CNET Editors' review
Start dozens of Windows functions and commands using this simple freeware executable. Window's In a Box's interface is simply four pull-down menus in a small dialog. With no need to install, you can place this handy item in your USB toolbox.
There is no learning curve involved for this simple program. The four pull-down menus include Functions, Hidden XP Functions, Other, and Folders. You merely open a pull-down and select the function you need. The first set includes commonly used functions such as calculator and Notepad, and it has 33 total functions. The Hidden XP Functions also has 33 functions, but these are less often used. A Telnet Client, Direct X Diagnosis, and Private Character Editor and 30 other easy-to-choose items make up that menu. As expected, the Other menu holds miscellaneous functions not found in the first two menus. The final pull-down lists 15 quickly opened folders.
Window's In a Box is freeware, tiny, an executable, and very useful. Anyone who calls functions from the Start menu can use this highly recommended application.
Publisher's Description
From The Hackers Lounge:
Ever get tired of searching for a setting inside the control panel. Inside Windows XP are hundreds of settings that require endless clicking through the Operating System that can get really frustrating. Windows in a box was designed to eliminate all that. Sits on your desktop, easy to navigate, and puts an end to all the frustration of endless searching for settings. Spyware, Adware, and Malware free. Access almost all the functions and settings of Windows XP. Version 2 includes 10 brand new functions.
What's new in this version: Version 2 includes 10 brand new functions.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 8 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-7 of 7
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"Good - but could but a few tweaks needed"
Version: Windows in a Box 2.0
Pros
Useful to find some obscure applications that you don't use very often
Cons
As others have said, they are a bit jumbled, and unless you remember which "column" to search through, it can be a bit difficult to find what you are looking for.
Summary
As others have suggested, if there was an ability to sort, categorize, delete some of the shortcuts, or better still add your own, it would be a great improvement.
That said, I'm sure some people will find it useful, and well done to the developer for the great idea. -
"It is a most useful toy to have all in one spot."
Version: Windows in a Box 2.0
Pros
I love having everything right at my fingertips. It takes too many hours to keep searching when you want to do something!
Cons
That I can't keep it on the desktop permanently!
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"Not bad."
Version: Windows in a Box 2.0
Pros
It is useful for easy access to a few items that I might be looking for and some I didn't even know existed.
Cons
Most of what is listed I never use or already know how to find or have made my own shortcuts for.
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"Slightly useful, but ugly to look at; Use Start | Run commands instead."
Version: Windows in a Box 2.0
Pros
Better than navigating through obscure nested menus and Windows dialogs to reach Windows settings.
Makes many settings dialogs and other system tools reachable from "one place".
Cons
That "one place" is way too cluttered -- with too many options unhelpfully grouped into too few menus all over an ugly screen of do-nothing graphics.
This could have been much more useful if the user could customize the menu structure or and/or define keyboard shortcuts (active when this tool has the focus to avoid collisions with other apps). How about at least a user-configured "Favorites" list or an automatic "Recently Used" menu? Or an options page that lets users hide the menu items they'll never use?
And, as mentioned by another reviewer, hiding to the tray would help a lot.
Even so, many of the shortcuts offered are already available via the Windows
Start|Run box. Web search for "Start run commands" to find lists of useful ones, hit Windows+r, type a command, and hit Enter. Next time, Windows+r will help you remember with its built-in history features (first-letter-match or drop-down list).
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"Very handy."
Version: Windows in a Box 2.0
Pros
This utility condenses all Windows hard to find variables into one concise listing.
Cons
Long term use may cause you to loose knowledge of where things are kept. Its that good. Also, I wish it would fit into the easy start tray.
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"really, really GOOD pgm"
Version: Windows in a Box 2.0
Pros
This is a real time saving utility! A MUST download for all comp users!!
Cons
There is nothing I don't like about this pgm.
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"GOOD STUFF"
Version: Windows in a Box 2.0
Pros
great. Does exactly what it says in the tin. Very handy for the settings and such like.
Cons
Nothing. It's free and good. Nothing bad to say.
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