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News and Reviews => Mini-Reviews by Members => Topic started by: mitzevo on August 08, 2007, 04:38 AM

Title: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: mitzevo on August 08, 2007, 04:38 AM
Basic Info
App Namexplorer² [pro] (a.k.a xplorer2, x2, x²)
App URLhttp://www.zabkat.com
App Version Reviewed1.7.0.4 [Unicode] (30.Jun.07)
Test System SpecsWindows XP, 60GB HD, 1GB RAM, P4 4GHz
Supported OSesWindows 9x, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, and Vista (!)
Support MethodsEmail support. Also has a large active user forum
Upgrade Policy"Although there is no explicit "free for life" upgrade policy for xplorer2,
all upgrades were free since 2004. At any rate I wouldn't base my selection
on the future so much as on what the software can do *now* to help me with
my file management tasks"
Trial Version Available?Yes - 21 day trial
Pricing Scheme$29.95 - 1 User License
Review Author Donation LinkClick Here to Donate Now (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?action=dlist;sa=search;search=40240;fields=uid)
Screencast Video URLscreencasts and screenshots of xplorer² in action doing various operations.. check these out! (http://zabkat.com/x2facts.htm)
DisclaimerI am not affilaited with Zabkat, and this is a genuine review.

I did however email x²'s author and ask if I could get a discount.. (of course I had good reasons :P).. He said if I write a review or recommend x² to some  family members or friends that I could get a free copy.. so..

As a reviewer of this program, I received a free copy of it for my own personal use. Either way, it was on my "to buy" software list (this is very new for me, lol :P)and I would have writen a review on DC regardless if I had gotten it free or purchased it ;)


Intro
xplorer² (x² from now on) is a windows based file manager. What exactly is a file manager? A file manager is some thing you use to arrange and organize your (computer) files.. If you are using Windows you are probably familiar with Windows Explorer - the stocked file manager that comes with windows.. it is heavily integrated in to the windows system. You may know from usage of Windows explorer is that is a) too slow, b) missing a lot of functions and c) lacking great customization - such as being able to hilite certain file types, save layouts, adding toolbars, etc.

Welcome to x²! One of the first things you will notice with x² is that it has 2 panes (2 window areas you can work with - at the same time).
2 panes you say? Yup, 2 panes.. you would be amazed at how much of a time saver this is when working between many folders.. Instead of switching between 2 or more Window Explorer windows, you can be in one x² window, working with folders side by side.. drag and drop (as well as cut and paste) operations are so much faster and easier!

x² can also use tabs.. Just like FireFox can have many tabs under one window/instance.. x² can have many tabs open on each pane.. take a look at the following screenshots to see what I mean:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
(you can choose to have the panes show in vertical or horizontal alignment/tililing - you'll find this option in the..  Window options! :) (tools > options)
(you can also hide/show the tree, quickview, mini-scrap, toolbars/buttons, with hotkeys)
 
If you don't like using tabs for file based management.. don't use them. I can say the same for dual panes, if you don't like them or aren't comfortable with them at first, you can turn dual panes of and just stick to the single pane for the time being.

These two features alone speed up so many tasks... not to mention, x² is pretty fast at working, you don't get a huge footprint in your memory. Take a look at these results (memory usage, indexing speeds, etc.)  against other similar file managers: xplorer² blog: objectively superior file manager? (http://zabkat.com/blog/27May07.htm) x² is only around 800kb in size!

Next feature I would like to talk about is the "Breadcrumbs". If you don't know what breadcrumbs are, like are like an indication of your current location within a website or, in this case, computer. x²'s breadcrumbs are very nice..  all you need to do is click on the folder you want to go to! Check out the following screenshot:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Scrap Containers and the mini scrap,
Scrap containers are kind of like virtual folders where you can put files/folders from different locations (not move them or copy them, but point to them)  to do operations on.. For example, you can drag files from c:\abc, c:\abc\xyz, and c:\noop into a scrap container, and they will appear under the one folder/container (in a new window/instance of x2 if you like) so you can do tasks on them such as sorting, renaming, zipping, etc.

The mini-scrap,
The mini-scrap is just a small scrap container that sits under the Folder tree in the main x2 window (when active) .. you can drag any thing (program shortucts; so you have a quick way to launch your programs, folders/files; so you can perform operations on them more easily, without having to physically move all the folders/files, etc.

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Customizable user interface,
x² is highly configurable, you can show/hide toolbars, create your own toolbars,  customize detail view columns (name, size, etc.), hilite/color code certain file types, bookmark most used places for quicker/instant access.. and of course you can assign shortcuts/hot keys to most of the operations x² can do.

Update: as of the latest beta (http://www.zabkat.com/blog/20Jan08.htm), you are now able to change icons for toolbar items.. Great! Many people who like a bit of style will love this.. Also the default x² toolbar icons can be skinned as well.. if you didn't like them :) I know I didn't.


Some other big features,
Power searching functions: Search for files everywhere, using arbitrary criteria. Find text within office, Adobe PDF and other documents.

Keyboard and Color customization,
Shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts, x² has a ton of shortcuts, and there's also a ton of shortcuts you could define yourself if you wanted to ;)  x² uses shortcuts for pretty much all of its functions.

Who is this app designed for
This app. is for people who are constantly working with files on a Windows computer, people who need a break from Windows Explorer and people who need some motivation to keep their computers organized.. :)

Basically it's for people who need a powerful file manager, with just enough features, to use on a Windows computer.


The Good
+Tabbed dual-pane interface  - faster and easier file management!

+Solid breadcrumbs - 1 or 2 clicks can get you to any folder on your computer!

+Very customizable: layouts, columns, bookmarks, toolbars, shortcuts,.. color coding, and now custom icons - you can customize x2 to the max!

+Powerful searching features: search files by properties like size, name, extension, date modified, (using boolen). Search for text inside pfd, word documents, etc.

+Quick Preview - instantly preview many file types within x².

+Scrap containers/mini scrap

+Execute DOS commands and scripts: run DOS commands directly from x²'s address bar.

+lots and lots of other handy features and functions such as file shredding, pasting directory structures with out files, making junction points,
check for duplicates, split & merge files, mirror browsing, compare folders, etc.

+Calculate sub-folder size in detail view.

+Icon overlay support (SVN, etc.)

+Unicode support; supports many languages!  :Thmbsup:

Needs Improvement
I haven't used it that long to say what needs improvement but one thing that I am not fond of is the item selections.. some times the lines aren't being redrawn/refreshed so you can see old lines, etc - just a simple thing :)

Update: (27th Jan 2008), I have been using x² for a while now, one thing that I would like to see is the system tray icon have some left/right click options.. Perhaps some usual options like "Exit x²" (well *at least* an exit option), "Stay On Top / Always On Top", etc.

What about single left click brings x² up from the tray instead of double.. Should be options for these small things :'(

A global hot key to bring x² up!

Also, I would like the window name to show just "x² - " not "xplorer ² - " as it it takes up too much room when the prog is minimized.


Why I think you should use this product
I think you should use (and support!) this program if you like it.. because, it really is worth it.. File management is so much easier with this power tool.
The quickstart guide is nicely written and documents most of x²'s functions & uses (much more than what I've briefly discussed). The x² community have also written a pdf manual for x² - this is available free (you get it with the help file & quickstart guide..)

