If you're an advanced Windows user, you've probably developed a serious hate for Windows Explorer, the built in file management tool. It's weak, it lacks advanced features and most users don't realize it can be replaced.
Lifehacker recently took a long hard look at Xplorer² , a tabbed and efficient alternative with a slew of keyboard shortcuts. Xplorer² is definitely worth a look but, if that doesn't tickle your fantasy, here's a short list of other alternatives.
XYPlorer - XYplorer is a multi-tabbed file manager for Windows, featuring a very powerful file search, versatile preview facilities, a highly customizable interface, and a large array of unique ways to efficiently automate frequently recurring tasks. Free trial available, a license will cost you $29.50.
Windows File Explorer - Windows File Explorer is a file manager for Windows similar to Windows Explorer. But Windows File Explorer uses a different approach: it features many options that Microsoft's Windows Explorer is missing like image preview and it has two fixed file views side by side (but can be change to a single file view) that is useful when copying many files from folder to folder.
Universal Explorer - With Universal Explorer, you can manage your files (move/copy/paste/delete) quickly and effectively. Plus, you can also VIEW and EDIT almost any file directly in UE with built-in File Viewer Windows! View and Edit text documents, HTML, a wide range of graphic files, programming source code and more. You can even view Microsoft Word and Excel documents without launching Word or Excel.
ExplorerXP - ExplorerXP is a very fast, small, compact and innovative free (for non - commercial use) file manager for Windows 2000/XP. Unlike the regular Windows Explorer, it displays the total size of each folder and allows you to browse multiple folders from a tabbed interface.