Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

dsquared reviewed v4.5.0.1 on Apr 8, 2022

Pros: I preferred it to MS file explorer because of it's multi pane feature. I liked the free version so much that in 2020, I bought a life time key for the professional version. What a mistake!

Apparently "Life time means just 2 years! The key has expired and I am required to buy another "Life time Key" if I want to continue using this. Stay clear of the premium scam versions

Cons: Professional version is a RIP OFF

Bottom Line: Premium versions are sold with "Life Time" keys - which last 2 years - Do not waste your money on the premium versions as they are a scam!

compuable reviewed v2.1.0.1 on Mar 28, 2012

Pros
Very useful but limited by disabled options in the Xplorer2 Lite version (vs. the $30 shareware version)

Cons
Can be a somewhat of hit-or-miss proposition and extremely frustrating experience while using it; because many of the 'more advanced' options (those that are made unavailable unless you upgrade to Pro) are not clearly labeled as such.

I actually used Xplorer2 (as well as its predecessor: 2xExplorer) Lite version; a dual-pane file manager for Microsoft Windows operating systems, for several years and enjoyed it very much as an alternative to Windows Explorer... However, I gradually became disenchanted that the more advanced features are restricted to the Pro version. For example: As opposed to the professional version; this lesser version basically lacks customizability and any "search command." Additionally, Check Duplicates and Compare Subfolders functions are disabled in the 'free' lite version. Three other man features of the Xplorer2 Professional version not present in the lite version are advanced search (Omni-Finder), full Unicode support and robust transfer.

Summary
Often time's free versions of software are independent of their paid upgrade, however Xplorer2 Lite is simply Xplorer2 with more than just a few of the far more useful options turned off. This can make for an extremely frustrating experience while using it, because many of the options (those that are made unavailable) are not clearly labeled as such. But for me, the biggest negative is that you still must use the Windows Explorer search function in order to search for any files. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not really complaining because Xplorer2 Lite, which is offered free for personal and academic use and is actually an overall useful program; however the fact remains that it is - simply put - the free version of the far more useful paid software (which incidentally only costs around $30 bucks and well worth it; for what you get, particularly if you fancy the advanced features).

Side Note: Be sure to check out the Feature Comparison Table at the developer's website. This table compares Windows Explorer (windows 7 version), and the lite and professional versions of xplorer2

oompoop reviewed v2.1.0.1 on Mar 28, 2012

21 day trial period and the licence is $ 29,95 (written on the homepage).
I didn't test it because I have my Total Commander since years and then there is absolutely no reason looking for another.

pjafrombbay reviewed v2.0.0.3 on Nov 12, 2011

Just installed ver. 2.0.0.3 - this is still a great file manager.

RWW reviewed v1.8.1.13 Beta on Jun 10, 2011

Wow! What if Hilbert is right? Could it be possible that this program I've used for years is trash and I just didn't know it? My values must be out of whack.....me thinking this has helped me a lot and I appreciate it. Will have to check into rehab.

pjafrombbay reviewed v1.8.1.4 on Apr 22, 2011

I have version 1.8.1.3 (and really like this software). I used the "Check for up-grade" link and was told I have the latest version. So I went to Zabcat's website (http://www.zabkat.com/) and sure enough version 1.8.1.3 is listed as the latest.

So where does version 1.8.1.4 come from. I think I will wait till the developer lists the latest version on their website before downloading.

Peter

zzark reviewed v1.8.1.2 on Jan 26, 2011

Wow, Hilbert sure got carried away.
Time for fileforum to impose a character limit. (get it?)
Anyway, this program is great. I even paid for a pro version.

umeca74 reviewed v1.8.0.17 Beta on Nov 10, 2010

re: Hilbert's review, what a load of bolox!
clearly you don't know of xplorer2's robust copy engine!
if you spend half time writing without thinking and more time looking at the programs you are 'reviewing' you would do us all a favor
don't quit the day job yet ;)

Hilbert reviewed v1.8.0.17 Beta on Nov 10, 2010

1. First, this is not freeware, extended trialware would be a better description as it has a nag screen. (Why doesn't Fileforum acknowledge the difference in such listings?).

2. One wonders why writers of Explorer-replacements bother to write such software at all when they don't even offer all the necessary basics of file management? (Must be the most obvious project of uni programming assignments as so many continue to screw it up).

2.1 The basics: Before adding useless bubble and floss, the writers of file management software should fix the glaring anomalies (missing features) in Windows Explorer.

