeous, elegant file keeping system that for reasons unclear to me were not implemented natively in Windows.

>>#15, Bruce: I keep seeing software like this, but it all wants to destroy duplicates. This is no good for multi-user system. I want to say “THIS one will be the file, the others will become SHORTCUTS to this one.” Can you do that?

Clonespy has this feature, although I won't vouch for the feature as I have used the program for years without every using that particular functionality.

It's donationware, so give it a try.

Installed Clone Terminator 3.0 on my XP Pro SP3 fine.
Liked: it's fast and seems very thorough
Didn't like: interface esp the selection process is lame. Should be able to manually select individual folders and sub-folders. Check boxes like Auslogics Duplicate File Finder is the best IMHO. Also, can't select "All duplicates in this folder"

Anti-Twin fits my needs the best. See FREE ALTERNATIVES.. above.

Everytime I try to run the program, while loading the file structure, it either hangs after a few seconds (not always at the same number), or gives me an "abnormal termination error" and closes. I'm running WinXP on a Lenovo laptop.

First problem with this program: no "minimize" button during the scan phase. You have to keep the "wizard" dialog displayed on your screen, no way of letting it scan as a background (non-displaying) process. But at least, it scans as fast as you could expect.

Second problem: it follows NTFS reparse points (junctions) cavalierly. So in my first test of this, it found many "duplicates" which are, in fact, one single copy of the file. At least it doesn't delete anything without user say-so (and also, it uses the recycle bin, which is good until the bin fills up).

I agree with the comments about using this with care!

I've used this before, when it's been offered here in the past. It's been very helpful to get rid of duplicate MP3 files, etc. Now that I have a new computer, it's great to have it offered again. Thanks!

Clone Terminator 3.0-

The code used to centre windows on the screen is incorrect for users with multiple monitors. Also when moving the window dialogs to a more appropriate location - the program moves them back to the wrong (centred) position next time it is run.

with 2 monitors each at 1024x768 - the desktop size is 2048x768 - currently all windows appear with half each window spread across both monitors (not easy to read). You need to get the display size for each monitor - and centre on the preferred (or last used) monitor. It will not always be the first monitor-depending on how the user works.

I stopped my evaluation of the program at this point. Having windows position correctly - and remembering their previous location (instead of being forced back to centre) is courteous to the user and a basic requirement for all software I use.

When it comes to software - it is important to get the basics correct first. As they say you only get one opportunity to make a good first impression.

I won't be downloading either, since I have a freeware alternative that is very robust and I trust. For me it is the BEST Duplicate Remover I've come across Bar none: It's called Clone spy. It's free, very flexible but reasonable defaults and is extremely customizable

http://www.clonespy.com/

Thanks anyway GOTD, and keep up the good work :) ,

Chuck

Advanced SystemCare has a "Cloned Files Finder" built in.

Hi Ivan Grynko, Great to see a representative of Enplase on the comment board.

My question is: There seems to be conflicting info from commenters regarding the System and Hidden files. Are they "excluded by default" or must we click/tick on a box?

I'm sure others are wondering too and this issue might keep people from trying this program.

Many questions...what constitutes a duplicate--exact same file name and extension ending? Does the program ignore all system backup (.bak) files? Does it detect only identically named files with identical extensions? Ex: file named charlie might be saved as charlie.ppt and as charlie.jpg and as charlie.bmp. Do all three get detected as duplicates or are all three ignored because of their different extensions? Lastly, I've caught that I named a file the exact same as one from another folder--yes, albeit sloppy, it happens--but they have nothing in common for content except file name and extension. It's obvious the program will flag them as duplicates BUT what option is there TO VIEW what the program has flagged as a duplicate so that one isn't erased? Is an immediate option available to RENAME the flagged duplicate so it isn't deleted when detected or is there an option to just IGNORE the duplicate? Thanks!

Toni A, have you tested the three alternatives you listed? I'd like to try them, but if already have an opinion about which you prefer, it would be useful to know which one, and why. As for the giveaway, the negative comments so far about stability have put me off. Also, since I just switched to a new computer, I am aware of how limiting a one-time free license is when you move to a new computer, so a free alternative is preferable.

