Solved How can I Check Integrity of Files on HDD ?

[BuckSkin]

My next big project is to gather all of my many video files that are scattered haphazardly on several drives, both internal and external, and on all of our machines, into one dedicated place.

My question is, is there some way that I can check the integrity of these video files before I move them and also after the move ?

As it is, the only way that I know of is to watch each video = it would take three lifetimes.


Thanks for reading and all help is appreciated.

 

[wither 2]

Hi BuskSkin-

Click on Start and then, Computer. Right click on the volume you want to check (such as the C and select Properties. In the Tools tab, click on the option to check the disc for errors.

Note that this may take quite a while to finish.

 

[BuckSkin]

Hi BuskSkin-

Click on Start and then, Computer. Right click on the volume you want to check (such as the C and select Properties. In the Tools tab, click on the option to check the disc for errors.

Note that this may take quite a while to finish.

Thanks.

If this procedure found any corrupted files, would it list them by file name ?

 

[wither 2]

I've never run it so I can't say for sure, but I would think so.

 

[BuckSkin]

If you are meaning chkdsk, I don't think that is what I am looking for.

 

[lehnerus2000]

I don't think that CHKDSK will help.

I had an issue with a video last week.
It wouldn't play and it caused my PC to lock up (for several minutes).
CHKDSK reported no errors.

I tried to remux the file using MKVToolNix.
It threw an error (something about video block linkage).

It turns out that the file got corrupted when I copied it from the archive location.
The original file was OK.


I'm not sure how you could confirm video integrity, other than trying each file in a video editing program.

 

[SnakeFist]

Here is a link that i found that may help you. Sorry if it don't.

Batch validate large number of video files - VideoHelp Forum

 

[BuckSkin]

I may just have to shut my eyes and go with it and hope for the best.

The scenario that I wanted to avoid is when a corrupted file is on disk A and a perfectly good file is on disks B, C and D.
Of course I come upon the video first in A and copy it to the target drive; then, not wanting duplicates, I send the ones on B, C, and D to the recycle bin; it may be ten years later before I find it out.

Or, something happens to the only file I have in the copying process; it would be nice to know this before I clean out the source.

 

[wither 2]

If you are meaning chkdsk, I don't think that is what I am looking for.

I don't know if that utility is chkdsk.

 

[BuckSkin]

I don't know if that utility is chkdsk.

On my Windows 7 machines, that utility is chkdsk (check disc); and, you are right, it takes a long time.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi BuckSkin,

As it is, the only way that I know of is to watch each video = it would take three lifetimes.

How many videos are you actually talking about?

 

[BuckSkin]

Hi BuckSkin,



How many videos are you actually talking about?

When they are all accounted for, probably more than five hundred; most of them being from 2-GB to 5-GB

 

[Paul Black]

Hi BuckSkin,

When they are all accounted for, probably more than five hundred; most of them being from 2-GB to 5-GB

One way to do it is to set aside say 15 minutes or so when you have time and open them individually. I know it will be a pain but you would be able to open many videos within the 15 minutes or so time frame. You only need to see that they load and work and then close them. It might be a lot quicker doing it this way than waiting for and experimenting with alternative options. Also, you will definately know that when the time comes to view them, they will work!

Just a suggestion!

 

[BuckSkin]

Just a suggestion!

I guess that is the route I will go.
If I can see the first few seconds, then it should be okay.
If there is anything amiss, it probably would not let me open/view the file at all.

I just need to dive in.

Thanks.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi BuckSkin,

I guess that is the route I will go.
If I can see the first few seconds, then it should be okay.
If there is anything amiss, it probably would not let me open/view the file at all.

Yes, if they load and open, then you only need the first few seconds to be fairly confident that the whole video is OK. If there is a problem, then they will not load and open. I think you will be surprised how quickly you will manage to get through them all!

Good luck!

 

[lehnerus2000]

Yes, if they load and open, then you only need the first few seconds to be fairly confident that the whole video is OK. If there is a problem, then they will not load and open. I think you will be surprised how quickly you will manage to get through them all!

Umm ... I've come across quite a few videos that will run properly for many minutes and then suddenly lose all video & audio.

Those dodgy videos can be identified by randomly skipping ahead using the player's progress bar, or chapter button (assuming the videos have chapters).

 

[Paul Black]

Hi lehnerus2000,

Umm ... I've come across quite a few videos that will run properly for many minutes and then suddenly lose all video & audio.

Those dodgy videos can be identified by randomly skipping ahead using the player's progress bar, or chapter button (assuming the videos have chapters).

Fair point. I suppose it will depend on how long the OP is prepared to spend on checking each individual video!

 

[wither 2]

Perhaps this "so called" freeware may help-

Easy Duplicate Finder - Find Duplicate Files INSTANTLY!

Some of these types of software use date instead of tag information to identify duplicates.

However, I don't think most of these do some sort of checksum to verify the integrity of the files.

 

[Paul Black]

Perhaps this "so called" freeware may help -

Easy Duplicate Finder - Find Duplicate Files INSTANTLY!

Some of these types of software use date instead of tag information to identify duplicates.

The OP's main question was to find some way to check the integrity of the video files as opposed to finding duplicate files!

 

[BuckSkin]

Fair point. I suppose it will depend on how long the OP is prepared to spend on checking each individual video!

I have revised my first plan and have decided to get them ALL together, duplicates, copies, etc., naming each successive copy that I find -2, -3, -4, and so on; putting the sheep with the sheep and the goats with the goats and the hogs in the hog pen.

Then, once I get everything together, I will do as you suggested and view a few seconds of each one; and, if all seems okay, pick a winner and discard the rest.

I've come across quite a few videos that will run properly for many minutes and then suddenly lose all video & audio.

Do you think that this corrupted video/audio is a fault of the original capture (or editing) or a fault with the storage hardware ?
Every last video that I have stored here and there was skipped and skimmed through as soon as it got to the computer and seemed to be in good health at that time.