Windows Explorer replacements abound

Filed under: OS Updates, Utilities, Windows, Office, Productivity

Windows Explorer replacements abound

by Grant Robertson May 11th 2007

If you're an advanced Windows user, you've probably developed a serious hate for Windows Explorer, the built in file management tool. It's weak, it lacks advanced features and most users don't realize it can be replaced.

Lifehacker recently took a long hard look at Xplorer², a tabbed and efficient alternative with a slew of keyboard shortcuts. Xplorer² is definitely worth a look but, if that doesn't tickle your fantasy, here's a short list of other alternatives.

XYPlorer - XYplorer is a multi-tabbed file manager for Windows, featuring a very powerful file search, versatile preview facilities, a highly customizable interface, and a large array of unique ways to efficiently automate frequently recurring tasks. Free trial available, a license will cost you $29.50.

Windows File Explorer - Windows File Explorer is a file manager for Windows similar to Windows Explorer. But Windows File Explorer uses a different approach: it features many options that Microsoft's Windows Explorer is missing like image preview and it has two fixed file views side by side (but can be change to a single file view) that is useful when copying many files from folder to folder.

Universal Explorer - With Universal Explorer, you can manage your files (move/copy/paste/delete) quickly and effectively. Plus, you can also VIEW and EDIT almost any file directly in UE with built-in File Viewer Windows! View and Edit text documents, HTML, a wide range of graphic files, programming source code and more. You can even view Microsoft Word and Excel documents without launching Word or Excel.

ExplorerXP - ExplorerXP is a very fast, small, compact and innovative free (for non - commercial use) file manager for Windows 2000/XP. Unlike the regular Windows Explorer, it displays the total size of each folder and allows you to browse multiple folders from a tabbed interface.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Frank Black said 2:55PM on 5-11-2007

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

Tim said 3:00PM on 5-11-2007

And the two words are: Directory Opus

Terry said 3:48PM on 5-11-2007

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

spencer.r said 4:17PM on 5-11-2007

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.

Zaine Ridling said 5:06PM on 5-11-2007

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.

James said 5:23PM on 5-11-2007

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.

Bwn said 5:25PM on 5-11-2007

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

wingridger55 said 6:55PM on 5-11-2007

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.

westudi said 11:10PM on 5-11-2007

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

Excelsior said 2:16AM on 5-12-2007

I LOVE Xplorer2

brimanp said 5:49AM on 5-12-2007

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

LordDaMan said 10:58PM on 5-12-2007

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

Ofir David said 8:03AM on 5-13-2007

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!

hazard said 8:07AM on 5-13-2007

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

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

Kevin said 6:44PM on 5-13-2007

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

Alvaro said 11:22PM on 5-13-2007

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.)

toen said 8:44AM on 5-14-2007

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.

trux said 11:38PM on 5-14-2007

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.

Grant Robinson said 11:41PM on 5-14-2007

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.....

Chache said 12:21AM on 5-15-2007

Total Commander... nothing comes close.

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