Thousands of photo duplicates

Help! I am a new Mac/iPhoto user and am swimming in duplicates of photos, due to indiscriminate dowloading of several backup CDs. Trouble is, I have loaded over 3000 photos into library, and am now stuck because I can't get rid of duplicates without affecting the iPhoto library.
Can I trace the file pathways for the photos in the library? Then perhaps I could delete any that are not involved.
Also, I know that iPhoto ceates an original of every photo in its Origials folder. Should I keep this or can I delete it?
Please reply, as I may sink with the weight of all the files..........

Padleydi
1. Do not delete the Originals folder under any
circumstances!
It is strongly advised that you do not move, change
or in anyway alter things in the iPhoto Library
Folder as this can cause the application to fail and
even lead to data loss.
2. To delete files simply drag the unwanted ones to
the trash in the iPhoto Window and then go iPhoto
Menu -> Empty Trash. This will remove the files from
the iPhoto Library Folder as well.
3. If you know any characteristics of the duplicates
- all taken on the same date or with similar titles
you could make smart albums to make the process
faster.
Regards
TD
Dear TD,
MANY thanks for the prompt reply. I will follow instructions to the letter.
Padleydi

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