Finder creating duplicates of media files

When i import movies and pictures from my camera, single copies appear in iphoto. However in the finder i see duplicates and sometimes triplets of photos in movies. I've tried deleting the duplicates but then the file appears corrupted in iphoto. I would like to clear out some hard drive space and would like to prevent this from happening in the future. Any ideas?

In general:
- The best way to check if files are in a library is to drag the whole media folder to the library. If something was missed it will be added. If it is in the library is won't be added a second time.
- If you have a second copy of a file and iTunes does not currently list that specific file in its database then even if it is identical to one already in the database it will add it a second time. So if you have file xyz on the internal drive and the external drive and add them to iTunes you will end up with two entries for the same thing in iTunes because you really do have to copies of the files. While this can happen with two copies on a single drive, it will almost definitely be the case when you have a copy of a file on two drives because iTunes really sees them as two different things.
-Unless you know how iTunes works, avoid moving files yourself. Let the consolidate feature do all the file moving. Manually moving files can really mess up iTunes unless you know what you are doing and have iTunes set to not try to do it itself.
- There's no clean and easy way to delete duplicates. The best thing is to change practice so you don't create them. Here are references:
How to find and remove duplicate items in your iTunes library - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2905
http://dougscripts.com/itunes/itinfo/dupin.php (commercial)
Posts by turingtest2 about different types of duplicates and techniques- https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3555601 and https://discussions.apple.com/message/16042406 (Note: The DeDuper script is for Windows)
http://www.hardcoded.net/dupeguru_me/

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ITunes Consolidation: Will it create duplicates of media files if they already exist in the new itunes destination folder but arent being referenced by the itunes library?

I have a macbook pro from fall 2010. I have been using my external HD as my primary itunes folder for the past 7 yrs ( i.e it is organized by itunes default categorization, etc). However, there is some overlap between my external HD itunes folder and my comps original itunes folder (probably 20-30% of my current library's media files were already duplicated there from when i first bought the HD and transferred files to the external, however they are mostly referenced from the external now). Also there are files in the comp's itunes folder that are not on my external (probably due to organizational mishaps and podcast downloads when not connected to the external, etc). I do not know how many files this is the case for.
Recently, i decided that i wanted to consolidate all of my itunes music into one concise folder on my macbook's HD to avoid these issues going forward. I also just bought a new external which i will use to back up my comp's itunes folder once i consolidate everything to the comp. But i plan on using the itunes folder on the comp going forward or at least using the consolidate fcn to avoid these issues.
Here is my dilemma. Prior to learning of the consolidate feature today, I changed the default itunes folder in settings to the original itunes folder on the macbook and then manually dragged all of the media files from my external itunes folder to the macbook's itunes folder. There were a ton of duplicates or overlapping folders with similar artist names, so i opted to have them merge all folders where possible. After doing this, i realized the itunes library still references these files that i dragged and dropped from the external since that is where my default itunes folder used to be. At that point i then read and learned of the consolidate itunes feature which seems like the best way to do this. But i am afraid that if i consolidate my library to my macbook's itunes folder now, will it create duplicates of the 4000 + media files i just dragged to the macbook's itunes folder which are already in the itunes library but being referenced from the old external??
Question: Is there a way that i can make these files i just dragged to the macbook's itunes folder become the ones referenced by the itunes library through the consolidate feature without creating duplicates of these 4000+ files? I want to avoid having three copies of these files (two duplicates in the itunes and the originals on the external). Furthermore, is there a best way to find out which files in the macbook's itunes folder are not being included in the library after consolidating everything to the computer's HD? Then after that, what is the best way to start backing this all up to my new external, so that this overlapping issue doesnt happen again? Im assuming i just need to make sure to consolidate first when changing itunes folders going forward. Thank you. I know that was a lot to read but hopefully someone can help with this issue.

