Compare 2 files?

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Dirk
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Joined: 02.06.2010, 13:38

Compare 2 files?

#1 Post by Dirk » 15.02.2014, 22:37

What is the fastest / easiest way to compare 2 files by checksum (or content)?
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Win 7 64bit

joby_toss
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Re: Compare 2 files?

#2 Post by joby_toss » 16.02.2014, 03:00

HashMyFiles (it has 32 and 64 bit versions):

Image

Hit Ctrl+Alt+V (customizable) hotkey or the toolbar/splitbar button.

I prefer this one because it's fast, small and it offers a visual indication by coloring similar files.

Dirk
Posts: 187
Joined: 02.06.2010, 13:38

Re: Compare 2 files?

#3 Post by Dirk » 16.02.2014, 09:46

Many thanks joby_toss,

Ah, I already use HashMyFiles, thank you for the link...but I`am doing a mistake: http://i.imgur.com/I3TeIXF.png

When I in the menu "Files" click "Compare files...", this message appears: http://i.imgur.com/vJzcDxE.png
FC newest stable version, portable
Win 7 64bit

joby_toss
Posts: 1345
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Re: Compare 2 files?

#4 Post by joby_toss » 16.02.2014, 10:23

You should set it up exactly like in my screenshot.
The filter cannot be "HashMyFiles" unless you compare 2 files named "HashMyFiles".
The filter represents the files HashMyFiles (the app itself) should work on. I have "*", meaning it works on all the files no matter their names. You have "HashMyFiles", meaning it works on files that are named "HashMyFiles". Not good.

The reason for the filter is that you can use multiple comparing apps for multiple file types, all at the same time, all available by hitting Ctrl+Alt+V shortcut while their corresponding files are selected.
Example: you can use WinMerge for "*.txt" files, VBinDiff for "*.exe" files, DiffPDF for "*.pdf" files etc.

Dirk
Posts: 187
Joined: 02.06.2010, 13:38

Re: Compare 2 files?

#5 Post by Dirk » 16.02.2014, 11:31

You should set it up exactly like in my screenshot.
Yes, of course I should, very sorry for the inability...I cannot cope with these settings, how can I just delete the "Filter", just pressing the del button (before marking the filter) or the backspace one or context menu "Delete" does not work for me. And creating a complete new entry does not seem to work anymore, when I create a new entry - http://i.imgur.com/aoRZy9A.png - and click outside e.g. on "Program" the entry disappears. When I add a filter, I can create an entry.
The reason for the filter is that you can use multiple comparing apps for multiple file types, all at the same time, all available by hitting Ctrl+Alt+V shortcut while their corresponding files are selected.
Example: you can use WinMerge for "*.txt" files, VBinDiff for "*.exe" files, DiffPDF for "*.pdf" files etc.
OK, I understand.

Sorry again.
FC newest stable version, portable
Win 7 64bit

joby_toss
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Re: Compare 2 files?

#6 Post by joby_toss » 16.02.2014, 11:41

You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about! These settings can get pretty confusing at times. But I'd take many complex settings over few simple ones any day of the week! :)

To edit the Filter field, just left click inside it (after you've selected the program you need to edit the filter for):

Image

Dirk
Posts: 187
Joined: 02.06.2010, 13:38

Re: Compare 2 files?

#7 Post by Dirk » 16.02.2014, 12:00

You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about! These settings can get pretty confusing at times. But I'd take many complex settings over few simple ones any day of the week!
OK, thank you, I do so too actually, although I have any idea, but...
To edit the Filter field, just left click inside it (after you've selected the program you need to edit the filter for):
Ah, unbelievable, that easy, thanks for the screenshot. I am wondering, how I have done the other entries...well...well...

OK, now the HashMyFiles window opens, but the 2 files are not added...what am I missing yet? It looks like it is on your screenshot. I mark 2 files in the same panel or in two panels (one file per panel), HashMyFiles opens, but no file is in there.
FC newest stable version, portable
Win 7 64bit

joby_toss
Posts: 1345
Joined: 22.07.2009, 21:19
Location: Romania
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Re: Compare 2 files?

#8 Post by joby_toss » 16.02.2014, 12:30

Copy this line and paste it in the parameter field for HashMyFiles:

Code: Select all

/files %FileCompare1% %FileCompare2%
I think you forgot to add spaces.

Edit: the question is... how do we compare 3 or more files simultaneously?

The command for HashMyFiles is:

Code: Select all

/files <Filename> <Filename> <Filename>
Would be nice if this would work in FC:

Code: Select all

/files %ActivSelAsFile%
But what if we need to compare 3 or more files from both active and inactive panel? Hmm... I don't know. Would be nice to have a way to do it, though.
Last edited by joby_toss on 16.02.2014, 12:48, edited 1 time in total.

Dirk
Posts: 187
Joined: 02.06.2010, 13:38

Re: Compare 2 files?

#9 Post by Dirk » 16.02.2014, 12:43

Oh, yes, the spaces, I just have missed, haven't seen them. Sorry again. Works perfectly now.

That all really had been done incredibly easily, but...many thanks again.
FC newest stable version, portable
Win 7 64bit

joby_toss
Posts: 1345
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Re: Compare 2 files?

#10 Post by joby_toss » 16.02.2014, 12:58

OK, found a way to make it work for 3 or more selected files from the active panel:

Image

Just make a Favorite tool and put an icon for it in the toolbar.

But still... what if the files (3 or more) are not in the same panel...

joby_toss
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Re: Compare 2 files?

#11 Post by joby_toss » 16.02.2014, 13:14

OK, this one was too easy: :P

Image

Or "/files %InactivSel% %ActivSel%" if the selection order is important (you select first x files from the panel that becomes inactive after selecting some more files from the other panel).

Dirk
Posts: 187
Joined: 02.06.2010, 13:38

Re: Compare 2 files?

#12 Post by Dirk » 16.02.2014, 13:26

Great, it works instantly, with mixed panels and a single panel, very needful.

When you use one panel (all items marked), one file (at least one) of the other panel will be compared also, although being unmarked (if marked before).
FC newest stable version, portable
Win 7 64bit

joby_toss
Posts: 1345
Joined: 22.07.2009, 21:19
Location: Romania
Contact:

Re: Compare 2 files?

#13 Post by joby_toss » 16.02.2014, 13:34

Just select the ".." (the 2 dots that represent the parent folder) in the inactive panel prior to selecting your 3 or more files.

Dirk
Posts: 187
Joined: 02.06.2010, 13:38

Re: Compare 2 files?

#14 Post by Dirk » 16.02.2014, 13:45

Yes, that works perfectly, many thanks.
FC newest stable version, portable
Win 7 64bit

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