CNET Editors' review
Folder Scout promises to help users eliminate tedious, confusing searches through folder trees to locate a specific document. However, some users may find this program's structure to be a larger obstacle than the trees it aims to replace.
This program presents its interface in a puzzling fashion. The display is broken into three pieces: the top being a Root Folder Quick Jump; the middle a selection of four tabs allowing users to seek folders as a disk tree, Favorites, Recent Folders, and Recent Docs; and the bottom being reserved for a standard search feature. Each option offers a different way of finding folders. The end result was normally a list of files and subfolders attached to each. We found that the simplest way to locate items was by using the standard search function, which takes a key word or words and skims the hard drive.
Folder Scout lists folders and files as it claims, but doesn't differentiate itself from the traditional file tree enough. Most search results, no matter which of the three methods one uses, result in something that looks an awful lot like a file tree itself. On top of this, by showing the three different search methods at once, users may be confused as to whether they are used individually or in conjunction with one another.
Overall, this 30-day trial doesn't live up to its promises of making file trees obsolete. We can't recommend a program that could potentially be harder to use than the built-in Windows Explorer search tool, especially since it doesn't offer that much more in return.
Publisher's Description
From Folder Scout Labs:
Folder Scout gives you instant access to any Local Drive, Folder or File on your PC. Folder Scout avoids everyday tedious folder tree navigation and searches allowing you to focus on just your important tasks. Thanks to its high speed Predictive Search Engine you can access any folder on your computer just by typing a few letters of its name or simply with one mouse click.
Folder Scout does not degrade your system performance since it does not uses any background indexing engine that generates intensive CPU load. It just catalogs your drives in a few seconds and then stay minimized consuming 0% of your CPU. While you are working, automatically tracks changes in folder tree and keeps a list of recently used folders and documents.
Folder Scout comes with an attractive Windows style interface and is very easy to use. It is cleverly organized on five quick access sections:Root Folder Quick Jump, Disk Tree, Favorites, Recent Folders and Recent Documents.
What's new in this version: Version 1.3.0 features full compatibility with Windows 7 - 32 bits and 64 bits Editions. Folder Scout is now fully compatible with Windows 7 family. Both 32 bits and 64 Bits Edition are supported.
Added new Shared Catalogs Engine for LAN/WAN environments. Folder Scout version 1.3 includes a completely new architecture that dramatically improves performace on networked environments like Offices, Company Branches, Corporative WANs, etc. This new architecture is based on the fact that one PC (... See all new features
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"Finds Folders Fast"
Version: Folder Scout 1.1.211
Pros
Indexes All Folders (not files) on your computer so you can find them instantly. If you change a folder name or create a new folder, Folder Scout updates the database automatically.
Cons
No Cons...
Summary
For example, looking for a folder called "Bank Statements 2006" but don't remember where you put it? Folder Scout finds the folder in less than 1 second. Windows Search takes several minutes! Remember, Folder Scout finds folders (not files). If you want the contents of files indexed, you should also get "Copernic Desktop Search". Together, they make a great pair.
Great utility from a small software developer. That means great support and new features are often added based on user comments. -
"Makes my work so much easier"
Version: Folder Scout 1.1.211
Pros
Everyday, you click on My Computer, then you click on a drive, then click on a folder, then a sub-folder, then a sub-sub folder... I can forget all this with Folder Scout.
I also love its speed.Cons
There should be a way to hide or collapse the "Root Folder Quick Jump" and "Disk Tree" panes. They take up too much space.
Summary
I would like to thank your team for this great program you have
brought to life and now refine and improve. Folder Scout makes my work so
much easier and saves me many time every day. I hope you guys
will be around for a long time.
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