How to eliminate duplicates

[Hal M]

I’m laboriously working on ridding my computer of duplicate images. I wonder if anyone has developed a technique les tedious than what I’m doing. I know LR doesn’t find duplicates so this is what I’m doing now:

1. Run a duplicate file finder program that lists the duplicates
2. Check LR (version 4.4) to see if they are in it.
   1. If  both are, I mark one as rejected and proceed to the next in the list
   2. If only one is, I use Windows Explorer to confirm the non LR image is indeed on my computer and delete it in Explorer, sometimes moving the LR image to the folder of my choice
   3. If neither is there, I import one to LR, and delete the other in Explorer.
3. Filter LR images for the rejected attribute and delete all these from the disk

Am I making this harder than it should be?  How are you all dealing  with eliminating duplicates?

Thanks,

hal

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

Trying to think of a solution for you, I might suggest this-

1)  Import ALL your photo files into the Lightroom catalog allowing Duplicates in the Import dialog. (although it sounds counter-intuitive!)

2) Install the Teekesselchen (free) duplicate finder plugin (that searches within the catalog)

3) Use the results of Teekesselchen (eg. "Duplicate KW")  to view the duplicates and make your deletion decisions in the Lr catalog. You might even use a Smart Collection to then remove the 'Duplicate' KW from files that have edits applied (ie. the ones to keep.).

Duplicate Photos (Lightroom Queen)

Norton anti-virus throws a Warning for this link but I do not see why.

http://www.bungenstock.de/teekesselchen/

As you find, the problem with 'external' duplicate finders that work on a Windows folder basis- they do not identify which of possible duplicates are referenced in a Catalog.

[Hal M]

This sounds like an excellent solution.  Thanks Rob.

hal

[Hal M]

Hey Rob,

Just gave this a go.  Excellent.  thank you so much.

The instructions were excellent as well.

hal