In general:
- The best way to check if files are in a library is to drag the whole media folder to the library. If something was missed it will be added. If it is in the library is won't be added a second time.
- If you have a second copy of a file and iTunes does not currently list that specific file in its database then even if it is identical to one already in the database it will add it a second time. So if you have file xyz on the internal drive and the external drive and add them to iTunes you will end up with two entries for the same thing in iTunes because you really do have to copies of the files. While this can happen with two copies on a single drive, it will almost definitely be the case when you have a copy of a file on two drives because iTunes really sees them as two different things.
-Unless you know how iTunes works, avoid moving files yourself. Let the consolidate feature do all the file moving. Manually moving files can really mess up iTunes unless you know what you are doing and have iTunes set to not try to do it itself.
- There's no clean and easy way to delete duplicates. The best thing is to change practice so you don't create them. Here are references:
How to find and remove duplicate items in your iTunes library - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2905
http://dougscripts.com/itunes/itinfo/dupin.php (commercial)
Posts by turingtest2 about different types of duplicates and techniques- https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3555601 and https://discussions.apple.com/message/16042406 (Note: The DeDuper script is for Windows)
http://www.hardcoded.net/dupeguru_me/

HT3529 how do i find or save a media file sent via a sms message

how do i find or save a media file sent via a sms message

If you're talking about a photo, tap on the thumbnail in the Messages App, then at the bottom of the screen, you should see an icon that looks like a box with an arrow pointing out of it. Tap that, and you will have the option to save it.

Creating/Using Proxy media files

Hello everyone. Apologies if this is painfully obvious - but just made the transition to FCPX and trying to wrap my head around some things-
I've imported video to a number of Libraries. (I really have to fight hard not to call them Projects)
As I didn't completely understanding all of the import settings, I made Optimized video along with the Original media. Ok, no big deal. The files take up a bit of space, and because of the nature of the project (lots of talking head interviews) not sure I really need Optimized video, but wasn't too concerned. I'll know for next time that I don't want to check that box, unless I really need the Optimized video.
My question is -
If I wanted to make a copy of my media files to a portable HD, work with these files off site with the same Library that is on my Macbook Pro, make logging notes, selects, maybe even creating a Project or two, and then return to my office where I would re-connect the original media files located on the office-bound hard drives, what do I need to do to ensure that this will work properly?
Secondarily, would it now make sense to create the Proxy files to use for this purpose? Is this not what these files are normally used for? Smaller, and more easily taken on the road and edited, and then the Library will re-connect everything to the original files once re-connected to the drives that contain the original media?
I am sure there must be a best practices, or right way to do this…I just don't know it.
As always, thanks for everyone's collective wisdom. (and for not shaming the dumb guy)

Before you import files change the media location to place outside library. (Select library go to inspector press modify settings, change media location)
Or, if files imported, consolidate files outside library. (Select library go to inspector, select outside location and press consolidate. All you media files move to selected folder.)
After this, change media location to inside library and generate proxy files.
Now you have original media outside library and proxy inside. Copy library to any location, edit in proxy.
And send project/library/event by XML (select target file->export XML, and file->import->XML)
also, you can delete generated files: select you library file->delete generated library files

Find meta information for media files

Dear all,
How can i find the meta information for media file
Duration:
Bit rate :
Media Type:
Video Size:
Thanx for all.

There JSP is not for. Try the Java Media API.

Deleted duplicates in media file need restore

i thought i was deleting duplicates but ended up deleting all intoa media file? i have no idea how to restore help!

Meant to add that, if you can, there is probably a recent archive of your library file from the last iTunes upgrade that can be used to restore the entries in your library complete with playlist membership, date added etc. You'd want to rename the current iTunes Library.itl file as iTunes Library (Empty).itl, then copy the post recent library fril from the Previous iTunes Libraries folder into your main iTunes folder and rename it as iTunes Library.itl.
Alternatively if the content is on an Apple device there are ways to extract it.
tt2

How to find the resolution of media files in mac

how to see the resolution of media files in mac?
WIndows show the resolution when putting the mouse over the file.

Hi Austin
I should have describe more clearly.
What I mean is for video files, I cannot see the resloution of the file. For example, 1980x1080 or 1080x720 so on
Sometimes they do show

Three Nikon Cameras have created duplicate names of files -How do I rename?

