Duplicate files in XP Pro

There are hundreds of files duplicated within C:\windows, c:\windows\system32 and c:\windows\system\dllcache folders.

What is the best program for detecting these duplicates, comparing them and deleting the unnecessary ones, after backing them up.

In particular, if you compare the *.dll’s in c:\windows\system32 and c:\windows\system32\dllcache, you will see what I mean.

As the default path in XP includes c:\windows\system32, I see no need for them to be in both places. Just a waste of space. If they are backed up, I cannot see the need for them to be on one’s hard drive.

Due to an inherent problem in my laptop, I am unable to attach an example, but any comparison of these Folders will soon reveal the extent of the duplicates.

Your help in getting rid of duplications due to poor programming, or catering to the lowest common denominator, will be appreciated. Bazza

 

Thanks, TimW. Have just downloaded it.

PS: You've have to love website designers that have a black background and small white font.

Some of them haven't gotta clue. May look pretty but hopeless in practice. Bazza

==

 

Thanks, but I use AOL that runs on top of IE and see no reason change, despite all the urgings of people to try other browsers.

As for DupFinder.exe, I am not real impressed.
It does find duplicates but you have to click on every one it finds, to reveal the other duplicates. I've got hundreds, maybe thousands, so that is out of the question.

Every XP ownner is probably in the same boat.

Also it only compares on name and doesn't show size, date and time for each file it lists. You need that info to make an informed decision.
I may have missed a setting as I only gave it a cursory run.

Imagine, for example, how many setup.exe's there are on a PC.
Oh well, back to the drawing board.
May have to google for one, or more, to try. Thanks again. Bazza

===

 

Tim,can you explain what you mean by "add-on". Thanks. Baz

===