File compare prograns - preferably freeware

PistolPete · 30 Jan 2009 at 17:46

Can anyone recommend a good file compare program?

I've had a failed drive go away for recovery and that's now been sent back for RMA-ing and a duplicate drive has my data on.
However, not all the data was on the duplicate drive and a large chunk of the files whilst showing the correct file size was completely junk.
I tried the failed drive just to see..... and 99% of the data is there and accessible!!!

As there is a LARGE amount of data i'd like to know what's potentially good and what's not.

I need a program I can point at 2 folder and it tell me what is the same and what's not, but I need it to actually check the files, not just look at the file name and create dat and size etc.

Can anyone recommend anything?

IAmATeaf · 30 Jan 2009 at 22:01

Get a copy of Beyond Compare, it costs but you can download a trial version which should see you through what you need to do.

Nanobot · 31 Jan 2009 at 13:32

I use Windiff. I'm sure its free too.

Mattus · 31 Jan 2009 at 17:36

Whatever you use, I'd be copying all that data off the failed drive onto another before it dies again.

PistolPete · 31 Jan 2009 at 23:43

I was copying the data to a 3rd drive (well my RAID5) to run the compares however the "failed" drive has failed again before I could complete!
I've gotten in touch with the recovery company as I think they hold the data on their system for 7 days..... just hope they have they latest recovered files.