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Troubleshooting: Photo DeDupe Failed Verification
Troubleshooting: Photo DeDupe Failed Verification
Updated over a month ago

If you encounter a “Failed Verification” error in the Notifications panel while using the Photo DeDupe tool in Mylio Photos, it means the tool couldn’t confirm that the file is an exact duplicate. To avoid accidental data loss, Mylio requires you to review and delete these files manually.

To resolve the issue:

  1. Review the Failed Files:

    1. Review the Failed Files

      • Click on the notification in the panel to view the file(s) marked as “Failed Verification.”

      • Carefully review each file to confirm whether it is a duplicate.

  2. Option 1: Delete the Files Manually

    1. If you’re sure a file is a duplicate and want to delete it, you can do so in one of the following ways:

      • Using the Keyboard: Select the file, press the Delete key, and confirm the action.

      • Using the Trashcan Icon: With the file selected, click the trashcan icon in the right sidebar, then confirm the deletion.

      • Using the Actions Menu: Select the file, click the three-dot icon in the right sidebar (or right-click the file), go to Photo > Delete File, and confirm the action.

  3. Option 2: Batch Delete Checked Files

    1. Run DeDupe Again

      • Re-run the DeDupe tool with the same settings and criteria as before. This will allow you to re-select files that may have failed verification in the first pass.

      • Use the Auto-Check tool if desired to automatically mark duplicates for deletion.

      • After running DeDupe again, right-click on any “checked” file and choose Select > Checked. This will select all files marked for deletion.

      • With the selected files, you can delete them in bulk using one of the following methods:

        • Using the Keyboard: Press the Delete key and confirm the action.

        • Using the Trashcan Icon: Click the trashcan icon in the right sidebar, then confirm the deletion.

        • Using the Actions Menu: Click the three-dot icon in the right sidebar (or right-click one of the selected files), go to Photo > Delete File, and confirm the action.

WARNING: Deleting files in Mylio Photos is permanent and cannot be undone. Be sure to review the file carefully before proceeding with deletion.

Understanding "Failed Verification"

The Photo DeDupe tool identifies duplicates in your Mylio Photos library by using a process called hashing. Hashing generates a unique digital fingerprint for each file. When two files have identical fingerprints, or “hashes,” they are classified as duplicates, and Mylio offers the option to delete one of them.

To ensure the accuracy of deletions, Mylio performs a second hash check during the deletion process. If any file’s hash differs from its initial scan, it fails verification. This secondary check prevents unintentional deletion of non-duplicate files, even if they appear visually similar. Files that fail this check are flagged with the “Failed Verification” status and require manual review.

What Causes Hash Differences?

  • Minor File Differences: Even a slight difference, like a change in metadata or file format, can alter a file’s hash, making it appear unique.

  • File Corruption: Occasionally, data corruption in one file can change its hash, causing it to fail verification.

  • Updated or Edited Files: Files that have been modified or edited since the last scan will generate a new hash, causing verification to fail.

Running DeDupe Again

To bypass the verification process, you can run the DeDupe tool with the same settings, including using the Auto-Check feature. This can help mark duplicates without requiring a secondary verification, allowing you to manage duplicates with more control.

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