I have loaded hundreds of photos with duplicate names from 3 cameras that use the same naming sequence. How can I at least rename one of the duplicate file names so that I don't have duplicates??????? I appreciate your help.
-Paul

Take a look at FileWrangler-it might do what you want.
Having identical files names is more of a nuisance than a problem these days since the actual files are in different folders.
Another option: you could try creating keywords like "Nikon 1", "Nikon 2" and "Nikon 3" and batch tagging the images that way.

Possible to create a Window Media file?

I have a completed project in HDV and my client asked for a Windows Media output. I can do a Quicktime file in Compression but cannot find a setting for a Window Media. Any suggestions?

flip4mac
You actually have to buy it to be able to export. The free plug only lets you play wmv.

Why does moving application in Finder create duplicate application?

More importantly, how can I stop this "feature?"
I like to organize my apps. I would put those related to word processing in a "text" folder; those related to still or video images in an "images" folder, audio files in "sounds."
But I've noticed that, in Mountain Lion, if/when I drag an app to one of these folders, it leaves the original where it was and creates a duplicate in the folder.
Any way to stop this?

Problems you will experience moving apps from Applications or Utilities.
Any App installed by an installer, will either not update when updates are available or you will get a duplicate back in Applications or Utilities after running the update utility.
This can cause problems because you may continue to run the older duplication and either not get new functionality (or bug fixes) that you expect to see. Very frustrating.
Things may go along fine, until the next Mac OS X upgrade, then the old version of the app may start crashing because of changes to Mac OS X that the app depended upon have changed.
Another problem. There are apps that will use other apps, for example Mail may access Contacts, or there are apps that access System Preferences, etc... All of these interconnections wil fail if the dependent app cannot be found in its expected location.
You are not the only one that can be anal about where things belong.
The above examples are based on seeing users have these problems, many of which do not appear until months later, long after forgetting you moved things around and did not discover a duplicate was unintentionally created.
If you dragged an app to Applications or Utilities, then you are free to move that around to your hearts content. HOWEVER, if an installer placed the app in Applications or Utilities, it is best to leave it alone.
The use of Aliases which you can place anywhere you like, rename the alias as you please, even have multiple aliaes for the same app in different locations is a much more flexible and safer approach to organizing your apps.
It's my da*ned computer and I want to be able to do with it as I please. If I delete key files and folders, well then I have no one to blame but me.
Years ago, had the great good fortune to have to work in a UNIX environment. I learned what computing without a net is all about. . . .
Well then don't let us stand in your way . Fire up Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal, and you are in a Unix world. Use the 'sudo' command (see "man sudo") to get elavated privileges and have at it.
Although I suggest you have a full backup and save it away before you start using that 'sudo' command.
Message was edited by: BobHarris

How do i find and see all media files from email in one place?

I'm trying to find all the pictures and movies people have sent me over the years in emails and then extract them to put them into Aperture. Is there a way of doing this simply? ideally not manually where i have to open each email and save attachment but can see the attachments in one place and decide which ones to grab.
Thanks

You can select any number of keyframes in a timeline and drag those keyframes forward or back in the timeline without altering any other layers. You can also select a range of frames by selecting one keyframe and then shift clicking on a second keyframe in the same layer. With these frames selected you then drag this selection left or right in that layer to move it forward or back in time. You can have more than one selection moving in more than one layer.
Alternately, you can add or delete frames from any layer. You can select more than one frame in a layer and then delete those selected frames. All of these methods are "undo-able", but you still may want to make a copy of your file before you begin a massive edit. Save after every edit of the timeline so that you don't overtax your memory.

ITunes wont let update song info AND creates duplicates of song files

When I click "Get Info" some of my song information is grey and won't let me update or change song names, artist names or add artwork. It says the encoding is unknown, but some of it's come straight off a cd!
Also, does anyones iTunes, duplicate songs? I keep getting two files of each song, and I have no idea why.