3. The most striking and long-standing missing feature in Explorer is that there is no protection for files in a destination directory if you copy another dir of the same name over it. For example, file1.txt in destination Dir-1 will get clobbered if you overwrite it with another Dir-1 also containing file1.txt.

Sometimes this is useful, often is isn't (and Windows Explorer's lack of an overwrite warning for each individual file is the exact antithesis of any decent file protection/data integrity management etc--and it's a glaring A1 example of a typical half-completed Microsoft stuff-up--now being perpetuated by developers such as the writer of Xplorer^2.)

4. Better programs, such as Directory Opus (and to a lesser extent FileBoss) automatically warn the user when there's a file in the destination Dir with the same name, they give you options to (a) skip the copy, (b) overwrite file in destination dir, (c) rename a dupe filename, and (d) automatically rename all dupe filenames in dest. dir. (This is the basic minimum option set, there should be more.)

So why doesn't the writer of Xplorer^2 and those of similar ilk also do it? ...After all, it's such a blinding obvious problem!!

5. The logic for omitting such a vital facility in a file management utility simply defies me. Anyone who's ever had to sort out a hard disk with say 600k to 1.5 million files on it (easy numbers for a terabyte drive) will know how difficult it is to consolidate duplicate data / possible backups etc. without overwriting new data with old without such protection built into the copy/move features. It seems that the writers of Explorer-replacement have never really used their products in the real world of IT service/maintenance. The evidence for my assertion is simply overwhelming.

Clearly, it's why in review columns such as this, one regularly sees programs such as Directory Opus getting such a wrap/rave review at the expense of the product being reviewed.

Anyone who wants to earn a quick buck, write an Explorer replacement program and just copy what Directory Opus does in the copy/move operations then sell it for a sensible price (DO's price is simply outrageous). (And you'd make even more of a killing if you'd improve on DO's bare-bones features such as offering presets etc.)

In the meantime, I've uninstalled this toy Xplorer^2.

some guy reviewed v1.8.0.17 Beta on Nov 9, 2010

make it a boot-able CD

Plumber reviewed v1.8.0.0 on Jan 23, 2010

The main attraction for me is the performance. I don't have to wait and wait for it to load or do what I tell it to do. Most other file managers I tried were slow and/or buggy and/or had annoying limitations.

rip_pit reviewed v1.8.0.0 on Dec 2, 2009

for a general review it's an impressive windows explorer replacement from xp to seven. Tons of usefull functions. Easy to use for a basic usage but very powerfull for advanced users. A must have!

V1.8.0.0 changelog:
http://www.zabkat.com/changes.txt

anonymouscowturd reviewed v1.8.0.0 on Dec 2, 2009

Good, but not as good as Directory Opus. However it does seem to start a bit quicker. Swings and round abouts...

poisonu reviewed v1.8.0.0 on Dec 1, 2009

Superb.

dzjepp reviewed v1.7.2.6 on Jun 9, 2009

Million times better than the Vista Explorer... that thing has a mind of it's own!

bufftbone reviewed v1.7.2.5 Beta on Jun 3, 2009

Hippity dippity doo!

Dayzed reviewed v1.7.2.4 on Apr 22, 2009

Swiss Army Knife of explorer replacements. Very happy with all the features provided in this program... dual paned tabbed interface, file viewer, editor, compare, synchronize, customizable interface, dupe finder... all in an under 800kb package. I tried the lite version for quite awhile and quickly moved on to the full copy for more features. Also, integrates as the Windows Explorer replacement easily and seamlessly.

Sorry, but it's been awhile since a program was made for what I needed, very glad to have it. Good job guys!!!!

emanresU deriseD reviewed v1.7.2.4 on Apr 18, 2009

A toy desperately trying to matter.

JeRrYFaR reviewed v1.7.2.2 on Jan 13, 2009

Agreed 100%. I've been using this for a very long time. Yes they have a freeware version, but the pros with this version WAY outweigh the cons of the freeware one.

jspratjr reviewed v1.7.2.2 on Jan 13, 2009

Love this app - worth every penny.

poisonu reviewed v1.7.2.0 on Nov 25, 2008

Superb File Manager......
I use both Xplorer² & Total Commander....
Btw, they also have a FREE version: Xplorer² Lite.

darthbeads reviewed v1.7.2.0 on Nov 25, 2008

Undesired Username, no, it's your "bad" for thinking I care enough about your "original thought" (which, from someone with your clearly low level of maturity is a laughable concept) to follow you around some other board.

People like you -- who rate a program based on your bruised ego, not on how the app actually works -- are so fundamentally boring I can even finish describ....

