FreeCommander Forum

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

HashMyFiles (it has 32 and 64 bit versions):



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.

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

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.

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.

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):

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.

Copy this line and paste it in the parameter field for HashMyFiles:
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: Would be nice if this would work in FC: 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.

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.

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



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...

OK, this one was too easy:



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).

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).

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

Yes, that works perfectly, many thanks.