Looking for replacement for ExplorerXP (Portable Windows explorer)

[Joem]

Hi,

I always have ExplorerXP on the USB stick. It is not updated for long time.

Is there a lightweight portable Windows explorer replacement that works on 32 and 64 bits?

I like that ExplorerXP will list directories using low level API so it can see hidden system files with system permissions like inside the System Volume Information folder, etc.

J.

[Alboguy]

Check out Q-Dir. It has both portable and install version. Been using it for some time.

[Raymond]

I wanted to recommend Q-Dir at first but unfortunately Q-Dir does not use low level to check for hidden/system files. What is shown is based on the settings at Folder Options for Windows.

You can try FreeCommander which uses low level. I've written an article about it 3 years ago.
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2008/09/29/6-must-have-replacement-tools-when-fixing-a-computer-infected-by-virus/

You can download the portable version here:
http://www.freecommander.com/FreeCommanderPortable_2009.02b.paf.exe

[FunkY]

Another vote to Q-Dir

You can check Hidden files settings under "Extras/System" menu. There u can found two settings, "Show hidden files & folders" and "Hide protected operation system files"

[Raymond]

Another vote to Q-Dir

You can check Hidden files settings under "Extras/System" menu. There u can found two settings, "Show hidden files & folders" and "Hide protected operation system files"

That feature is not low-level / independant as it uses Windows settings. If you haven't notice, making the changes on q-dir changes the settings in Folder Options as well. If an active malware is present and forces files to be hidden, checking Hidden Files setting under "Extras/System" menu from q-dir won't work.

[FunkY]

My mistake. I did not read your messages with thought and i understand that you talk just normal Windows hidden files/folders settings

[Joem]

That feature is not low-level / independant as it uses Windows settings. If you haven't notice, making the changes on q-dir changes the settings in Folder Options as well. If an active malware is present and forces files to be hidden, checking Hidden Files setting under "Extras/System" menu from q-dir won't work.

I was having problems on Server 2003 where I could not empty the Recycle bin due to something like "dc333 access denied". I used ExplorerXP and saw inside the recycle bin a deleted file with permission for some user that was removed from the system. So I could delete the file afterall.

This is when I am looking for similar program that is updated for full support on new OS and 64-bit.

[Raymond]

Shows that 64-bit is supported.
http://www.freecommander.com/fc_logchanges_en.htm

The latest version is 2009.02b, created on 12.09.2010.

Upcoming FreeCommander XE is currently in beta. If you're feeling adventurous in testing it, you can get it from the link below.
http://www.freecommander.com/fc_beta_en.htm

[Joem]

Shows that 64-bit is supported.
http://www.freecommander.com/fc_logchanges_en.htm

The latest version is 2009.02b, created on 12.09.2010.

Upcoming FreeCommander XE is currently in beta. If you're feeling adventurous in testing it, you can get it from the link below.
http://www.freecommander.com/fc_beta_en.htm

Thanks Raymond.
As a test I am trying the current non-beta version on my XP box, but it cannot explore inside System Volume Information like ExplorerXP can.