The program is simple and easy to use, very customizable as I have previously said.


How does it compare to similar apps
There are quite a lot of other file managers for Windows, things that set x² apart from those are its cool breadcrumbs, tabbed dual-pane interface, powerful searching engine, scrap containers.


Conclusion
xplorer² pro is a very good windows explorer alternative/replacement, reducing a lot of your time by helping you to do file tasks quickly, and efficiently. I have only touched on a few features of x² here, mostly the ones I'm using, there are many more to be discovered, in fact what I've gone through is only the very tip of the iceberg.. a lot of people (like myself) find great needed and wanted features while exploring for them self what x² can do..

I give xplorer² [pro] a solid rating of 9/10  :Thmbsup:


Other reviews of this application
can be found on the x2 website, here (http://zabkat.com/x2link.htm)

Resources:
http://www.zabkat.com - Official xplorer² homepage
http://zabkat.com/x2facts.htm - many screencasts and screenshots of xplorer² in action doing various operations.. check these out!
http://zabkat.com/blog/index.htm - Official blog, of xplorer²'s developer - contains helpful articles on using xplorer², as well as tips and tricks
http://netez.com/bbs/index.php?c=4 - Official xplorer² forums (also has sub forums for other products, such as the freeware version of xplorer² and older products (although not being updated any more.).

The forums are very active with tips and tricks on how to better customize/arrange xplorer² to your likings. A few people seem to be making extra plugins/extensions to add *more* abilities .. Just when you thought it had ended ;)

Screenshot Captor, an award-winning screenshot capturing program. (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/screenshotcaptor/index.html) - Used to make the screen shots in this review ;)

This was my 200th post.. I've been with DC for a year now.. and I've always found myself comming/referring back to the site, reviews, forums, etc. for many tasks. :)


edit: Added some updates regarding "Needs Improvement" and the custom icon and default toolbar skin support :) and today I made my 300th post.. :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: Wordzilla on August 12, 2007, 08:26 AM
(https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/esmileys/gen3/1Small/wow2.gif)(https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/esmileys/gen3/1Small/wow2.gif)(https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/esmileys/gen3/1Small/wow2.gif)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 12, 2007, 08:31 AM
oh shut up you  :-[
/me pokes wordzilla with a stick

j/k

:D ;D

if any one has any thing else to add about this great program, post it up here! (such as your favorite features/functions).
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: mouser on August 12, 2007, 08:54 AM
great mini-review mitz  :up: :up:
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: jgpaiva on August 12, 2007, 01:12 PM
Great minireview, mitzevo!!

A way to improve it:
Here go my favourite features in XY. Could you compare them to X2?

I also love the fact that ctrl-p copies the path of the selected file to the clipboard
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 12, 2007, 01:59 PM
Hey jgpaiva,

I'll be glad to do a comparison:

colour extensions: different extensions get different colours

If this means what I think it does, yup, you can specify which files to be color coded.. by what ever filters you set in the Color Coding dialog.

Now I noticed with XYplorer that the color coding options are not as customizable.. In x² you can color code any file type as well as any file that fits some attribute/property.. such as being hidden, being a system file, containing some text.. there are many of these attributes/properties you can set, they are boolean values.

I also noticed you have more color customization with x², you can choose the background color AND the foreground as well as make the hilited item appear in bold face.


Customizable keyboard shortcuts,
yes x² is very customizable, ALT-C in x² is the equivilant to XYplorer's CTRL+P (what copies the file path to the clipboard) ;) To see the key mappings in x², go to "Customize > Keyboard use..."

grid look: the list can be configured in a zebra-like grid so that it's easier to see all the columns of an item
If this also means what I think it does, yup, you can turn on
"grid lines in detailed mode" in Tools > Options > Window.

Although, there is no "zebra striping" option. Although I'm sure the author of x²  could add alternating backgrounds for each list item quite easily if needed or requested :) As a matter of fact, the alternating colors do make a hell of a difference, maybe I might request this feature (if not already requested).

Autosize Columns
Yes, x² has an "autosize columns" in the View menu.. You can also save column groups/sets so you can switch between different ones for different folders.

I think that's all  ;D

Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: jgpaiva on August 12, 2007, 02:08 PM
Thanks a lot mitzevo!
Then i think i should also have a look at X2 :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Ampa on August 12, 2007, 02:50 PM
I own a license for Xplorer² and don't realise just how much I love it, until I use a machine without it installed!

My girlfriend's laptop has UltraExplorer which is good, and free, but it just ain't quite Xplorer2!
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 12, 2007, 06:03 PM
Nice review, mitzeo - congratulations! The File Management market is very competitive with both shareware and freeware alternatives available. xplorer2 looks very nice - solid.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: urlwolf on August 12, 2007, 06:58 PM
Nice review Mitz!

somebody needs to do a review of TC.
I just got it, so I'm not ready. But I did move from dopus to TC, and I think TC is king!
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 12, 2007, 07:44 PM
Nice review Mitz!

somebody needs to do a review of TC.
I just got it, so I'm not ready. But I did move from dopus to TC, and I think TC is king!

-urlwolf (August 12, 2007, 06:58 PM)

Heresy! OK, maybe I'm overreacting, but when you make a comment like that, urlwolf, you'd better back it up with a review!

EDIT: couldn't wait - downloaded and installed a trial. Wow. Quite impressed. I love how simple the interface is... Normally at this point I'd uninstall it (afterall, I have current licences for DOpus 9, XYPlorer, AccelMan, and DiskJockey - hasn't been installed in a couple of years - so have no need for another file manager), but Total Commander is enough fun that I'm interested in playing around with it some more.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on August 13, 2007, 04:19 AM
I love xplorerer2, ordered it quite a while ago :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 13, 2007, 04:30 AM
Darwin,

How many file managers do you need!?  ;D You have DOpus, XYplorer, and.. more? lol. I still want to try DOpus ('cuz every one says it's so great and yadda yadda ya..), and TC.. they seem to be well known and liked by a lot of ppl.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: f0dder on August 13, 2007, 05:16 AM
I never really understood the fuzz about TC, it seems to have some very die-hard followers, but the program itself? *shrug*.

What I personally love about xplorer2 is it's simplicity, yet feature-richness. It's great it supports both dual- and single-pane views, can almost function 100% as an explorer replacement (it has problems with a very few special locations, like "network connections"), and is lightning fast.

It also has pretty configurable color coding:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: edbro on August 13, 2007, 08:26 AM
I also am back to xplorer2 after switching to Vista. It is fully compatible and I could not afford the too steep price of updating my DirOpus. My only regret here is that I bought the professional version. Months later I realize that I really only use the functionality of the freeware version. Oh well, at least the price was reasonable and, at least for now, the upgrades are free.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 13, 2007, 09:24 AM
Darwin,

How many file managers do you need!?  ;D You have DOpus, XYplorer, and.. more? lol. I still want to try DOpus ('cuz every one says it's so great and yadda yadda ya..), and TC.. they seem to be well known and liked by a lot of ppl.

