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Find-DuplicateFiles PowerShell Script

Description

Find-DuplicateFiles.ps1 is a robust PowerShell script aimed at identifying and handling duplicate files within a given directory. The script uses hashing algorithms like MD5, SHA1, or SHA256 to identify duplicates. It offers a range of options such as exclusion of specific directories and file types, user confirmation for action, and more.

Moreover, the script logs significant events and can export a list of duplicate files to a CSV file. This utility can be exceptionally beneficial for system administrators looking to maintain a clean and optimized file system.

Usage

The script can be run using either default parameters or custom values to tailor the execution as per your specific requirements.

Parameters:

  • targetDir: Specifies the target directory for scanning. Default is 'C:\Default\Path'.
  • hashAlgorithm: The hashing algorithm to use. Default is 'MD5'.
  • exportPath: The path for exporting the list of duplicate files to a CSV. Default is '.\duplicate_files.csv'.
  • logPath: Specifies where the log files will be saved. Default is '.\file_operations.log'.
  • excludeDirs: An array of directories to exclude from scanning.
  • excludeFileTypes: An array of file types to exclude from scanning.
  • userConfirm: Defines the action on duplicates ('None', 'Delete', 'Move').
  • movePath: The directory where duplicates will be moved if userConfirm is set to 'Move'. Default is 'C:\DuplicateFiles'.

Using default values:

./Find-DuplicateFiles.ps1

This will run the script with all the default parameters.

Using custom values:

./Find-DuplicateFiles.ps1 -targetDir "C:\MyFolder" -hashAlgorithm "SHA256" -exportPath "C:\MyExports\duplicates.csv" -logPath "C:\MyLogs\log.txt" -userConfirm "Delete"

This example runs the script targeting the "C:\MyFolder" directory, using the SHA256 algorithm, exporting duplicates to a custom CSV location, logging to a custom location, and deleting duplicates upon user confirmation.

Choosing a Hash Algorithm

  • MD5 is fast but less secure, suitable for general use.
  • SHA1 offers a balance between speed and security.
  • SHA256 provides high security but is slower. Recommended for sensitive data.

Contributing

Your contributions make this tool better. If you've found a bug or have an enhancement in mind, feel free to fork the repo, make changes, and submit a pull request.

FAQ / Troubleshooting

  • Script doesn't start? Ensure you're running PowerShell with administrative privileges.
  • Hashing takes too long? Consider using a faster hash algorithm or exclude large, irrelevant directories.

License

This script is shared under the MIT License, allowing free use, modification, and distribution.

Author

Concept and development by Claudio Gonçalves.