The only two words you need to know when it comes to Windows Explorer replacements: Total Commander

Reply

And the two words are: Directory Opus

Reply

I agree with Frank, Total Commander rules when it comes to advanced file management for windows. But is it really necessary?How does the new version of Windows (Vista) improve upon the file management issue?

Terry
(Senior Software Developer)
http://www.goitexpert.com

Reply

Wow, would you look at that. Actual download recommendations on download squad. not FUD Windows bashing, or pointless evangelical "END TIMES FOR MICROSOFT" rants...but useful software being linked.

Reply

XYplorer comes with a Lifetime license, is portable, has customizable keyboard shortcuts, and handles graphics and video with speed and ease. And it's only a 1M download compared to Directory Opus's 13+M.

Reply

Each of those suggestions sounds progressively more like FileMatrix:
http://worsethanfailure.com/Articles/Enter_The_Matrix.aspx

At least as of XP, there's a pluggable preview architecture and a handful of keyboard shortcuts, with almost any action you could want to take available if you just use the context-menu shortcut key on your keyboard. It may not be optimal, but I don't think I want to reinvest the time to learn a system I won't be able to even get installed on my locked-down workstation at work. Thanks, but... pass.

Reply

I'm not a "power user", but I did like the features that QT TabBar added to Windows Explorer.

http://quizo.at.infoseek.co.jp/freeware/indexEn.html

Reply

Thought it was good. Only for me I would like to know if all or any of these file management systems are available to download from Microsoft download center, or where you can get them. And it would have been nice if there was somewhere I could got go to see results of voting which one was most preferred.

Reply

So, I guess I'm the only one who actually likes the classic Windows Explorer?

Reply

I LOVE Xplorer2

Reply

A43 is in my opinion above and beyond the other options. It is a small download under a Mb, and look at some of the features.
* Integrated text editor with unlimited size. Dynamic highlighting for the web.
* Integrated zip/unzip features. Simply drag-n-drop files or click a button. You can also turn your zip archives into self-extracting archives the same way.
* Integrated file search to quickly locate and jump to those lost files.
* Integrated quick launch area for fast access to the programs you use the most.
* Favorite buttons to quickly open those often used folders.
* Dual-pane view for those that demand speed in file management.
* Requires no installation, no data is written to the system registry. A43's configuration information is saved in a local .ini file.
* Keep it on your pen/jump drive and take it where ever you go

Reply

Ahh file managers, A favorite topic of mine :)

I would recommend ultraexplorer
http://www.mustangpeak.net/

It's freeware and has a *ton* of features. It's also under constant development and the author keeps adding new features to it. It even has tabs much like how directory ops handles tabs (drag and drop a folder to the tab bar to form a new tab)

There's also muCommander
http://www.mucommander.com/

It's setup like total commander (that setup is officially called an orthodox file manager). It's small, fast, and cross platform. It does run on java though, but it's not bad on windows.

Of course, if you want to spend money Directory Opus 9 is the way to go :)

---

There's an older free version of xyplorer available also
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page22.html#XYplorer

Reply

I love Servant Salamander from ALTAP
http://www.altap.cz/salam_en/index.html

Like the old Norton Commander (dos) shortcuts, with advance options and right click bring Windows Explorer menu. Version 1.52 is freeware and to a great job. Take a look!

Reply

I like a file browser lean a mean and specific applications for utility tasks.

Windows Explorer + JetToolBar + a context sensitive menu thats rather large.

Reply

I've been using xplorer2 (squared) for the past few years and am very happy with it http://www.zabkat.com . There's a free lite version and a paid version which I use.

For USB drives A43 is the best choice because it's a self contained exe

Reply

I've tried at least half of these (new file managers pop up all the time) and I have yet to find anything as jaw-droppingly amazing as Directory Opus. Especially the newest one, which creams Vista's Explorer. (Bonus: It seems to get rid of that horrible slowdown when copying or moving--well, anything.)

Reply

I was use xplorer2 for quite some time & love many feature in there. Now also trying xyplorer which also great. So far xyplorer works better for me.

Reply

I use DiskView - http://www.diskview.com

It is an add-in for Windows Explorer, that adds disk usage and health reports right in Explorer.

Reply

I second Directory Opus as THE choice in file management. In fact I have configured it as my windows interface replacement. The underpinings go back almost 20 years of constant development and refinement. As a mac user, it is literally the only reason I still hold on to using a PC.....

Reply

Total Commander... nothing comes close.

Reply