The only concern I have is with my photo files. When I clear my digital camera card after uploading and it starts saving pictures again, there are loads of them that do have duplicate file numbers even though they might be in different folders. I'd be afraid of deleting ones that aren't really duplicates. How can this be prevented?

Ad. #5

[This is an extension of my previous message according to the Clone Terminator 3.0 problem with error message "Invalid image size".]

I have recently send an e-mail to the Technical Support [Ad.#13], but in the meanwhile I have ran this program with other folder and the problem disappeared.

I think that the problem was caused by using my binary files in my first test - those binary files was threatened as an image, and this program was trying to open those files as image files, resulting with an error. I have been using files with postfixes: *.model; *.arff; *.csv. As we can see, it was not the OS error.

I have also proposed to the Producer that this specific issue can be resolved in future version of this program. When image processor tries to open image and it results in an error, then it should threat this file as a simple binary file. This will help when trying to find duplicates on a large drive will result in an unexpected error.

Summing up I am giving this program A GREEN LIGHT, because IT SIMPLY WORKS in standard condition. The other valuable pro is that this program can search across many different directories, which is impossible to do with popular standard free-ware alternatives.

Next PRO is the Technical Support which is going to help users with problems with It's software [Ad.#13].

I have a big hard drive with many files and backups of files from my older HDD, so this utility is inevitable for me when I want to make free space and remove redundant files.
New users may not find this software as a must-have tool [new users don't have much files on their system], but after certain period of time this software is recommended for all, especially when having big hard drive.

How to install it after a premious version. May I uninstall the earlier before or I can overwrite it simply?
Thanks for the response:
Robin des Bois

I keep seeing software like this, but it all wants to destroy duplicates. This is no good for multi-user system. I want to say "THIS one will be the file, the others will become SHORTCUTS to this one." Can you do that?

Adamus, please, contact us here.

Terence, don't say if you don't know. System and hidden files are excluded by default in the program.

Thank You GOTD
I like this program found alot of duplicate image files in my picture folder. A Keeper for me. Keep Up The Good Work

Used an earlier version since last giveaway,downloaded and installed this build and when I tried to register it the computer froze up.reinstalled,same problem.
Old version was wiped from pc(xp pro,32 bit)before install so will have to try again later.
Hope I manage to get this back as it was a useful program for sorting out my photos etc on a regular basis,among other things.

Downloaded and installed fine on XP SP2 2.8GHz Dell, it did not ask for serial key on it's own, you have to start the program and then click on About in the lower left hand corner of the program, then copy and paste the user name and serial that is in the read me file, main thing I like so far with this program it allows you to set up filters to scan individual files and folders, not like other programs that have no options and you better know what your about to delete so you don't totally screw up your system, now what I dodn't like is that even tho I set up the filters to stay out of my program files, it still went in there and wants to delete Items that need to be kept, so beware of what your deleting, or you may totally screw your system up!!!!

Be cautious - the programme might give the impression that system files are excluded by default - the square buttons for system and hidden files are 'blacked out' - as opposed to a nearby button for temporary files which is white. However, if one clicks on the blacked out buttons a check mark - a tick as we say in England, appears - indicating that it has been selected - i.e to filter out those files.

Of course it could be that being able to put a check mark in the box is an optional extra - but if so it will be the first time that I have seen such a redundant use of a 'tick'.

A big thumbs down from me. My reason being that, as someone has already suggested, deleting system files is not a good idea. The option to filter out system files is hidden behind the button "configure advanced filter..". Unfortunately, excluding system or hidden files is not set by default. Yes, 'newbies' beware!
I certainly would not trust software which has such a glaringly obvious 'fault' and therefore I will now remove it from my computer. I also see no option to set a restore point: which might make no difference even if there were one because of the possibility that this programme might remove one of its essential files.

