How to Fix “No Duplicates Found” Error in File Detection Software
Easily fix the “No duplicates found” issue in file detection tools by adjusting search settings, using byte-by-byte comparison modes, and focusing on specific file types or locations. Learn how to optimize your duplicate file searches with step-by-step instructions and recommended tools for reliable results.
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Key Points to Remember
Step | Action to Take |
---|---|
Check the settings | Configure search criteria (name, extension, content, dates, etc.). |
Analyze the location | Ensure you select the correct disks or folders for the search. |
Advanced mode | Use tools that compare files byte by byte to detect precise duplications. |
Exclude unnecessary folders | Restrict the search to eliminate irrelevant locations. |
Reset the settings | If all else fails, reset the software settings to start with a default configuration. |
Preview the results | Before deleting a file, use the preview function provided by some software to evaluate duplicates. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Error: “No duplicates found: The software detects no duplicate files even if they exist”
Introduction
Finding and removing duplicate files on your system can free up disk space and improve performance. However, some software may fail to identify duplicates even when you know they exist. This guide walks you through step-by-step adjustments, advanced diagnostics, and specialized tools to fix the issue.
Step 1: Check the Search Settings
- Ensure the software’s search criteria are set correctly:
- File content: Recommended for exact duplicates (byte by byte).
- File names: Useful for files with identical names.
- File extensions: Select a specific file type (e.g., images
.jpg
, documents.docx
). - Creation or modification dates: For duplicates differing only by date.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Locations to Scan
- Manually select the relevant hard drives or folders. Some software may skip certain locations by default.
- For example:
- Explicitly add the path
C:\Users\[YourUser]\Documents
to ensure your personal documents are included. - Exclude sensitive system folders like
C:\Windows
.
- Explicitly add the path
🔗 Useful Resource:MiniTool Power Data Recovery offers customizable scan modules to find duplicate files even in complex environments.
Step 3: Use Byte-by-Byte Comparison Modes
Tools like Ashisoft Duplicate File Finder allow you to compare files at the binary level. This method is optimal for duplicates identical in content but with different names or metadata.
- Activate the Checksum function: This calculates a unique fingerprint for each file, ensuring highly reliable searches.
🔗 For those looking for an alternative, EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner might be suitable: Affiliate link for EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner.
Step 4: Exclude Certain Folders or File Types
Limiting the search to relevant locations or formats (e.g., .jpg
, .mp4
, or .docx
) reduces false positives. You can also exclude folders containing system data.
- Example with AllDup:
- Go to the “Exclusion” tab.
- Add paths such as
C:\Windows
,C:\Program Files
.
✨ Pro Tip: The less your scan is flooded with temporary or system files, the more precise your results will be.
Step 5: Preview Before Taking Action
Before deleting or moving detected files, inspect them using preview functions provided by tools like Norton Utilities or Duplicate Cleaner Free.
- What to look for:
- Check the format/extension.
- Image dimensions (to avoid deleting a higher-quality version).
- Internal content, especially for
.doc
or.xls
files.
Step 6: Create an Advanced Automated Search Script
If using Linux-based systems (or even Windows with PowerShell), a custom script can automate your search. Here’s a basic example for finding duplicates in Linux using the MD5 command:
find . -type f -exec md5sum {} + | sort | uniq -w32 -dD > duplicates.txt
✏️ Replace .
with the path to your desired scan location. Detected duplicates will be listed in duplicates.txt
.
Step 7: Reset the Settings or Switch Software
- If all steps fail, reset your software settings to their default values.
- Otherwise, try an alternative! Here are some recommendations:
- MiniTool ShadowMaker: MiniTool ShadowMaker
- EaseUS Todo PCTrans: EaseUS Todo PCTrans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my software not detect any duplicates?
This could be due to improperly configured search criteria or limitations in the software used. Review your settings to search by content or use a more powerful tool.
What are the best software tools for removing duplicates?
- AllDup for its detailed search criteria.
- Ashisoft Duplicate File Finder for byte-by-byte comparisons.
- EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner for its intuitive interface.
Should I back up my data before starting?
Absolutely! It’s always recommended to perform a full backup before deleting anything. We recommend MiniTool ShadowMaker for creating secure backups.
Are there any free options?
Yes, tools like Duplicate Cleaner Free and CCleaner Free have useful basic features. However, for more complex searches, paid or premium versions are often required.
Now you’re equipped to solve the issue and optimize your duplicate files effectively. 🎯