a method of managing duplicate electronic files for a plurality of users across a distributed network , the electronic files being from a plurality of different file types , comprising selecting a file type from the plurality of different file types , selecting properties of the electronic files for the selected file type that must be identical in order for two respective electronic files of the selected file type to be considered duplicates , selected properties defining pertinent data of the electronic files for selected file type , grouping electronic files of selected file type stored in the network , ranking said groupings from highest to lowest based on a likelihood of having duplicate electronic files therein , systematically comparing pertinent data of electronic files from said highest to said lowest ranked groupings , identifying duplicates from said ranked groupings based on said systematic comparisons , and purging or generating a report regarding said identified duplicates on the network .