This can also happen if they are WAV files, as WAV files don't support ID3 tags (i.e. song information tags).
EDIT: On second thought, I think WAV files can have ID3 information, but they don't support artwork. Nevermind.
Message was edited by: BehnRocker

Why does PE7 create a duplicate still image file

I loaded PE7 and it located my Photoshop element calalog. That was fine however PE7 created duplicate or edited files. Not good when you photoshop elements catalog contains 20 thousands pictures. Is there a way to prevent PE7 from creating a duplicate still image. I had to delete the catalog and start over/

I've never seen or heard of this, md, and I don't know any reason this would happen.
Since this is a Photoshop Elements problem, I'd recommend you try posting your question to the Photoshop Elements forum and see if someone there can help you.

Windows Media file write failure

Help, I'm using a Gateway computer with Windows XP Professional OS, version 2002 and Service Pack3. It has Intel Core CPU, 6600 @ 2.40GHz, 2.41 GHz, 2.00 GB of RAM. I have both Premiere Pro CS3 and CS4 installed. There's 54.1 GB of free space on my Hard Drive with 94.9 GB used.
I used to create .wmv files without issue with CS3 but with CS4 there's a failure every time. The project exports to Media Encoder and Encoder goes through all of the process and even looks like it finishes up. But once it gets to the end, here's the message I get.
Windows Delayed Write Failed
Windows was unable to save all the Data for (my file) The Data has been lost. This error may be caused by a failure of your computer hardware or network connection. Please try to save file elsewhere.
It also had this message in separate window:
Adobe Media Encoder Debug Event
Adobe Media Encoder has encountered an error.
[..\..\src\Batch.cpp-186]
I tried changing all of the variables I could in the Media Encoder for creating a Windows Media File. For ex. you can choose several presets: "NTSC source to high quality download" "NTSC Source to Download 1024kbps " and several others. I haven't tried changing anything on the Filters, Audiences, Video, Audio or Others tabs. I never had to with CS3. Plus I don't know much about the Codec for Video or Audio.
Any help is appreciated.

Rick,
WMV is a very intense CODEC to work with. It requires power and time on either end - decoding or encoding. My guess would be that the throughput of the USB 2.0 connection just cannot keep up with that processing, where many other formats/CODEC's are easier to work with.
As for the minimum requirements, we find that they are horribly light. To lift from Monty Python, "we blow our noses in their general direction." They are provided to tell a user what it takes to install and launch the program, but when it comes to using said program - well, that is usually another matter.
If you have a desktop, and it has room in the case, you can most likely just add two more (2x is about the true min., and 3x is better) physical HDD's, of the controller type as your C:\. Depending on the MoBo, you probably have a SATA controller, and could add up to 3 additional drives, for basically the price of the drive, some cables, if not supplied, and a few screws. Most cases have the necessary mounting, or cages, for additional drives. Note the words "most," "probably," etc., as nothing in the PC world is created equal.
Were I making the request, I'd propose adding 2 more HDD's, at 7200 RPM and of the same controller type as your C:\. I'd ask for a minimum size of 500GB, but shoot for 1TB for each. Do not know if you have a Fry's Electronics near you (they are a Western US retailer), but they constantly have at least one such HDD on sale per week, and at very good prices.
Ignore SCSI. It's good and fast, but the drives are limited in size and the $/GB is not high. A RAID 0 array would be good for the media drive (actually it would be 2 HDD's), but to really benefit, one would do best with a hardware managed RAID, and most RAID controllers on MoBo's leave something to be desired. Harm makes recommendations for dedicated hardware RAID, but then you are talking having to do a real "dog & pony" show for you CFO, or Controller!
Maybe Harm has some suggestions, considering that you are on a city's budget.
Good luck, and glad that things are working for you. Think about relegating that USB 2.0 external to archiving Assets.
Hunt

Again Trouble With Media File

Recently, when I opened a project, I got a msg saying that it couldn't find one of the media files called Untitled5 (which isn't the name of the scratch file anyway.) A section of my movie had disconnected media. When I reconnected, all the in and out points were screwed up, so I had to re-edit that portion. Now it happened again with the same media file, but again it's not searching for the file by it's name. It says Untitled5 cannot be found. What's happening?

How are you searching for the file? Right click on any column header in the browser and open "show path" you'll see what the media is connected to. In FCP 6 if you're running that, you can modify the media file name to match the name of the clip too from a command in the Modify? menu.
Jerry

Finder creating duplicates of media files

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