Discussion on:

Five free replacements for Windows Explorer

This is a good list. I think it will become even more relevant after Win8 comes out. Not sure what will happen to explorer but it is good to have something to fall back on just in case.

They go over nicely in a PE environment that doesn't have the extras of a Windows install disc rolled in.

The old branch of xplorer2, 2xExplorer, is still available but un-maintained. Still works fine on XP.

There is also XYplorer and BSexplorer, among others.

Any specific recommendations for use within PE? Jack noted Explorer++ doesn't require an install, so I'll probably start with that.

Works fine from a portable, just make sure the settings are stored in the right place.

I have been using Q-DIR for as long as I can remember. There was a time that I was looking for a better way of moving, copying files from multiple locations without opening too many explorer windows.

I might as well try the others

Why don't you mention Total Commander? It is unequaled in it's abilities, speed and hidden possibilities for an advanced user. To the WindExplorer it is like Phelps to a baby-turtle.

It's shareware on a 30-day trial license. If you continue to use it after that time without purchasing it ($46 US), you're violating the license agreement.

But in my usage going back to version 3 it's the best by far. I always question the use of "freeware". When I purchased Windows Commander, it cost me under 30$.
When you talk about support, one day I found a very minor problem and emailed Mr Ghisler. Within hours I had a corrected version and on the web site was posted a a new release. I was a controls engineer/cad manager now retired for a large GM facility and without Total Commander my work life would have been much harder.

One huge frustration with Explorer is copying or moving of folders where a single locked or corrupted file will quit the process halfway thru. Utilities such as http://www.codesector.com/teracopy.php that allows skipping these files and allow the process to be completed is really useful. Does these replacements able to handle locked/corrupted files and complete the file management process too???

Note that non-home use requires the purchase of the 'Pro' version (appx. $19 US).

It is an outstanding file copy/move utility and I have licensed it for the additional features and because I think it is worth it, good products should be supported and I can use it for side work without legal worries. But it is not an explorer replacement.

Basically the same functionality as Teracopy (maybe a little more), but free. Also operates from a command line.

http://killprog.com/killcopye.html

If you are looking for a file copier. It's pretty good at grabbing files residing partially in damaged sectors as well.

Just checked out Cubic's website, they have a protable no-install version as well as the traditional installation.

I used to love Xtree in DOS days - Does anyone know what happened to it! Anything else is comparable to it.

Yes, I remember Xtree fondly. I did a Google search and there are a host of hits but do admit that I have not tried any of them.

And what about Directory Opus? One of the few true explorer replacements available, and with amazing features to boot! http://www.gpsoft.com.au/

.

I have been looking for a good solution in alternative file explorer programs, mainly becvause the lacks leaded by Explorer fron Windows Seven, and after I readed this post, I may say that I found a right solution. there are solutions for problems to view file size, folder size, to organize files into folders using tab feature, and many othres. And, it looks like the old Windows 95 file explorer, that have the button "new folder", not available on Windows XP. That is very usefull.

Wow, this was exactly what I was looking for. I tried (played with) the 64-bit version on one of my my Win7 64-bit machines and it has worked flawlessly so far. And even better, it's portable. Thanks for this tip.

Is your alias supposed to be a Roman number? I get 1977, but I don't know what's up with the out-of-position 'xxv' / 25 on the end.

Here's another free one, similar to the Norton Commander of yore:
www.freecommander.com

If you're a dual-pane file manager fan, it's worth checking out. There's also a portable version:
http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/freecommander_portable

is one of the very first things I install on Windows. I've been using it for years. I can't imagine using Windows without it.

Great to have alternatives to Windows Explorer. NC was my ultimate file management tool in the DOS days. I would love to have a utility that does a side by side directory compare like NC, since I want direct control over directory syncing. Also like to have a quick loading file viewer.

Not free, but you get updates without any further cost. See comments above. It does not only have 'two panels', but multiple tabs on each side, so all your disks, preferred directories and computers on your net are at hand. You can also batch rename, syncronize, change views with a click, tailor your usual commands on the ribbon, change names without risking an extension mishandling, copying and renaming on background and so on. And 15 languages to choose. Give it a chance! I've being using it for years after NC was unavailable anymore.

Thanks for the article! Where I have been? Under a rock? Goodbye Win Explorer. I downloaded and tested all but Xplorer2. Each has its own uses and I plan on using the other 4 as needed for specific needs. NexusFile will be the tool of choice though. It really has a number of very useful functions. I like the ability to change colors and that you can get to folders and files with several options. The FTP is a plus. Q-Dir is good for looking at multiple file locations at one time. I elected to use them all from their portable exe, even on my laptop. I am getting a new PC soon and did not want to install the apps. They all load faster than Win Explorer.

Nomad
http://www.nomad-net.info/home
MmultiCommander - Now freeware
http://multicommander.com
A similar good article like Jacks here:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-file-manager.htm

Thanks for the list.

DuoExplorer - I'm using it now but I also play with QDir and FreeCommander.

I was really P.O.'d when MS unilaterally decided to eliminate the 2 pane File Explorer. Expecting me to open 2 copies of Windoze Explorer side by side is NOT a solution!

A little late to the conversation, but illuminating none-the-less.
I've used a few of the versions of PowerDesk Pro. Nice program.
THEN I found the Personal Brain program ( http://www.thebrain.com/ ). They have one free and two non-free versions. I'd try the free version and go to pay-version/s if you think you need to. I finally got the Pro version ("Core" version is lower cost not-free one). I saw the PB prog demo'd on Stewart Cheifet's Computer Chronicles about 1999 or 2000. Got hooked on it a few years after that. Ver 6 allows you to drop entire folders onto the interface and it does the rest. Seriously one of the coolest uber-utilities I've ever worked with. They have a good series of web-based training vidoes. PB can also easily be used for mind-mapping as well (all versions).
(OK, I'm a PersonalBrain fanboi, but just a customer, for about 9 years.)

Will admit to really not considering anything for use that: 1) Wants to diddle the windows registry at all; 2) That wants to use or touch or create any folder except the one it was put in; and 3) Has to run an installer to get it installed and working(sic). This is fully in line with the current thinking for Portable Applications... I will normally Google for "free portable applications" first and exhaust those sites before searching further for tools which are shareware or retailware, etc.