Undesired Username reviewed v1.7.2.0 on Nov 24, 2008

@darthbeads, my "original thought" took place in Xcrement2's forums. I'm sorry you weren't able to figure out that it needn't have taken place here. My bad for not spelling out every letter for you.

espyder reviewed v1.7.2.0 on Nov 24, 2008

No Redo + No Undo = Useless

rip_pit reviewed v1.7.2.0 Beta on Nov 12, 2008

Great app! 5/5.
This one is 1.7.1.18 beta not 1.7.2.0 i think.

darthbeads reviewed v1.7.2.0 Beta on Nov 11, 2008

So, Undesired Username, what, exactly, was your 'original thought'? I must have missed it.

Xplorer2 has come a long ways and competes on my desktop for my preferred explorer-replacement with XYplorer. Sadly, both apps have deep and significant flaws, many of which have yet to be remedied.

anonymouscowturd reviewed v1.7.2.0 Beta on Nov 10, 2008

Close but no cigar. Personally i find Directory Opus much more usable (i have both) and DirectoryOpus runs off a portable USB stick as well.

Undesired Username reviewed v1.7.2.0 Beta on Nov 10, 2008

Yet another cutesy widdle Explorer replacement with nutball fanboys who get their rocks off shouting down anyone with an original thought.

rendez2k reviewed v1.7.1.4 on Aug 13, 2008

This is the best explorer replacement I've found (and I've tested most of them). The program is reliable and does the job extremely well. You'll wonder how you lived without it and managed with explorers one-pane view (and as said here, it makes Vistas file management usable). And to top it off support from both the author and the forum is superb. Give the free version a whirl and within hours you'll be wanting the extra features of the pro version.

Tao2005 reviewed v1.7.1.4 on Jun 27, 2008

May not be the best in the world, but it pack a walup. Xplorer2 is the best Manager that I have on my computer. Works great, and it's very reliable. I would recommend this to any new comer. I love it.

srnty reviewed v1.7.1.3 on Jun 20, 2008

I've been looking for a windows file manager a long time and finally gave this one my thumbs up. It has everything I could ask for and even more, but still manages to be fast, reliable and very customizable. In the end I think it just comes down to personal preferences, but I can definitely recommend to have a look at this one. Now, if there was a 64bit version available it would be perfect.
Still, great program!

Eldar reviewed v1.7.1.2 on Apr 6, 2008

Superb tool, worth the money they ask.
Or you can use the lite version (= free).
Bought mine with the lifetime license, so I don't have to worry about searching for another. LOL
Tried a lot of them and finally settled on this one. Haven't regretted that decision yet.
Download the trial or the free version, so you can discover what it has to offer.
Too much to sum it all up. :-)

tidester reviewed v1.7.1.2 on Mar 23, 2008

I have been on a quest for the perfect file manager. X2 comes closest to the ideal for me. It has most of the features I could hope for (customizablility, responsiveness, efficient use of resources, internal viewers, price and on and on!).

Banquo reviewed v1.7.1.0 on Feb 28, 2008

This is so much better than the piece of crap that comes with Vista, there are just no words. I was seriously going to switch back to XP before I found this.

zollner reviewed v1.7.0.13 Beta on Feb 13, 2008

Simply the best and most addictive file manager. For the next version I suggest adding an undo feature.

rip_pit reviewed v1.7.0.9 Beta on Jan 15, 2008

this is the very best of I ever tried. i give a 5/5 !

1.7.0.9 : 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.
if you have any problems try the debug version for the same operation and see if you get any warnings:
http://zabkat.com/dbmon.zip

more infos: http://netez.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=5709

gchenry reviewed v1.7.0.9 Beta on Jan 15, 2008

"There are 0nly 2 reviews for 1.7.09 the rest are
"for 1.7.0.5. What is the difference for this 'new' minor version change and the older version.
I think that I may have missed the 'minor' change
log."

Update 1/16/08 The read-me is useless but you can find the minor Visa oriented changes in a file labeled changes.txt. I gave it a 4 because Total Commander and Z-Tree got a 5. Note.. Z-Tree
is for the more advanced PC user.

poisonu reviewed v1.7.0.9 Beta on Jan 14, 2008

I have now bought a licence for the Pro version...
I use both XPlorer2 Pro & Total Commander...

bufftbone reviewed v1.7.0.9 Beta on Jan 14, 2008

I've been using this since this past summer. I can't think of a reason to use the windows explorer. Great app. The duel pane is one of the best features.