-mitzevo (August 13, 2007, 04:30 AM)

You can never have enough File Managment...   ;D I only use DOpus. I purchased DOpus first, then DiskJockey (to get the Stellent viewers - hadn't heard of QuickView Plus at the time and Yahoo Desktop Search wasn't available), then XYPlorer. I bought XYPlorer for it's abiltity to run from USB and lifetime licence and I like it! Of course, very soon thereafter DOpus 9 came out with USB capabilities. I keep XYPlorer around and use it occasionally. I've removed TC from my system since my last post because I'm not going to buy it and I don't need it, nice though it may be!

PS I also have about 30 watches and 20 Fountain Pens - I'm a bit OC about things that I like...  :o
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: urlwolf on August 13, 2007, 06:33 PM
If I could justify writing a post on it, I'll convince a bunch of people to move from Dopus to TC. BUt I can't right now, sorry...
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 13, 2007, 07:17 PM
If I could justify writing a post on it, I'll convince a bunch of people to move from Dopus to TC. BUt I can't right now, sorry...
-urlwolf (August 13, 2007, 06:33 PM)

No worries, urlwolf. I understand. I'm in thesis write up hell at the moment and keep dropping in here to get away from it. I don't have the time to write up anything very considered, either (does it show?! :P).
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 13, 2007, 10:19 PM
Dang! I've been taking a look at xplorer2 and I'm wishing I had an excuse to download it and try it out (I don't!). MUST - MOVE - AWAY - FROM - THE - LIGHT. Oh crap, my PhD is calling me. She's a tough mistress (but not much of a temptress)...
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: f0dder on August 14, 2007, 06:07 AM
And here's another little teaser, I quite like the elegance of my xplorer2 setup :)
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 15, 2007, 03:01 AM
Well today I tried TC.. I wasn't impressed.. The interface resembles Win 3.1 - some thing historical.
Sure, it has a lot of followers, and is probably very fast and powerful, but still, not my cup of hot chocolate..

I had a quick look at the options/functions/features of TC.. x² seems to cover most of them that I saw

TC looks pretty awful  :o compared to x², but of course never judge a book by its cover.. nor a program by it's interface (in most cases..) ;)

Check the following post to see how x², DOpus and TC compare with a few things:
xplorer² blog: objectively superior file manager? (http://zabkat.com/blog/27May07.htm)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on August 15, 2007, 09:43 AM
Well, you can tweak TC to make it prettier, appearantly... but the default is goddamn ugly indeed. It's probably all-powerful etc., but x^2 does all I need and feels a bit more modern.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 15, 2007, 09:55 AM
Ha, ha... I liked the look of TC... Of course, the font used is a bit dated looking, but it didn't bother me. i presume that that can be changed in the options/preferences/settings dialogue.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: iphigenie on August 15, 2007, 09:59 AM
I like it that TC is very easy to use on keyboard only - i'm sure the others do to, but I have been using TC since, well, 1995 I think. I'm used to it.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: alxwz on August 15, 2007, 10:00 AM
Regarding xplorer^2 for thumbdrive, there was a lot of discussion in the zabkat forums, and last time I looked,  the developer had finally (kind of) given in and offered a special build to registered customers that would be able to run on a thumbdrive, for $ 10 extra, IIRC. But it was non-upgradeable and you had to request a new one when a new version of x2 was released. He didn't specify how many of those hand-made upgrades you could get for free.
I was tempted to order one (I bought x2 a while ago when it was on discount here) because XY still does not support dual panes and x2 looks like a great solution for a thumbdrive.
However, I always found x2's find and sync features confusing and couldn't find my way around there very well.

So I use DOpus most of the time (but don't feel the urge to pay the steep upgrade price from 8 to 9).

It's a pity that at the same time a thumbdrive-capaple version of DOpus was released they pulled the Win98 version. I admit, though, that there aren't many Win 98 machines around any more and most of them aren't ready for USB mass storage devices.

Oh, I forgot: My current solution for my thumbdrive is TC.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 15, 2007, 10:57 AM
One feature that I have gotten very used to is double clicking on an empty area in a pane to take you up a dir (in that pane).. I find myself doing it every where now (not in x², places like save dialog boxes, etc.) :P (tip: turn off "full row selection" from the options, now double click any where, except on a file name, to go up a dir!)

Another cool feature is pressing CTRL + D to get all directory sizes in detail view.. very fast!

P.S., My personal taste is a bit of the mouse and a bit of the keyboard, but I'm not hard on any "way" of traversing/navigating a computer :P
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Dirhael on August 15, 2007, 11:37 AM
Well today I tried TC.. I wasn't impressed.. The interface resembles Win 3.1 - some thing historical.
Sure, it has a lot of followers, and is probably very fast and powerful, but still, not my cup of hot chocolate..

I had a quick look at the options/functions/features of TC.. x² seems to cover most of them that I saw

TC looks pretty awful  :o compared to x², but of course never judge a book by its cover.. nor a program by it's interface (in most cases..) ;)

Check the following post to see how x², DOpus and TC compare with a few things:
xplorer² blog: objectively superior file manager? (http://zabkat.com/blog/27May07.htm)
-mitzevo (August 15, 2007, 03:01 AM)

Hey, don't you come here calling my TC awful! >:(

...seriously though, it's an acquired taste. I've always loved it for its power, which applications like X^2 and indeed most other file managers never even comes close to. Where's all that power you ask? In the plugins of course. I don't think there's anything besides making me a cup of coffee that there isn't a plugin for. It's not my primary file manager, as I do prefer to use Dopus most of the time. When I need some special tasks done however, it really is the right tool for the task. It is also a keyboard users dream come true which is nice :)

So, back to the ugly thing, here's my custom setup and I don't think it looks all that bad...
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: mitzevo on August 15, 2007, 11:55 AM
Ok - much better looking, probably the vista aspect ..  ;D but wth am I talking about.. looks.. lol, its about power! TC has a lot of power and is one of *the* best file managers for Windows.. taking that in, I'm sorry about my remarks on TC..  I obviously haven't gotten personal with it, but that was my first impression..  :huh:

Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Dirhael on August 15, 2007, 12:22 PM
Ok - much better looking, probably the vista aspect ..  ;D but wth am I talking about.. looks.. lol, its about power! TC has a lot of power and is one of *the* best file managers for Windows.. taking that in, I'm sorry about my remarks on TC..  I obviously haven't gotten personal with it, but that was my first impression..  :huh:


-mitzevo (August 15, 2007, 11:55 AM)

No I know, it really doesn't give a good first impression with the stock settings. It's powerful even without plugins, but most functions are hidden out of sight until you start using it for a while and check the menus etc. It also doesn't help that it's configured with a ugly MS sans serif bold font by default...in fact, that's the very first thing I change after I install it as I think it's hideous!
That said, you can be thankful that you didn't install the pre-7 versions, as they looked awful without tweaking the interface (IMO at least) ;)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 15, 2007, 01:17 PM
I did change the font on at 3rd boot I think it was  :huh:

I've heard alot of people say that they switched from DOpus to a "smaller" or "lighter" file manager such as XYplorer and Xplorer² because DOpus had too many features or some thing..

I tried DOpus (just to have a quick look), and it's pretty nice. Clean interface, nice icons/toolbars/etc, a lot of working space and options. Of course that's just the "looks".. but it's all I can say for now.. I don't plan on using it.. but from first impressions, it's wicked.. a bit too pricey though :D - what I'm trying to say is, the GUI is streamlined, and looks good!

