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left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
Sun Dec 24, 2017, 01:50 PM Dec 2017

Is it safe to delete duplicate files?

I just ran my first scan using CCleaner's duplicate file tool and found I have many duplicates,
some twice and some three duplicates.

Is it safe to delete these duplicates, and what is the best tool to use in doing so?

Thanks

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Is it safe to delete duplicate files? (Original Post) left-of-center2012 Dec 2017 OP
It usually means you have the same file in two different places Lint Head Dec 2017 #1
Safer not to MFM008 Dec 2017 #2
Why are there duplicate files on my computer? douglas9 Dec 2017 #3
It depends greatly on what the files are. lastlib Dec 2017 #4

Lint Head

(15,064 posts)
1. It usually means you have the same file in two different places
Sun Dec 24, 2017, 01:59 PM
Dec 2017

When I get that type of message I tend to sample a few to make the title is the same but also the contents of the file.
There are times when I have gone back to update a file with text and would not realize there was a duplicate so the update would not exist on the duplicate even though the titles were the same. But generally it's a safe thing to do.

MFM008

(19,990 posts)
2. Safer not to
Sun Dec 24, 2017, 02:24 PM
Dec 2017

I used that once.
Had to factory reset my PC afterward.
I don't use a PC cleaner.
To many restores.

douglas9

(4,474 posts)
3. Why are there duplicate files on my computer?
Sun Dec 24, 2017, 03:37 PM
Dec 2017

First let me say this: I strongly advise against blindly deleting duplicate files. Done incorrectly, you can quickly render your computer unbootable.

Duplicate files happen for a number of reasons, and surprisingly, what you and I do isn’t at the top of the list of the most common causes.


https://askleo.com/why-are-there-duplicate-files-on-my-computer/

lastlib

(24,807 posts)
4. It depends greatly on what the files are.
Sun Dec 24, 2017, 04:30 PM
Dec 2017

program-type files (like .dll, .tlb, etc.) need to be thoroughly investigated before deleting. Find out what program uses them, and how, before deleting, or you run the risk of programs not working like they should.

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