SineWave reviewed v1.7.0.5 on Jul 23, 2007

The best, smallest, fastest, Explorer replacement out there. After installing it, I don't use Explorer anymore.

poisonu reviewed v1.6.5.12 Beta on Jun 11, 2007

Superb!!
And the lite version is FREE!!....

allthebestnamesgone reviewed v1.6.5.12 Beta on Jun 4, 2007

The pro version is a shareware, but don't forget that the 'lite' version - which is only missing a few obscure features - is freeware. Try it, it's the best.

RWW reviewed v1.6.5.11 Beta on May 30, 2007

The best!

RastaWorld reviewed v1.6.5.9 Beta on May 22, 2007

Don't listen to shodan below, he is just an idiot. This progie adds a great deal to what explorer was missing. Its an awsome app.

betabettabest reviewed v1.6.5.9 Beta on May 22, 2007

I'm not sure how 2 less-than-stellar ratings, each given for rather petulant reasons, can drag down the overall rating to the low 3s when all the other ratings are 4 or 5. Let me add another 5 to bring some justice back to the overall score. This is a superb explorer, extremely reliable, opens network shares faster than any other, panes are switchable & extensible, search is very fast, etc. It had breadcrumbs years before Vista added them (hmmm, did somebody borrow something?). Yes, a bit hard-core; you'll need to learn its intricacies to reap its many benefits. If you are a hard core manager of your own files, it's worth the effort. And the pay version is definitely worth the price.

bobad reviewed v1.6.5.7 Beta on May 15, 2007

Not a bad app, really. Unfortunately, there is no provision to lock the tabs, so I won't be registering it.

shodan816 reviewed v1.6.5.7 Beta on May 15, 2007

Never installed this app before, yet it tells me that my trial period has expired and therefore won't let me past the registration page...

matt2971 reviewed v1.6.5.7 Beta on May 15, 2007

Yeah, the free Lite version has nearly as many features as the Pro, and I used it for about a year before I decided to buy the Pro. In either version it's easily my favourite file manager.

poisonu reviewed v1.6.5.3 on Feb 25, 2007

Superb!!
& there is FREE lite version....

allthebestnamesgone reviewed v1.6.5.3 on Dec 5, 2006

This is a great program. There is a freeware version which is almost identical just missing a couple of features. I think a lot of a 1 star ratings are written by authors of rival programs in order to sabotage it's rating.

edbro reviewed v1.6.5.3 on Dec 4, 2006

zridling, it is not a "mere $20". It is actually $30. Fileforum has always had a wrong price listed.

zridling reviewed v1.6.5.3 on Dec 4, 2006

Bobad, care to name names? And why criticize an app only because it costs a mere $20? That's harsh man, as there is always a freeware alternative — even to other freeware apps!

darthbeads reviewed v1.6.5.2 on Nov 30, 2006

I must respectfully disagree with Bobad's comment. There are certainly freeware alternatives out there -- however, there is not a one that meets or exceeds xplorer2's functionality (there are Shareware versions that do, but that's not the point).

In any case, price should not, as has been repeatedly stated here and elsewhere on these boards, dictate a rating. This is the only Explorer replacement for me.

bobad reviewed v1.6.5.1 on Nov 20, 2006

Explorer2 is indeed a nice Explorer replacement. However, it hardly merits being paid for when there are Freeware Explorers out there just as good.

darthbeads reviewed v1.6.5.0 on Nov 9, 2006

Excellent app. Changelog follows:

(NOTE: Items marked with [P] are only in the professional version)

