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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.
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.
All the rest are standalone/portable. Although you can actually "install" some of them in a PE with scripts, like with WinBuilder. (You can even have Windows Explorer if you build a PE with a Windows install disk, if you want.)
Some of these are unpacked from installers, but they don't need the registry. They may optionally use the registry for paths and MRUs and such, but most will save settings in the app directory in an ini file or something. So it is sometimes good to run them and set up your preferred defaults before adding them to a PE if it is going to be on read-only media. (If you aren't going to capture a running OS or export a VM.
Some of these are unpacked from installers, but they don't need the registry. They may optionally use the registry for paths and MRUs and such, but most will save settings in the app directory in an ini file or something. So it is sometimes good to run them and set up your preferred defaults before adding them to a PE if it is going to be on read-only media. (If you aren't going to capture a running OS or export a VM.
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
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.
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
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.
Will be great if there is a file copier that automatically skip unreadable file after trying for few seconds without prompting for action. Most copiers will freeze for as long as a min before prompting for retry or skip. On a crashed harddisk, we want to copy all the readable files asap without retrying and risk having more sector damaged. After all the savable files are saved, then retry on the corrupted file. Does unstoppable copier fit this requirement? If not, is there any such utilities exist? Quite surprise that such useful and basic utility is not available. 
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.
ZTree works pretty much the same as the old DOS XTree. Although it is not free (Cost is about $30 USD.), I keep an updated copy on my PC for those odd moments when the need arises to poke around inside a file or program.
And what about Directory Opus? One of the few true explorer replacements available, and with amazing features to boot! http://www.gpsoft.com.au/
All three are ones I have used and found/find to be excelent.
Xtree was bought and buried by Symantec many years ago, if I remember correctly.
Ztree, is indeed a direct replacement for Xtree in the Windows environment. Strictly speaking it isn't a WinEx replacement - it is a stand alone program that doesn't integrate into the OS. Ztree is extremely powerful, and dare I say, not for the novice.
[But there again, we wouldn't be looking for WinExplorer replacements if we were novices, would we?]
After MANY years with Avanquest's PowerDesk, I discovered Directory Opus which is is my current choice and I'm still being amazed at its power and customisation abilities.
HOWEVER ...
The original article was about FREE WinEx replacements, and this specifically excludes these two programs.
Xtree was bought and buried by Symantec many years ago, if I remember correctly.
Ztree, is indeed a direct replacement for Xtree in the Windows environment. Strictly speaking it isn't a WinEx replacement - it is a stand alone program that doesn't integrate into the OS. Ztree is extremely powerful, and dare I say, not for the novice.
[But there again, we wouldn't be looking for WinExplorer replacements if we were novices, would we?]
After MANY years with Avanquest's PowerDesk, I discovered Directory Opus which is is my current choice and I'm still being amazed at its power and customisation abilities.
HOWEVER ...
The original article was about FREE WinEx replacements, and this specifically excludes these two programs.
$85 !!!!!!!!!!!! for Base product, $105 to make it useful. I'll stick to free thank you very much...
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.
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