File Managers - Your Personal Experiences ?

[JerometheGiraff]

I have downloaded a few alternative file managers for Windows7. The most recent Free Commander XE (Beta) in it's Beta stages it doesn't live up very well, it crashes at random and after roughly six month use, I can't use it for my day-to-day file tasking. Rather then searching and trying more File Managers, I want to know your suggestions and experiences ?

 

[Victor S]

I have downloaded a few alternative file managers for Windows7. The most recent Free Commander XE (Beta) in it's Beta stages it doesn't live up very well, it crashes at random and after roughly six month use, I can't use it for my day-to-day file tasking. Rather then searching and trying more File Managers, I want to know your suggestions and experiences ?

This is usually a "like its feel" preference.
I've been using Powerdesk Pro for years, but version 6 is the last good version I've used. That's a 32-bit app. Tried version 8, and it's got one bug that hacked me off, so I stayed with v6. I see there's a version 9, but haven't looked at it yet.
Might be worth a look.

 

[Victor S]

Correction: Looks like Power Desk is only up to v8.5.
Here's a pretty good recent discussion about file managers.
Upgrade to PowerDesk Pro 8.5 ??? RIP-OFF!!!! - question in OS & Utilities

As you'll see, Power Desk gets complaints, but I know the trial v8 was ok except for the bug that turned me off - it wouldn't save launch bar changes.
You really have to try this type app for yourself. I didn't any other issues that some have. Really disappointing though that what was a very good product apparently went downhill after Avanquest took over from OnTrack.

 

[BlackSparrow]

Using various ones, I will edit this post and put in what I am using when I get back home (since I'm at work).

Nico's Commander and Powerdesk for me... keeping with Powerdesk at this moment though

 

[Invader440]

Been using Nico's Commander for several years now.

Nico\'s Commander Nico Cuppen Software

 

[bbinnard]

I've tried every single one I could get my hands on and always come back to Powerdesk. My Ver. 8.4.5.2 works smooth as silk on my Win7-64 system. I stopped looking for alternatives a while ago.

 

[JerometheGiraff]

Speed Commander looks good

 

[ashasha]

You may want to check out QTTabbar 1.5. I believe its still in beta, but its a plugin for windows explorer that gives you tabs and a few menu options. I like being able to save favorite tab groupings and adding having a favorite apps dropdown. I've never had a crash with it and I've really grown fond of it.

For a standalone explorer replacement I think that XYPlorer is pretty impressive. There are some really useful extras built into it and teamed up with Listary its pretty powerful.

 

[Rodant Kapoor]

I've been using GPS Software Directory Opus 10, and it works really well - a little pricey but worth it.

 

[JerometheGiraff]

Directory Opus is a pricey. I'm sticking with plain, explorer for now.

 

[jadinolf]

Seems like so many of us are suffering because of PowerDesk.

Old story which I'm sure you have seen before. I purchased PowerDesk Version 1 which cost $55 and came on one floppy disk. I have always used PD all thru the versions. I even was given free PowerDesks because I worked on a couple of betas way back then. Thank you Mijenix.

Unfortunately, I have had problems with PD for years but continued to buy it and use it. Total dummy.

Now along came Windows 7 which I didn't use until the end of May, 2012. What a nightmare trying to find a PowerDesk that would work with Windows 7. I'm sure many people have had good luck with it or Avanquest wouldn't be able been able to sell it. My last good version ever was Version 6 but I could not use it on Windows 7. Version 8.5 was a disaster for me on Windows 7 as well as XP.

I was able to use Version 8 on my new build of a Windows 7 computer. It's a little unstable but sort of works after bringing it up to date. For me Version 8.4.1.12 is at least usable.

Like so many others, I have searched for a replacement and have settled on Explorer++ and XYplorer. What I miss is Zip/Unzip/and Convert Picture File. Haven't scrapped PowerDesk yet so I can use those functions if I need them.

Good luck to any of you contemplating a change.

 

[Alejandro85]

It's not exactly an alternative file manager, but if you can live with Windows Explorer, there is a program called Welcome to Classic Shell that does wonders on it.

It fixes many of the design flaws MS introduced to it in Vista and 7 and makes it behaves as it should in many aspects as it did in XP. Maybe you should try it to see if it fixes explorer to your taste.

 

[jadinolf]

It's not exactly an alternative file manager, but if you can live with Windows Explorer, there is a program called Welcome to Classic Shell that does wonders on it.

It fixes many of the design flaws MS introduced to it in Vista and 7 and makes it behaves as it should in many aspects as it did in XP. Maybe you should try it to see if it fixes explorer to your taste.

If that was directed to me - thanks.

I think I tried that on my Vista laptop a long time ago. I'll revisit it and check it out.

I appreciate the tip.

 

[jadinolf]

Well, I finally found a file manager which I am happy with and that is XYplorer.

XYplorer - Download

I paid for a license last night after using the 30 day trial period.

My second choice is Explorer++ which is FREE.

Download

 

[SIW2]

Yes I have XYPlorer also. Very pleased with it.

Explorer++ good choice for a free one.

Freecommander original version still works very well.

 

[jadinolf]

Yes I have XYPlorer also. Very pleased with it.

Explorer++ good choice for a free one.

Freecommander original version still works very well.

Just goes to show that great minds think alike.

And I agree about Free Commander.

Thanks