Xplorer², is all that I need though. For me, I feel also DOpus is too much for my needs, and x² will do just fine ;)

Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: allen on August 15, 2007, 02:36 PM
x2 is a great explorer replacement, I used it prior to switching to XYplorer. It's lack of portability bugged me and I found XY's default shortcuts (and menu organization) to be more intuitive -- a few other features XY has make it a better fit to me. But X2 is a great package.  And, of course, there's no one complain about it having dual panes.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: kalos on August 16, 2007, 05:54 AM
can you tell me please whats the best Windows Explorer replacement? but I want to fully integrate it (replace explorer.exe)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on August 16, 2007, 06:43 AM
FWIW, xplorer2 standard version runs just fine off a thumbdrive - but it does use the registry for settings, so you're going to get the default settings. Not perfect, but better than nothing - I still think he should invest the (very small, if the rest of his code is sane) amount of time it would take to do a registry-or-xml-config scheme.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: urlwolf on August 16, 2007, 06:56 AM
TC can be run off an USB drive too.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 16, 2007, 09:18 AM
Both TC 7.1 and xplorer2 look great. I'm resisting the urge to reinstall the trial for TC and to install the trial for xplorer2 that I downloaded... I have no need of another File Manager and yet, for some reason, I find them oddly compelling.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Armando on August 16, 2007, 09:33 PM
I find them oddly compelling.
-Darwin (August 16, 2007, 09:18 AM)
;D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 16, 2007, 10:15 PM
I find them oddly compelling.
-Darwin (August 16, 2007, 09:18 AM)
;D
-Armando (August 16, 2007, 09:33 PM)

Perhaps others find me compellingly odd?
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Armando on August 16, 2007, 11:23 PM
or even compelling oddly?
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 17, 2007, 12:21 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 17, 2007, 08:32 AM
Darwin, it just means you have too much time on your hands  ;D

edit: ok looks like both of you have a big piece of the pie; keep it on topic pls..  :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Armando on August 17, 2007, 10:06 AM
YES AND I MIGHT HAEV 2!1!1!111 LOL TAHTS Y IMM TRYNG ANGLISH-2-12-YEAR-OLD-AOLAR TRANSLA2R  (http://ssshotaru.homestead.com/files/aolertranslator.html) AND HAVNG A LOK AT TEH LOLCAT BIBLA TRANSLATION (http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php/Main_Page)!!1!!1!11 OMG LOL D3AR!!!111! LOL  ;)

Ok...enough!

edit : Definitely, wrong topic...
Sorry, I got carried away.  :-[
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Lashiec on August 17, 2007, 01:17 PM
You should post about those two links in the Living Room, Armando. They're seriously something ;D </offtopic>
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: JaneDC on August 19, 2007, 03:11 PM
well, before this thread turns into the living room

theres a portable version of the pro

http://zabkat.com/x2port.htm

you have to pay for it though. wish it was like with tc.

i bought tc and x2, but im using x2 90percent of the time.

Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: 787 on August 28, 2007, 04:47 PM
Nice but I've been using Win/TotalCommander http://www.ghisler.com/ for years (since the late 90's) and I find it superior to my needs.
It's especially handy now since the advent of digital cameras and the cryptic file naming methods they employ.
I use the multi rename function to rename and numerically sequence photos. (Very fast.)
But that's not all it does, there's lots, so best you try it rather than I gaff on here.
It's not a big install and won’t splatter files all over your drive like most windows apps so is easy to remove if you don't want it.
Also it's free (the nag prompt at start up is nothing to complain about)
 :up:  :up:
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 28, 2007, 06:21 PM
Do you mean that Total Commander is free if you are willing to tolerate the nag screen? If so what you are really saying is that it is easy to use beyond the end of your trial period if you are willing to put up with the nag prompt... If you like it enough to use, throw the developer some money to keep development going!
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: 787 on August 28, 2007, 07:23 PM
No thanks, I comply with the T&C for personal use and the prompt is only a 1 button press so it's not all that annoying.
(Unlike some other so called shareware I've seen.)
A friend did pay some money as he uses it in his business.
I'm sure that after surviving some 10+ years and over 25mil downloads that the developer must have gotten something out of it.  :-\
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 28, 2007, 07:30 PM
Hmmm... I thought it was shareware. Interesting, I'll take another look.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Josh on August 28, 2007, 07:34 PM
You are right, it is shareware

Total Commander is a Shareware program. This means that you can test it for a period of 30 days. After testing the program, you must either order the full version, or delete the program from your harddisk.
-Totalcommander homepage

While the developer surely has been compensated, by leaving the program on your pc past the 30 day trial (since you claim to have used it since the 90s) you are violating the TOS and not giving the author any reason to continue development.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: 787 on August 28, 2007, 07:42 PM
Yes that is the current version T&C, not the one in my older version.
Either way, shareware is an "honesty" commitment and there are no obligations, legal or otherwise.
I'll leave it at that as this topic is drifting off Windows exploder.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 28, 2007, 07:50 PM
Yes that is the current version T&C, not the one in my older version.
Either way, shareware is an "honesty" commitment and there are no obligations, legal or otherwise.
I'll leave it at that as this topic is drifting off Windows exploder.
-787 (August 28, 2007, 07:42 PM)

Fine, but you directed everyone to the website featuring the current installer (which IS shareware) - why claim that it is free for personal use when this is no longer the case? As for shareware being an honesty commitment, I wonder how you'd feel if your employer used the same attitude WRT paying your wages?
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Josh on August 29, 2007, 05:19 AM
I am glad the US Military doesnt work on the "honesty" commitment for my medial care as well. But hey, do what you have to, just remember if something goes wrong then you have no right to complain about it.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on August 29, 2007, 05:47 AM
Nice but I've been using Win/TotalCommander http://www.ghisler.com/ for years (since the late 90's) and I find it superior to my needs.

787, did you even try x2? Or did you just see the "file explorer replacement / alternative" and thought you would say how good TC is? At least give x2 a try, before saying how much you like XYZ, ABC, or LMNOP, and not saying a thing about x2 - what this thread is about.

It's not a big install and won’t splatter files all over your drive like most windows apps so is easy to remove if you don't want it.

x2 is also not a big install, and also easy to remove.

Also it's free (the nag prompt at start up is nothing to complain about)

x2 has free lite version.. but, it is really free..  unlike your definition of free.

If you've been using TC since the late 90's, why don't you support the author??? I find this hard to understand, but yet you say you use an old version which is free.. this sounds kind of stupid. Sorry, but it does. You can not afford to pay for some thing as essiential (as you say for yourself) as a file manager (in your case TC).. so you use an old version.. may I ask what version you are using?

I'm sure that after surviving some 10+ years and over 25mil downloads that the developer must have gotten something out of it.

