computing
  • 6

How 2 Folders With The Same Name In The Same Location?

  • 6

Hi, I have been using folder synchronization for backups for some time now with no problems. (I use BestSync 2015.) About a year ago I purchased a new external drive to use for backups (WD My Passport Ultra). Recently I noticed that my backups had created 2 folders with the same name in the same parent folder, but with different contents! And this has happened more than once! (2 Music folders, 2 Pictures folders, 2 Video folders)

How is it possible that Windows 8.1 would allow this kind of thing? And if I ask Photoshop to open P1040115.JPG from E:\Pictures\2014, how do I know which Pictures folder it actually accessed?

I can see this is going to be a mess to clean up! I would use a program like “Duplicate Cleaner”, but I’m not sure if I can trust it to work correctly when the folders have the same name!

I would appreciate any explanation for how this might have happened as well as how I might clean it up (without spending years on it).

thanks,
Todd

T

Share

1 Answer

  1. Good find.

    I have to say that Windows has this knack of showing you what “it thinks you would like to see” rather than the true situation – many examples, including Temporary Internet Files and the Recycle bin. In fact to see the real structure, viewing the HD using a live Linux CD is the way to go.

    I wish you well with the clean up.

    Always pop back and let us know the outcome – thanks

    • 0