Forum:How to find orphaned images and what to do about them

Question: is there a way of finding orphaned images? Sometimes when I've clicked on new files I find it has no links. Personally I dont download images unless Ive got somewhere to put them. I was just wondering.The Librarian 00:18, September 8, 2009 (UTC)


 * Yes (except it's not called 'orphaned images', it's called Unused files) in order to find it click (at the top of the 'recent changes' page) the 'more special pages'. This will take you to the Special:SpecialPages. It's under the Maintenance reports at the top and called Unused files (Special:UnusedFiles). --Tangerineduel 08:02, September 9, 2009 (UTC)


 * Would it be helpful if we started flagging some of these images for deletion? And, if so, would the standard tag be used, or is there some other method? Monkey with a Gun 02:38, September 13, 2009 (UTC)


 * I think it's good to have a pool of images to use that have already been uploaded and tagged. I'll put a link somewhere prominent to it as an alternate place for images. But if you find something in there that's a duplicate or something that needs deleting just the standard prop delete tag works. I also periodically go through looking for low-res and duplicated images, but another set of eyes is good. --Tangerineduel 07:17, September 13, 2009 (UTC)

Archivist's notes
Though primarily just a how-to thread, it's interesting that this thread sets down the notion that being currently unused is not a reason, in itself, to delete a file. 20:09:26 Fri 27 May 2011