Spot on with #2.
Downloaded it to give a try. The only problem is I had been using some same documents or images for different projects and basically I need to preserve it. Didn't find other usages for this software.

Installed and launched fine under Windows 2003 EE (aka Windows XP).
There is a serial key, so you have to Click on "About..." and later on "Enter activation key..." (and enter the name and the key). It even doesn't require restarting.

I have prepared a simple test. I selected one folder "FOLDER" (8 small files in), pressed CTRL-C and later CTRL-V, so Windows given me a new folder "Copy of FOLDER". Then I launched this program on that folders. Program has stopped in the middle of scanning giving me an error "Invalid image size". After clicking OK the program shows me up the dialog window, when I can delete redundant copies of original files (named as groups). The bad thing is that the error "Invalid image size" is showing again and again, but the program itself seems to be working (it found all duplicates) - at the moment I am giving him an OK note.

The second test. Folders used: "FOLDER", "Copy of FOLDER", "Copy (2) of FOLDER" (this is a third copy of the first folder). Additionally in "Copy (2) of FOLDER" I have changed names of some (not all) files. After that I have ran this program. The result is not gratifying - the program showed me the error message and later showed the duplicate dialog window. The bad thing was that it found duplicates only from the second folder but none from third, even when there were files with the same filename and content as in 2. and 1. - at this moment I must give the program a DON'T WORK note.

Compatibility mode and administrator mode doesn't work. Used files are really small (up to 1MB).

So this program seems to intelligently compare directories, which is really GOOD feature. On the other hand I didn't have much luck and this program simply doesn't work for me :-(.
Maybe there is a general problem - please report if you have get the error message: "Invalid image size".

P.S. English is not my primary language so sorry for accidentally errors.

FREE ALTERNATIVES..

AUSLOGICS DUPLICATE FILE FINDER
http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/duplicate-file-finder/

DUPLICATE CLEANER
http://www.digitalvolcano.co.uk/content/duplicate-cleaner

ANTI-TWIN
http://www.joerg-rosenthal.com/en/antitwin/

Installed fine in Win XP.

This style of program can be a great thing to run every once in awhile. More and more as we have more devices to plug into our PC - more synchronizations, more uploads/downloads, etc. -- we end up with programs that will duplicate files unnecessarily.

For instance, you might sync your mp3 player/phone/digital picture frame, and when you sync it next time, it makes a new folder and places those files there on your hard drive - completely unnecessary!

Anyway, it's not bloated, which is nice -- a lot of software that scans your hard drive bogs your PC down and you can't use it while it scans.

Simple, wizard interface isn't exactly pretty or intuitive, but it gets the job done.

Found a good amount of files for me, so it works. And by default, it doesn't scan your system files, so it shouldn't be very dangerous.

It can be tidious, with any of these type of apps, but I highly recommend a) scanning "c:" and letting it go for awhile and b) manually scrolling through the entire list before deleting anything!

I like it, and I think I'll keep it.

There are alternatives out there, if anyone has issues and wants to check out others:

http://alternativeto.net/desktop/clonespy


Thanks again GOTD.

There are any number of freeware duplicate file finders, either stand-alone or part of system cleaners (Glary, Advanced System Care, etc). Whether this is better or worse than these I would not care to make any guess. The problem I have with them is, you need to be further on than just an ordinary computer user.

Like Registry cleaners, they are great in the right hands, a disaster waiting to happen in the wrong ones. Many files are duplicated throughout Windows on purpose. Nothing within the blurb about Clone Terminator suggest it bypasses system files, or flags them up as dangerous to remove, or suggests that it sets a System Restore Point before it starts. If it actually does this, then great, if it doesn't better make sure you've got a System Restore ready!

I've been using the last giveaway - Version 2.5. It is an incredible program that has enabled me to eliminate thousands of duplicate picture files.

To install this Version 3.0 can it be installed over the last version 2.5 or must I uninstall the old version first?

Does anyone know what has been added to the new version?

Many thanks to GAOTD and Enplase Research for one of the best giveaways ever on GAOTD!!!