Is there a Windows Explorer alternative?

MarkC0 · 15 Dec 2011

Is there an explorer alternative with expanded features?

Examples of what I mean by expanded features:
- the ability to group files/folders together and then hide/show them on command... similar to how you can manage tabs in a browser.
- when moving a file to a folder that contains a file with the same name, the ability to auto-rename either the original file or the new, moved file.

It would need to load fast and not be significantly more bulky than the default Win Explorer. I am mainly looking for file management features. File management in default Windows 7 makes me want to pull my hair out :P.

Thanks!

ignatzatsonic · 15 Dec 2011

There are a bunch of them, but it's been 10 years or so since I went looking.

The 5 Good Free Windows File Managers

http://www.pctips3000.com/top-5-wind...-replacements/

http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilit...managers.shtml

MilesAhead · 15 Dec 2011

The hide/show feature I don't think I've run across. I use FreeCommander that's in the Five Good Free list submitted above. But I also use Explorer with this addon:

QTTabBar | Free System Administration software downloads at SourceForge.net

Usually I don't like Explorer addons as most of the ones I tried seem to make explorer more fragile. But this seems pretty solid. I've been using it for months. I have it set to show all my drives in Tabs when I open Computer. You can select files and drag to another tab for single window operations.

FreeCommander has many features such as adding programs to the toolbar and built in command line in the status bar. Also if you set "Always show at least one tab" or something like that in the Settings, you can drag a folder to the Tab line from explorer to open it in a new tab.

Explorer has the advantage of already being in memory. So for utilities I write that open folder windows I almost always use Explorer. It's just way faster than an exe loading off the disk.

JerometheGiraff · 16 Dec 2011

Free Commander the newest Beta. It is the perfect explorer alternative and free :)

kenC · 17 Dec 2011

I use Explorer++ You can have tabs open along the top just like in a browser

MarkC0 · 18 Dec 2011

Thanks, lots of cool choices here. Will check them out!