pictures recopy themselves in my picture files

john wrote:

> when i do anything in my picture fileds the pictures
> recopy themselves many times over and have filled my
> drive .even when i delete them they just come back again
> and the drive is still full. virus maybe??

=================================
Maybe the following info will help:

It happens occasionally to most anyone who
is trying to multiple select by holding the Ctrl
or Shift key while left clicking to select the
image files.

The copies are created when you fail to
completely release the mouse button before
you move the pointer to another file. If a group
of selected files is dragged...even the slightest
bit...releasing the mouse button will produce
copies of all the previously highlighted files.

It's somewhat easier if you have your Folder
Options set to Single Click...this way you can
select/deselect a file with just a mouse over
and you don't have to click. For multiples you
still have to hold...Ctrl or Shift.

No click...no drag...no copy...maybe that's
your solution. To adjust for single click...
Open a folder and go to...Tools / Folder
Options / General tab...tick..."Single Click
To Open An Item" / Apply / OK.

If you wish to delete all the files in a folder
you could try the following:

Go to...Edit / Select All...or type...Ctrl / A...

With all files selected...go to...File / Delete...
or press your Delete key...or...right click the
group and choose "Delete".

How to search for and delete unwanted "copies"
of your image files.

Open the folder that the images are saved in and
left click the "Search" button on your toolbar.

(If you are viewing the files from within an editing
program and do not know where the folder is...right
click one of the image files and from the menu...
choose...Properties. The path to the folder will be
on the "General" tab at "Location".)

In the search pane...select..."All files and folders"

In the "All or part of the file name" field...enter...

copy of

Now...left click the "Search" button.

When the search is complete...go to...Edit / Select All...

Then go to...File / Delete.

You will see a dialog box asking you if you are sure
you wish to delete the files...click Yes.

Now...left click the "Back" button on your toolbar.

Now the remaining files should be your originals.

If you deleted the wrong files...recover them from
your recycle bin now.

--

John Inzer
MS Picture It! MVP
How to ask a newsgroup question:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375