14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8 changed the way users search for files on the computer. Some see it as an improvement while others view it as highly disruptive because of the shift to the modern UI layout in order to perform the activity.
Fortunately, the latter category has plenty of options to choose from. LookDisk is a free alternative to the built in solution in Windows that can find duplicate files, search by content of a document based on user-defined criteria.
Installing the application runs you through standard screens and does not require too much attention. A portable version is also available for those that want to avoid the installation process.
LookDisk’s main purpose is to detect duplicates. This is carried out using the byte-by-byte method (matching content) or by comparing the file names. Alternatively, the two methods can be combined for more relevant results.
The interface is straightforward and extremely simple, with the menus running down in the left hand part of the main window and the options popping up in the right.
Straight from the beginning, I noticed that the program displays some problems when minimized, on both Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Even when set to complete the action to system tray, the taskbar icon would not only still be visible but also appear as if two windows were opened. The same behavior was recorded regardless of the minimization settings enforced.
The menu for detecting duplicate files consists in two tabs, one for general settings and the other for defining parameters for a more refined search.
The simple search features a limited number of options: select the drive, enable recursive verification and choose the search method (by content, by filename or both).
However, for granular control the second panel offers a wider range of options. Apart from picking specific folders you want to be searched, there is also the possibility to enable parameters such as file size, modification date or attributes. These options are also available for the regular file search.
LookDisk did not spend too much time detecting the duplicates during my tests, but it all depends on the amount of data it has to wade through. It took less than five seconds to accurately pinpoint all the duplicate files on the target drive, even if the items were marked with the “hidden” attribute.
A rundown of the findings is available at the bottom of the results window. It shows the number of duplicate groups detected, the total size of the doubles as well as the amount of occupied space.
Right-clicking on any of the items in the list reveals a whole set of new options that allow you to select files and decide whether to delete, copy, move or rename them. There is also the possibility to open the folder holding them in Windows Explorer or to check their properties sheet.
Searching for specific text strings inside documents (PDF, Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint, RTF, TXT, HTML) is not a tough task. The application can complete the operation relying solely on the search query, but for more refined results a set of options is available.
The choices include looking for the full text or just a piece, matching the case, enabling the display of lines before and after the string location or showing just the first location in each file. These options help both speed up the job and increase the relevance of the returned results.
As expected, this operation takes longer to complete and is also influenced by the amount of files that need to be parsed.
LookDisk is fast and accurate and it can also look inside archives. The list is available in the configuration panel, under “Archives” and comprises the most popular packages (ZIP, RAR, 7Z, CAB, ARJ, TAR, GZIP and LHZ).
The option is enabled by default and turning it off impacts the search speed directly, making it faster.
Another way to reduce the wait for results is to leave multi-threaded search enabled, which is also the default setup. Additionally, you can define locations the program should not snoop into; these can be system folders or installation directories for various programs.
LookDisk is definitely not a modern approach for file search. Newer programs in the same category rely on file indexing for the job, just like the default solution in Windows, which entails a bit of waiting at the beginning but ensures lightning fast searches.
Instead, LookDisk stays true to the traditional way to search files, but it is very fast and manages to look way beyond the filename in order to retrieve the results. It impresses with the text search inside documents and even archives. The duplicate finder is also a reliable tool.
The Good
There are plenty of parameters that can be used to refine the results and make them more relevant.
The Bad
The Truth
On the other hand, searching for text snippets inside documents and archives together with the duplicate finder are two impressive features.