* /M command line option forces xplorer2 window to open (i.e. not be minimized) when the program starts
* new "D" attribute for directories useful for folder detection in hyperfilters
* addressbar understands bookmark names for browsing folders; use up/down arrow for autocompletion
* Ctrl+Alt+F10 repeats last shell context menu command on selection (keyboard only command), makes sense only for similar selections!
* fixed drawing bug with XP gridlines
* tips & tricks dialog is modeless, allowing you to test its recommendations while it's being shown
* toolbar context menu has option to "Lock toolbars"
* [P] custom groups are automatically reinstated on startup, IF last group was in the saved list (Customize menu)
* [P] fuzzy filename matching with % tolerance in search etc dialogs: 100% exact match, 90% fuzzier, etc
* [P] generic document categories (images, music, text etc) can be used as filename filters, autofilters etc. You can amend the extension list under global registry key "File types" to taste
* [P] View | Pane style | Mini thumbs for 2nd (smaller by default) thumbnail size
* registry variable "nThumbMini100" controls how much % smaller (or larger) is mini-thumb from normal thumbnail
* registry variable GIOPT_PACKEDTHUMBS=536870912 for tight vertical bunching of thumbnails
* [P] Mark | Quicksearch will mark files that contain the text in _any_ column, even dates etc
* [P] File | Clear removes all contents from scrap panes (also available from mini-scrap context menu)
* Help | What's new? command offers access to "changes.txt" in the installation folder
* improved windows vista compatibility
* [P] when showing in groups, shift+column click on the major column will do a secondary sort on it within the group
* registry setting GAOPT_TREENONETENUM=128 causes the tree not to exhaustively enumerate all network contents (computer names) during . Manual expansion still enumerates everything though.
* [P] right-drag a folder to a scrap and there will be a context menu option to flatten it for subfolders (instead of the usual files)
* new tips: 1a, 12b, 63a, 71a, 98a, 124a, 124b, 134a, 144a, 144b
* [P] View | Mini scrap, enjoy all (most) amenities of a scrap container in the main window
to jump into it from a view; load/save contents with context menu
mini scrap automatically saves its contents when you close it (that's controlled through CLVOPT_AUTOSAVESCRAP registry option)
context menu contains command "save as" to change CIDA filenames on the fly
from a normal pane sends items to mini-scrap IFF there's no other scrap window open (registry GIOPT_NOKEYSENDMS to disable this)
* editor2 now understands code pages (/C:nnn command line option & View menu)
* more extensive use of keyboard application buttons
* advanced option to close old window after cloning a new layout (different registry key)
* some obscure GIOPT_xxx constants moved to a different registry key (see registry.txt)
* [P] Tools | Check duplicates now behaves as "check for duplicates under this folder"
* [P] Group view now supports Name as a column, doing A-Z grouping of file names

[deXter] reviewed v1.6.0.9 Beta on Nov 3, 2006

You know how when you have to copy a large number of files and a single file may fail due to an error and the whole transfer gets cancelled, and you'd need to reselect all the files and start over? And then you'd need to figure out which files got copied and which files didn't and wish explorer had a simple "No to all" and other options?

Thats just *one* of the reasons why you should dump Windows Explorer and use a better file manager like Xplorer². Possibly one of the best programs of its kind, Xplorer² is something no poweruser can do without.

The features are endless to write about in a review, but if there's anything that should be mentioned is its performance. File operations are extremely fast and efficient, this baby copies files faster than even my good ol' cmd did. A little tip: When you're copying a large number of or large files, increase Xplorer²'s priority to "Above Normal" (Say, from the Task Manager). This will significantly increase transfer rates.
I never thought I could find a replacement for the ol' xcopy command, but this may very well be it.

Xplorer² does have its share of cons though; this one and the previous versions are a bit buggy and have crashed on a few occasions. The interface could do with some improvements and may initally put off new users.

salmo reviewed v1.6.0.7 Beta on Oct 29, 2006

Excellent application. I use it daily. I love the tabbed double pane design, the "quick previewer" for organizing media, and some of the extras like viewing ADS data, secure deletion, syncing the 2 panes, etc. But most of all I like its lite-ness and small file size. It's one of the first applications I put on a clean windows install.

Amrit reviewed v1.6.0.1 on Aug 25, 2006

I really really love this program. I rarely use the dual-pane feature, but I can't live without the Tabs.
You can define all kinds of shortcuts on the toolbar to for example "Foldergroups" to activate several Tabs with every Tab being a folder regurarly used for certain tasks.
And of course regular shortcuts to specific folders.
Also different column-setups can be defined, very usefull when for example editing a mp3 collection. One click on a toolbar button, and the columns show, Genre, Artist etc etc.
The only thing I miss is a undo-function, but it's said to be a very complicated function to develop.
Try it, not for just 30 minutes but for a few days, get used to it and the chances are you will keep using it. Like I did.

campart reviewed v1.6.0.0 on Jun 21, 2006

xplorer² offers many advantages over Windows Explorer. I like two pane file managers and have also used Servant Salamander and Gyula's Windows Navigator. I am using the Lite version but the author is still very generous with the features provided. A comparison table on the home site shows the two current versions (Lite & Pro) against the earlier 2Xexplorer and MS Explorer. I find that the program is intuitive in use which is an advantage if you don't like reading help files. It is an impressively compact piece of software which may be an attractive feature if your PC has limited resources. If you are trying out two pane explorers then xplorer² should be on your list. Please note that my rating is based on the Lite version.

guti reviewed v1.5.0.90 Beta on Jun 5, 2006

Lots of advanced features. Quite compact an efficient.

Unfortunatelly its lack of good-looking themes, and no-native availability of 64 bits OS, has gone me to SpeedCommander.