Oh c'mon... That's just like saying "oh Macdonald's is huge, im sure they wont be affected if i just steal one ice cream"

BTW, If any one else wants to shout out for the file manager they use, please try x2 first, instead of just saying "oh this XYZ is better/good/etc.", any one can do that.. and by doing that you populate this thread with general personal opinion like discussion - which is pointless.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on August 29, 2007, 05:51 AM
I played around a bit with TC in the mid/late 90'es, and it sure wasn't free back then... it's always looked as ugly as it does now :) and had that shareware nag.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Lashiec on August 29, 2007, 08:36 AM
The great power of Total Commander lies in its customizability and extensibility. The amount of addons available is staggering, and most are free, a huge plus for it. Basically, you could live inside TC without using other software or the SO (at least its functions, not the API). The good news are that most other file managers can take advantage of some of them, as long as you could define external viewers. Take a look here (http://www.totalcmd.net/directory/lister.html), to use them you need either Universal Viewer (http://www.uvviewsoft.com/) or the same Lister (http://www.ghisler.com/lister/), TC built-in viewer.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: JohnFredC on August 29, 2007, 09:39 AM
In my use of x², I found its panel layout to be inflexible.  No way to move the preview panel, for instance, or show a tree, then files, then preview or vice versa.  Inflexibility of the toolbars and no customization of the main menu completely turned me off, too.

Also, as a long-time TC user, I have come to depend on TC's content-plugin architecture (user-defined custom column sets / metadata in file list).   The system metadata and user-defined metadata architecture is integrated at the core of the product: into the file display, file filtering, file color-highlighting, file searching, and the file renamer tool (!), too.  No other file manager I know of has such a thing, not even Dopus. 

If your needs are mostly "casual" file management... moving, copying, renaming, etc., then most file managers are reasonably competent (my favorites for casual use are SpeedCommander, Salamander, and Dopus, in that order) and the more configurable the UI, the better.  Also, if you are just now moving from Explorer, then some features shared by most file managers (color-coding of files, for instance) may seem like a big deal to you.  Furthermore, you may not need metadata capabilities beyond the relatively superficial functionality offered by Explorer and recently integrated into most file managers.

But if you need "industrial" strength file management, not just easy drag and drop (and possibly you may not even know yet that you do)... go to the trouble to learn TC.  It is not beautiful and not perfect (the UI is in some ways good, some ways abysmal, I personally have serious nits to pick about TC's folder tree implementation, and the author is un-receptive to certain kinds of GUI innovation), but its extensible architecture via archive, file system, viewer, and metadata (content) plugins allows TC to greatly exceed the functionality of any other file manager.  Don't be deceived by pretty GUIs. There is really no other Windows file manager even close for "technical" file management.

Go to totalcmd.net to see what the very active TC developer community has created for you, free of charge.

Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: umeca74 on August 29, 2007, 10:23 AM
many times i hear about this "plugin framework" of TC and the innumerable addons available

people do not realize that the modern shell is already plugin-ready and the architecture is available to all programs, not just TC. It is called "shell namespace extensions" and includes columns, context menus, preview, text search, virtual folders and much more.

so which extra functionality exactly you are referring to? Show me a special TC plugin that isn't / can't be dealt with shell architecture -- as long it isn't a calculator or tetris for TC :)

xplorer2 taps in the modern shell so it doesn't have to reinvent the wheel, it just uses functionality that's already there

nikos
---
http://www.zabkat.com
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Lashiec on August 29, 2007, 10:36 AM
That is true, but most software don't play nice with the shell. And probably you'll have to pay for that software, while most of TC's addons are free, that's a huge plus. But well, you're the developer of xplorer², so you know more than me about interaction of your software with Windows, I'm a mere user.

(Hmmm, and this is turning into a discussion about file managers ;))
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: umeca74 on August 29, 2007, 11:58 AM
you're the developer of xplorer², so you know more than me about interaction of your software with Windows

guilty as charged!
but i can't sit back and listen to misinformed criticism. Take this other one from another poster:

The system metadata and user-defined metadata architecture is integrated at the core of the product: into the file display, file filtering, file color-highlighting, file searching, and the file renamer tool (!), too.  No other file manager I know of has such a thing, not even Dopus.


this is plain wrong too. Just press Alt+K in xplorer2 and see what sort of details/metadata are available, and all can be used in searches, color hilighting, the lot -- just read about xplorer2 hyperfilters (http://www.zabkat.com/x2h_6.htm) (not available in the free lite version)

in fact this "all metadata search" feature was in xplorer2 from day 1 and way before TC had it. It is clear who copied who here. But I welcome competition among file manager authors, it's good for the users :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: JohnFredC on August 29, 2007, 12:38 PM
Not to get in a pissing match, but since my post has been impugned, I'll respond with a couple of challenges to any other file manager (not just xplorer2).

The challenge:

Rename a set (ie. more than one) of image files  (*.jpg, for instance) to include the dimensions of the image file in the filename.

To wit:

Original filename:  MyFile.jpg
Output: MyFile.640x480.jpg

Stipulation: No spaces may be included in the resulting file name.

This is a prima facia example of the integration of metadata into TC.  The rename template for the filename portion in TC would be: [N].[=imgsize.x]x[=imgsize.y]

Where:

[N] ...denotes the original filename
[=imgsize. ...denotes a specific (free) TC content plugin implemented by a user
.x] ...denotes one of the plugins calculated metadata values (the x dimension of the image)
.y] ...denotes the other dimension.

Extra credit:

Sort the file display ascending by the Y dimension.

Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: umeca74 on August 29, 2007, 12:56 PM
well, you did pick the weakest part of xplorer2 (mass rename), but you CAN use metadata in renames. For example, see this demo:
(article) http://www.zabkat.com/blog/15Apr07.htm
(demo) http://www.zabkat.com/blog/wink/id3.htm

Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: JohnFredC on August 29, 2007, 01:00 PM
Second challenge:

For folders only (ie the column should be blank for files), show a column in the file display named "Folders/Files" that shows the number of subfolders and "subfiles" in each folder, separated by a slash.

To wit:

12/77

Extra credit:

In the file list, automatically highlight each folder that has > 300 subfiles in red.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: umeca74 on August 30, 2007, 05:58 AM
use Alt+K and select "Contents" stock column. It computes a total number (files+folders) so it isn't exactly what you look for. For your extra credit, define a coloring rule (Customize | Color coding) based on this column, which is active when the number is >=300

we can go on like that for ages :)

one's favorite file manager is like one's favorite team, the selection involves more fanaticism than reason. All the top-league file managers do more or less the same thing. Even in terms of speed there isn't much to tell them apart, e.g. see:
http://www.zabkat.com/blog/27May07.htm
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: mitzevo on August 30, 2007, 06:14 AM
Ok, great, welcome to the discussion nikos  ;D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: JohnFredC on August 30, 2007, 12:33 PM
well, you did pick the weakest part of xplorer2 (mass rename), but you CAN use metadata in renames.
-umeca74
This response to Challenge #1 to use the xplorer2 token ${Column name} to insert image dimensions gets partial credit only.  The token leaves spaces in the resulting filename.  Is it possible to use regular expressions in xplorer2 to remove them?

use Alt+K and select "Contents" stock column. It computes a total number (files+folders) so it isn't exactly what you look for. For your extra credit, define a coloring rule (Customize | Color coding) based on this column, which is active when the number is >=300
-umeca74
Contents only shows the sum of the files and folders the first level down.  It isn't recursive (which is one of the points of the challenge) and doesn't separate the number of files from the number of folders and at the same time display both values in one column so as to save space. Since the Contents column doesn't show the correct values, no points are earned for displaying the incorrectly identified rows in red.

So no credit for Challenge #2!

we can go on like that for ages :)
Well yes we could.  I have a "million" of real world examples from my daily use of TC.  But the exercise wouldn't reflect well on most file managers ;).  Perhaps a separate thread of real-world challenges from forum participants might help everyone.

