Total Commander

You have three folders: 1,2,3
There are files with same size but different content
Start searching for duplicates using Same Size and Same Contents
Wait until it scans directory tree
Rename folder 3/disconnect
You will not get an Error, you will get a result!
That not only the 1,2 AND 3 (disconnected) are the same!
But that the 1 AND 2 (remaining) are the same too!

What do you mean with "disconnect"? Where are these folders located?

Some folders are on one hard drive, and some folders are on another hard drive.
To be able to select them in one window, I created a Junction, but it is not necessary.
Then one of hard drives failed and disappeared, and that's all.
It is enough to rename the folder for the same effect.

Thanks for the explanation, so it was a hint on how to simulate the problem.

I need more information because I cannot reproduce it. Here is what I tried:
1. Created folders named 1, 2 and 3
2. In each folder I put the same 12 files, total size 2.5 GB
3. Made search with options "Find duplicate files", "same size" and "same content"
-> it found 12 groups of 3 files each as being identical, one from each folder 1, 2 and 3
4. Repeated step 3, but immediately after starting the search (when compare by content started), renamed folder 3 to 3a
-> it found the 12 groups of 2 files each as being identical, one from each folder 1 and 2, but nothing from the renamed folder 3

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something?

Please give me more information!

Put different files (by content) with same size.
After rename folder 3, It will show that they are identical in folders 1 and 2 (and (missing) 3).

Sorry, can't confirm at this moment.
Something has been changed.

I think this instruction from your first post is important:

Wait until it scans directory tree

What exactly did you mean by that? Maybe when TC starts comparing the files by content?

ghisler(Author) wrote: ↑2023-05-01, 09:31 UTC I think this instruction from your first post is important:

Wait until it scans directory tree

What exactly did you mean by that? Maybe when TC starts comparing the files by content?

I've had many subfolders inside my (3) parent folders, and scan directory tree took some time.
Renaming a folder before directory tree scan is complete will skip (prev.existing) and/or find (new.existing) files (not tested).
So i waited for it to complete, and "when TC starts comparing the files by content".

sorry if i didn't describe it very well.
cannot reproduce at the moment.