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UltraExplorer overhauls the file-browsing experience. Many things will seem similar, yet several key features have radically different work flows from the Microsoft file navigator. It also combines the best aspects of Windows Vista's Explorer with those from XP, and then throws in a few spices of its own to come up with a delicious meal of file management.
The UltraExplorer interface is that it's entirely customizable, from the toolbar menu to the various icons, tools, and options that live below. You can permanently hide any of the 17 toolbars and nine windows that come with the program, so you never have to deal with more clutter than is absolutely necessary. Useful features include, but aren't limited to, an address bar, breadcrumb bar, a temporary scratch pad called the Drop Stack, Dual Views for FTP-style management, user-defined mouse gestures and hot keys, support for Total Commander plug-ins, and the Quick Thumbs and Stretch tools, for quickly resizing icons.
Besides a slightly confusing Options menu, UltraExplorer suffers from two main flaws: The file searching is worse than the native Windows Explorer search, and the app doesn't autoreplace Windows Explorer. There is a shell extension included so you can use the Window key plus E to launch UltraExplorer, but it's not the same as having other programs recognize it as the default file browser.
The creator of UltraExplorer has indicated that he's rewriting the entire code for the program, so hopefully these features will be included in the near future. Until then, UltraExplorer remains a very good but not absolutely necessary replacement.
Publisher's Description
From Mustangpeak Software:
UltraExplorer is designed to be the ultimate File Manager for Microsoft Windows. The user interface is completely customizable. You can hide or show as many of the featured windows, dock them in other places or let them float as free standing windows. The same is true for the tool bars as well. You can even move buttons from toolbars to other toolbars and assign your own short cuts keys. Some of the key features of UltraExplorer are: drop stack window, favorites window, command line window, filter window, folders window, history window, list view window, and tabbed folders. Version 1.5.0.3 includes unspecified updates.
What's new in this version: Version 1.5.0.3 includes unspecified updates.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 31 votes
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Current version:
4.8 starsout of 15 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Very good program."
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
I using with WXP 3sp and like to be able to see all my files. I have had no problems with this program. I am something of novice computer user, therefore not giving techinal information.
Cons
I found no cons.
Summary
I like this program.
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"Ultra Cool"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
Helps eliminate "Windows Explorer Not Responding" error
Cons
none so far
Summary
This great program help eliminate the frustrating "Windows Explorer Not Responding" error. Seems to be pretty light on resources. Easy to use with a clean interface.
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"Became my favorite file manager and explorer"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
Lots of view options. I love the 4 column view. Favorites for locating favorite folders is very convenient. Love the drop stack. Easy to copy/move files. You can view multiple directories at a time.
Cons
Would like to make it the default explorer. Help menu could use improvement. Deleted files don't go to recylce bin. But I used Easeus Deleted File Recovery and found the folder I deleted by accident. Only saw cut on right click, not move. (no biggy)
Summary
I downloaded this and Risingware (?name) at the same time and found this more lightweight. Both had a learning curve for me, but Ultra Explorer quickly became my favorite. Playing around with all the options first got me used to using it, help needs some help. It is so convenient for locating files and folders when you can't remember exactly where they are because you can view multiple directories at a time. I use the favorites constantly. It's much easier to copy move files through Ultra Explorer than other programs I've used. You can click and drag directly, or if you're not sure where you want files to go and have some major rearranging to do, you just drag the file to the "drop stack" area, then you can copy them individually or in groups where you want. Really helps with organization. (I have to clean up my 8 year old's computer a lot.) You can sort folders by name, type, size, or date. (might be other options). And there are many view choices. (I prefer four column.) I was able to use this when installed on an external drive on a network. However, if you install it directly on your main hard drive you have more right click options from your desktop. As I mentioned in "cons" though - be careful deleting because they don't go into the recyle bin. (Now that I think about it, I may have been using the external drive on a network so maybe that's why - but I'm not sure. I was able to recover them with a Deleted File Recovery program. In summary, this is a great file manager and explorer and I wish they could make it the default explorer! Thank you developers!
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"OUTSTANDING !!!!! PERFECTOOOOOOO"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
Rarely, I have the welling to write such reviews, but after trying UltraExplorer; I just have to.... And to find it for free, outstanding performance and customization. I love it
One of the best, if not the best of all Explorer replacementCons
some bugs related to change themes, but still it continue work well
Summary
The multi growing into details of folders through the Column View is just great.
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"Works well"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
Two pane view
Cons
None so far
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"Great Explorer, How to make it default"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
Great file browser, lots of good tools to play with.
Cons
No auto default during installation or first run of UltraExplorer
Summary
Here's the trick, just copy below the line, paste in a new doc, edit the directory to point to where you've installed UltraExplorer and save it as a .reg file. Double click on it. This will set UltraExplorer as the default file browser and it's just that simple.
------------------------------------- Copy Below ------------------------------------------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell]
@="UltraExplorer"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\UltraExplorer]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\UltraExplorer\command]
@="C:\\Program Files\\UltraExplorer\\UltraExplorer.exe \"%1\""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell]
@="UltraExplorer"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\UltraExplorer]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\UltraExplorer\command]
@="C:\\Program Files\\UltraExplorer\\UltraExplorer.exe \"%1\""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
@="UltraExplorer"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\UltraExplorer]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\UltraExplorer\command]
@="C:\\Program Files\\UltraExplorer\\UltraExplorer.exe \"%1\"" -
"Excellent file utility - my choice over Microsoft"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
Best is 2 pane viewer and drop box for collecting files for copy or move .
Cons
Pity it is not yet for Vista.
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"Unique and spectacular!"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
If you like Mac OSX finder's unique and spectacular Columns View, UltraExplorer has exactly the same and it can do it X2 in dual panes!
It's Free!Cons
no single clicking to open an item (point to select)
no Windows Explorer replacement
not much customization, Directory Opus excels here but it's not free.Summary
For a free file manager offers a lot of features and it's probably the only one that does Mac OSX finder's Columns View for free.
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"Best explorer replacement..."
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
customization, different views, tabs... its all great... better than any other explorer replacement i hav come across
Cons
onlw wish it could be the default explorer
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"WOW"
Version: UltraExplorer 1.5.0.3
Pros
For what it does its GREAT, the first and only program of its kind I use more than PowerDesk!
Cons
It really could use a FAST file/folder finder and the ability to replace explorer (like PowerDesk does). Also it needs ALOT of work on its options box, so much there and so spread out in tabs that it is easy to looks what you are looking for. It also needs a "reset to defaults" button.
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