All the top-league file managers do more or less the same thing.
Only to the extent that they "manage files". 

Here's an example that matters if you work in thumbnails mode:

In xplorer2, display thumbnails.  Now sort them by date.  To do that, you must either select View>Arrange By>Date or press a 3-key short cut.  Either way, that's three clicks.  Further, there is no obvious way in xplorer2 to make a tool button to perform the sort.

In TC you click once on the column header for date.

I'm not singling xplorer2 out, here.  No other file manager I know of displays the column headers in thumbnail mode.  And this is a really big deal if you need to sort your thumbs by a custom column not accounted for by the menu.

For instance, in xplorer2, how would one sort image thumbs by image dimensions?  Or by age in days?  Or by an EXIF value?  One can do these things, of course (switch to detail mode, sort, switch back to thumbs), but extra steps are involved.

When one file manager takes three steps for another file manager's one step, and the activity represented by those steps is performed repetitively day after day, month after month, year after year, that "two step" ;) difference really begins to add up.

My point is that unless you use each file manager intently for your daily tasks over a period of time, you won't begin to understand how very different they are from each other and how little things that don't seem important at first can make a big difference to your use of the tool in the long haul.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 30, 2007, 01:45 PM
Hi folks. I've started a thread (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=9783.0) in the General Sofware forum for a more, well, general discussion of file managers/windows explorer replacements. So if you've been champing at the bit to comment on something peripheral to the subject of Xplorer2, here's your chance!
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: urlwolf on August 30, 2007, 02:40 PM
Congrats JohnFredC, you are making me discover more of TC greatness!
I moved from Dopus to TC, and I'm thrilled!

Please keep posting those challenges! (maybe start a new thread on challenges?). I still remember how I had to dig into the docs, post to forum, wrestle with options etc in Dopus to do things that are obvious in TC. I'm not bothered by TC's looks, BTW.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: 787 on August 30, 2007, 03:56 PM
Gee, I certainly brought WinCommander in to the Spotlight.
I feel glad to have added positively to this topic.
Now you see just how useful that app is.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Josh on August 30, 2007, 03:58 PM
I still say if you find it so useful that you should pay the author for his work, but hey, thats just my opinion.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on August 30, 2007, 04:22 PM
I still say if you find it so useful that you should pay the author for his work, but hey, thats just my opinion.
-Josh (August 30, 2007, 03:58 PM)

I really don't want this to degenerate into a flame war so I'm not saying a thing... (Josh - you are so right! Did I say that out loud?).
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: 787 on August 30, 2007, 04:33 PM
Here's a challenge:
Be able to place leading "0's" (zeros) when batch naming a large number of files so you get,
001.jpg .... 567.jpg instead of 1.jpg ..... 567.jpg.
That gives all the file names the same number of characters in list view.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on August 31, 2007, 04:45 AM
Ugh, recursive size calculation? That's a thing to avoid like the plague.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: umeca74 on August 31, 2007, 08:04 AM
well i did say that the aforementioned Contents column doesn't do exactly what you're after, no? Why don't I turn the table round and ask you to present us with a TC column that does a summary/non-recursive column like x2 does it? :)

or perhaps TC's "mini-scrap" pane (View menu) equivalent that can be used for bookmarks, drop stack, even regular file management?
http://www.zabkat.com/pic/s2a.png

there's ups and downs in all programs and your end choise is a compromise. You may be 100% satisfied with TC but that doesn't mean that it is objectively superior to xplorer2. I urge you to have a look at the tour and the various demo videos:
www.zabkat.com/tour1.htm
www.zabkat.com/x2facts.htm

i rest my case!
nikos
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: JohnFredC on August 31, 2007, 11:13 AM
You may be 100% satisfied with TC
Lordy I am incredibly not... you should read my posts over there sometime.  My problem with switching from TC is that it offers some specific things I cannot live without.

OTOH TC's folder tree implementation is awful (though in one way (only) it's better than xplorer2's:  at least TC will display a second tree in the right panel). Its tab implementation isn't as robust as SpeedCommander's (by the way: how do you lock a tab's root folder in xplorer2? or restrict navigation to only up or down the tabs folder hierarchy?).  I hate TCs unmoveable button bar (mostly), though it is still more functional than xplorer2's.  TC seems to have trouble from time to time with Network shares, especially in more recent versions: very bad in a file manager!  And TC doesn't currently support Unicode (a huge shortcoming in today's world... funny no one has mentioned that!)

Why don't I turn the table round and ask you to present us with a TC column that does a summary/non-recursive column like x2 does it?
If I get a chance I'll see about using one of the many TC file/folder-count column values (via the column content plugins) to demonstrate that.  However, showing the count of files and folders only one level down (that is: no recursion) seems useless to me.  Why would you want to ignore the subfolders' contents?

The xplorer2 "mini-scrap" is OK... as a replacement for a kind of folder tree (since it appears to link to whatever is the active tab), but seems only "half" implemented.  It acts more like a list of favorite short-cuts than a virtual file container.  It's immovable, too! Why not take that little window and put it in a tab, instead? Then a user could treat it as just another file tab (albeit with "virtual contents").  Indeed why not mulitiple mini-scraps, one in each tab? 

The TC plugin community has created several "scrap" or "virtual" file container plugins that behave like the xplorer2 mini-scrap except you can have as many of them as you want since they appear in their own tabs, you can create new "virtual" folder hierarchies in them, and navigation occurs within the same panel (not in some other panel), there is no need to explicitly save the contents since they persist between sessions automatically (no need for a settings option for this), etc. etc. 

The TC plugin architecture design means a user doesn't have to settle completely for the TC author's personal vision of a usable file manager (thank goodness, because he and I differ considerably on that).  TC is more like Dopus in many regards: both can be viewed as toolkits for creating personalized file managers.  Dopus concentrates on the flexibility of the GUI toolkit whereas TC concentrates on supporting the widest range of file systems, packers, viewers, editors, and metadata engines (via its open plugin design).  The rest of the file managers in the landscape are more about each individual author's personal vision about how to manage files.  Just because xplorer2's GUI does not work the way I personally think a file manager should (and I can back that up with specific examples), does not mean it isn't useful to many others.

There is no perfect file manager, but the less a file manager is implemented toward a specific metaphor of use and the more flexible it is to user configuration (via GUI elements, plugin architecture, what have you), the better chance it will have to approach perfection for any individual user.  Speed of file copying or compatibility with Windows Explorer or a hodge podge of functions, each individually powerful, which nevertheless are not flexibly integrated into a coherent whole,  do not a complete file manager make!

IMHO and with all due respect to all the hard working and talented file manager authors out there, as well as to those users whose file management tasks are more casual by nature.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: gussan on September 01, 2007, 05:36 PM
I totally agree with JohnFredC, when he says "if you need industrial strength file management, not just easy drag and drop (and possibly you may not even know yet that you do)... go to the trouble to learn TC". In fact to learn the full potential of TC and configure it to your liking takes a while, but the effort is worthwhile. I have used it since version 3, and until now I can't say that I master all features TC offers. TC out of the box may look very simple, but you may try Total Commander PowerPack 1.7 (http://www.softpedia.com/get/File-managers/Total-Commander-PowerPack.shtml), wich comes ready with the best plugins.

