I want to compare two big folders – some 300 GB. I backed up my data, and I fear I might've changed some of the new copied folders contents by moving them accidentally.
I want to compare the new copy which I access a lot to the original down to the contained files and folders and there paths.
Size comparison in Windows 7 will only give the size of the files and their quantity, but not which file is where and in which order.
What can I do?
Use WinMerge, a free and easy program.
WinMerge is an Open Source differencing and merging tool for Windows. WinMerge can compare both folders and files, presenting differences in a visual text format that is easy to understand and handle.
If you want something more powerful, try BeyondCompare. It's not free but it has a free 30 day trial if you want to test it out.
Beyond Compare allows you to quickly and easily compare your files and folders. By using simple, powerful commands you can focus on the differences you're interested in and ignore those you're not. You can then merge the changes, synchronize your files, and generate reports for your records.
A diff utility will do what you want. It sounds like this is a one-time thing for you, so I think you'll be happy with the diff that's in the free version of my Hamilton C shell.
diff olddirectory newdirectory | more
The open source Cygwin diff would be another alternative but its output is a little different and might not be as useful, given what you're asking. (It's harder to get lists of files that have changed.) Try them both and see what you think.