With this terrific file manager you can manage almost every aspect of your computer, from task management, uninstall management, registry editing, cd-dvd burning, and the list goes on and on. Its plugin architecture makes it the best option for me, and as JohnFredC explained very well "The TC plugin architecture design means a user doesn't have to settle completely for the TC author's personal vision of a usable file manager".

Its price is terrific, I have not paid for an uppgrade since version 3, and it is portable (no extra price like xplorer2). TC uses a unique .ini file to store its settings, it means you can take your installation or move to another system without any concern about missing configuration registry keys. For this and many more reasons I really recomend TC, as the best.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: f0dder on September 01, 2007, 05:41 PM
I don't see the point of having a lot of non-file-management functionality crammed into a file manager. I can see how archive handling and ftp support can be useful to some (though I prefer separate applications for that myself), but things like uninstall, registry editing, etc? Why?!

Yeah, it might give bragging rights, but imho it's silly.

EDIT: at least total commander does start relatively fast, even though it's a bloated 2.7meg (uncompressed) executable... but of course it bitches about being modified after I decompressed it with UPX. Silly software author.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: gussan on September 01, 2007, 10:34 PM
F0dder wrote "I don't see the point of having a lot of non-file-management functionality crammed into a file manager. I can see how archive handling and ftp support can be useful to some (though I prefer separate applications for that myself), but things like uninstall, registry editing, etc? Why?!"

Because all of those functions are part of my computer, and file management is also uninstalling an application, burning a data CD, editing the registry. For example, to add usefull shell extensions (used in file management) are made a lot easier using TC, because you can use TC panels to copy registry keys or values as if they were normal files, much more easier and faster than using windows registry editor. Besides, you know windows uninstall utility is extremely slow, and to find a program takes a lot (part of file management I think), but with TC finding the right program takes a few seconds. Task management, well with TC it becomes so easy, to find the right program, kill it, see how much memory it uses, to show or hide certain controls or windows, chage its priority, much more easy than using windows task manager or prcview (for example). I know there are programs that make these things, but if TC makes it better and really faster why not use it.

So my point is, TC makes my windows life much much more easier, so why use another file manager that just can help me to move, copy, and paste files.

Now let me tell that TC starts fast, it is stable even with the 227 plugins I have installed (content, file system, lister and packer plugins). I do not care for TC executable, as long as it does the righ job, and TC's author (Mr. Cristian Ghisler), for me he is the best.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: f0dder on September 02, 2007, 06:03 AM
Well, you're obviously a convert - good for you :)

It just doesn't work for me, I like my explorer to be LEAN_AND_MEAN (xplorer2 weighs in at ~780kb uncompressed) and fast... and without a lot of stupid copy protection running in the background that isn't a problem for the crackers anyway, but stops me from un-UPX'ing the executable :) (and yes, that does matter when having multiple open TC windows launches a full new process).
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: 787 on September 02, 2007, 03:59 PM
I take back my earlier post (challenge to append leading zero's).
I found a little button on the multi rename window that you use to specify the number of digits in a numeric file renaming sequence.
Another + for using TotalComm. (Still the best file manager for MY requirements.)
 :D
PS. Foldersizer is the other little windows exploder add on that I mentioned back a few pages. (Shows the total byte count of the folders including sub folders as an additional column in "Details" view.)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Dirhael on September 03, 2007, 08:52 AM
Well, you're obviously a convert - good for you :)

It just doesn't work for me, I like my explorer to be LEAN_AND_MEAN (xplorer2 weighs in at ~780kb uncompressed) and fast... and without a lot of stupid copy protection running in the background that isn't a problem for the crackers anyway, but stops me from un-UPX'ing the executable :) (and yes, that does matter when having multiple open TC windows launches a full new process).

-f0dder (September 02, 2007, 06:03 AM)

While I completely agree with you on the point about not being able to un-UPX totalcmd.exe being stupid, you can get a offical unpacked executable by checking out this topic at the TC forums (http://www.ghisler.ch/board/viewtopic.php?t=6634). I don't like UPX at all no matter what application it is, as it slows down file access if you're using real-time anti-virus protection (in my case, NOD32).
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: nosh on January 13, 2008, 07:02 AM
v1709 Beta released.

A new version of xplorer2 is in the horizon and experienced users can now test it in advance. Big improvements are skin support, custom toolbar icons and support for vista's symbolic links. This is a BETA (test, bugs possible) version without installer; see the readme file for instructions.
http://zabkat.com/xplorer2_1709_BETA.zip


Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on January 13, 2008, 07:13 AM
Skin support? Oh no, once an application goes down that path... :down: :o >:( :(

Symbolic link / ntfs junction support is nice, though, for when you're forced on a Vista machine. I just wish he'd spend the time on a 64bit version instead of silly things like skins and toolbar icons.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Grorgy on January 13, 2008, 07:20 AM
That is great news about the skin support, as it stands at the moment the thing is unusable with windowblinds, even when its told to ignore it, just loses its classic skin, so if they can fix that it would be fantastic
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on January 13, 2008, 07:34 AM
That is great news about the skin support, as it stands at the moment the thing is unusable with windowblinds, even when its told to ignore it, just loses its classic skin, so if they can fix that it would be fantastic
-Grorgy (January 13, 2008, 07:20 AM)
If "skin support" just means supporting XP and Vista themes, then I don't have a problem at all - I just thought it meant custom skinning support, something I absolutely loathe, except for a very few programs.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: nosh on January 13, 2008, 07:51 AM
Naah, I don't think he's talking about skinning the window at all - just customizing toolbar buttons via a bitmap.

No breakthrough features as far as I'm concerned.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Grorgy on January 13, 2008, 08:42 AM
I've always had the feeling he had no idea why it did what it did anyway, he was always blaming stardock, so if he is playing with those sections of code, maybe, just maybe it will fix it, I live in hope, as its my favourite file manager
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Lashiec on January 13, 2008, 12:39 PM
Whoo, custom toolbar icons! Finally! Those stock icons become uglier each passing day. Now don't spoil the party saying that it's only present in the Pro version...
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: f0dder on January 13, 2008, 12:46 PM
Whoo, custom toolbar icons! Finally! Those stock icons become uglier each passing day. Now don't spoil the party saying that it's only present in the Pro version...
-Lashiec (January 13, 2008, 12:39 PM)
Heh, why use a toolbar at all? I've disabled it to give more space for the important thing - file list. <3 keyboard <3 :) :-*
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: nosh on January 13, 2008, 09:11 PM
Toolbars are like training wheels on a bicycle - once you stop using them, you don't need them any more. :D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Darwin on January 14, 2008, 12:04 AM
Nice on, Nosh  :Thmbsup: ;D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Grorgy on January 14, 2008, 12:24 AM
I wonder if i'll be off trainer wheels in another 50 yrs  :-[ ;D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Ampa on January 14, 2008, 07:26 AM
@Nosh: True, but man you should see how pimped out my training wheels are... 24crt rims, semi-precious Spokey-Dokeys (http://www.doyouremember.co.uk/memory.php?memID=147) - we're talking serious bling!

Ampa
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: nosh on January 14, 2008, 09:54 AM
I'm speechless.  :huh:
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on January 26, 2008, 02:27 PM
Hey, the latest addition of being able to have custom (and "default") icons (http://www.zabkat.com/blog/06Jan08.htm) is really great.. Now you can use x² as a full blown app, script, tool, etc. launcher and not have to see the same icons all over the place and forgot which is which [it was boring looking at all those hammers too]  :)

Here's what I've just started on (my current x² setup):

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

edit: yes I like a little bit of eye candy.. other people are just happy with keyboard shortcuts 8) but just like there are people who prefer using the keyboard to the mouse, there are also people who prefer (or just like) some good looking icons and visuals (while not sacrificing speed or slowing down the app in a huge way).. yeah so once again, I am happy I am not stuck with x²'s defaults icons and can customize x² more visually (no we are not going the keyboard shortcuts and screen realestate route :) )

P.S., Hopefully some people produce some cool icon sets for x²  :Thmbsup:.

We don't mind!  :D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: nosh on January 26, 2008, 03:21 PM
I've been integrating it a bit with Autohotkey, simple stuff like customizing views + applying filters depending on how I start it... lots of fun!

Also the per folder settings (desktop.ini) is amazingly useful, I've customized every important (and quite  few not so important) folders on my system. :-* This is something WinExplorer gave me nightmares over coz it never seemed to work the way it was intended(?) for me, my settings would invariably get fudged up.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Lashiec on January 26, 2008, 07:09 PM
The most important thing about this new development is that I need mitzevo to tell me the name of the visual style he is using in that screenshot, since it looks cool, and that would prove useful in the long term for a great number of people.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: mitzevo on January 27, 2008, 02:23 AM
The most important thing about this new development is that I need mitzevo to tell me the name of the visual style he is using in that screenshot, since it looks cool, and that would prove useful in the long term for a great number of people.
-Lashiec (January 26, 2008, 07:09 PM)

It's a Windows theme / Visual style from DeviantArt (http://www.deviantart.com), called Clearlooks 0.6 Black by ~hsn (http://hsn.deviantart.com/art/Clearlooks-0-6-Black-31325014) , there are a few (or many) other variations with different colors, etc.

It's based of GNOME - nice and clean, oh and rounded corners is a nice change :)

Btw, Nighted was the one who made me discover it  :-* Cheers Nighted.


and..

I just have to say again I am happy about being able to change icons in x² :) Looks sooooo much better. Now I am not jealous of XYplorer :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Lashiec on January 27, 2008, 07:28 AM
Cool, thanks! I'm checking his other themes right now, some interesting options in there.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: f0dder on January 28, 2008, 07:31 PM
I finally got my act together and patched uxtheme.dll (aren't there any in-memory patchers?), and got the clearlooks black theme installed. A bit silly it includes the GNOME foot, but dang it looks nice. Never really been a fan of themes, but this one is elegant, simplistic, subtle.

Now, to some other thread hijack :]
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Ampa on February 16, 2008, 04:13 AM
Xplorer² v1.7.1.0 (http://zabkat.com/) is now officially out!
Change Log (http://zabkat.com/changes.txt)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alterna
Post by: nosh on February 16, 2008, 05:39 AM
It's nice but hasn't got nearly enough changes to satisfy greedy ol' me, so I've customized the whole menu system as a little treat to myself. I always thought there was too much clutter there which hindered me from using the few menu commands I actually need. The full (original) menu is tucked away under a submenu in case I even need to access something I "disabled"  :-[

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Tuxman on October 25, 2009, 10:38 AM
nikos released a first public beta of xplorer² 1.8 (http://www.zabkat.com/blog/25Oct09-new-xplorer2-beta.htm). Seems to have a bunch of useful improvements.  :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Lashiec on October 25, 2009, 05:46 PM
Mmmm, command finder, that sounds good. That lifetime license might be worth grabbing for the free cosmetic upgrade ;D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Innuendo on October 26, 2009, 10:46 AM
nikos released a first public beta of xplorer² 1.8 (http://www.zabkat.com/blog/25Oct09-new-xplorer2-beta.htm). Seems to have a bunch of useful improvements.  :)
-Tuxman (October 25, 2009, 10:38 AM)

Looks like some nifty features being added & there's probably a surprise feature or two still yet unrevealed.

And I agree with Lashiec...there's going to be a for-pay upgrade coming soon for all who are not lifetime license holders. If someone's been on the fence about whether to get a regular or a lifetime license this should push them over the edge towards the lifetime option.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Tuxman on October 26, 2009, 12:05 PM
A lifetime license will pay off indeed. A few Euros for infinite improvement.  :-*
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Josh on February 17, 2013, 07:34 PM
NECRO THREAD POWERS, ACTIVATE!

Just a quick question for everyone. How do you feel about the current version of xplorer2 or do you find yourself using another file manager?
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Tuxman on February 17, 2013, 07:37 PM
I still use x² because DOpus is still not available as a reasonably priced lifetime license.  :P

(Admittedly, I use XY on my Win8 machine as I was too lazy to find my x² key when I set it up.)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Ath on February 18, 2013, 01:51 AM
How do you feel about the current version of xplorer2 or do you find yourself using another file manager?
-Josh (February 17, 2013, 07:34 PM)
Still stuck at the 1.8.x level, as I don't feel like spending money for an update to get exactly the same functionality in the 2.x release. >:(
But I'll keep using it for as long as it's safe :)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: IainB on February 18, 2013, 05:58 AM
...Just a quick question for everyone. How do you feel about the current version of xplorer2 or do you find yourself using another file manager?
-Josh (February 17, 2013, 07:34 PM)

I have a lifetime licence for xplorer² PRO, and have the v2.2.0.2 x64 version. It works fine.
The only time I use another Explorer is when I use Windows Explorer to restore all the saved Registry settings for xplorer²! You can't do that whilst xplorer² is running, apparently.
I have found that the xplorer² Registry settings sometimes get expunged - not sure if it is CCleaner or something else doing that. I have lots of Bookmarks in xplorer², and it is a real pain in the proverbial when they are deleted. Restoring them by automating the process is a darn site quicker than recreating them from memory or on an ad hoc basis.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Ampa on February 18, 2013, 12:00 PM
Still using xplorer² PRO.

Was disgruntled to have to pay again when version number jumped to 2 - so I didn't!

Instead used TrialPay (found some daft offer whereby if I signed up at a casino - with false information and a disposable email address - gave me a free license!)
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Josh on February 18, 2013, 12:32 PM
Do you know how to have a new tab open up when launching a folder via the run dialog vice a whole new window? Right now, all requests via the run dialog or an external launcher result in another new xplorer2 window. I got my copy via trialpay as well :) My wife got a game, I got a piece of software to work with.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Tuxman on February 18, 2013, 12:45 PM
Use the single window mode?  :D
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Josh on February 18, 2013, 12:51 PM
Use the single window mode?  :D
-Tuxman (February 18, 2013, 12:45 PM)

Helpful as always........
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Tuxman on February 18, 2013, 12:53 PM
Yup.

Hint: There's a checkbox during the installation which lets you do exactly that.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: Josh on February 18, 2013, 12:54 PM
Tux, I am going to kindly ask you stop replying to anything I post.
Title: Re: xplorer², a powerful windows file manager and explorer replacement / alternative
Post by: IainB on February 18, 2013, 03:39 PM
When are you going to ask him?
EDIT 2013-02-19 1230hrs: OIC. Censored. Sorry, I did not realise. My joke was probably lost then.