Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

raveren reviewed v4.00.211 on Sep 16, 2010

Laughably bad. The application interface is even worse than their site and it's a quite expensive shareware.

Though supported on win7 now, it still uses XP buttons, which look bad even on XP. Ungh.

CyberDoc999 reviewed v4.00.205 Beta on Jul 28, 2010

renting this to you for a yearly fee..... what a joke

Plumber reviewed v4.00.205 Beta on Jul 28, 2010

This software doesn't take advantage of security holes in Windows. It merely uses documented methods (i.e. hooks) to accomplish what it does.

Which isn't much.

It's unstable, and the GUI sucks. And a recurring fee of $35? Come on now.

One star for unusably-unstable software.

The MAZZTer reviewed v4.00.205 Beta on Jul 27, 2010

sbeckstead: How can it be a security problem when you specifically download and run it itself? Plus modifications to other windows like this can't jump security boundaries (IE this can't modify elevated apps unless it too is elevated).

I don't run shareware but rating 4 since there are few apps like this around and there really should be a few more...

sbeckstead reviewed v3.60.193 Beta on Jan 26, 2009

The fact that this works scares me. Yet another security hole in Windows.

Choda_Boy reviewed v3.50.187 Beta on Apr 15, 2008

If the download link is mangled, try this:
http://xdesksoftware.com...7_beta_mdump_signed.exe

guti reviewed v3.30.175 Beta on Jul 3, 2006

Nice app, but in that case, a x64 native version, is almost mandatory.

nikko11 reviewed v3.30.174 Beta on Jun 5, 2006

Very solid program, the buttons is places on the windows are easily removed, works very effectively, does as described.

hardgiant reviewed v3.30.174 Beta on Jun 3, 2006

If only Microsoft would design better dialog boxes so an app like this wouldn't be neccessary.

1. The dialog should have an option to set the size.

2. Allow list, thumbs, details mode, etc,

3. Allow a good list of folders like Office 2003 has on the side.

4. Double clicking title bar should maxmize the dialog box.

guti reviewed v3.20.166 Beta on Oct 16, 2005

3.20.168 beta released.

httpd.confused reviewed v3.20.163 Beta on Aug 6, 2005

I find it funny how much more senseless, pointless, and useless the reviews are that happen to be written only when a bit of software appears on the front page. That's because the impetus for blathering on was "Hey, duh... It's on the front page, I think I'll skip downloading and testing, and go straight to writing."

OK, what is meant by "6pack"? I'm not much of a drinker, but thanks for caring. At least make a point when reviewing software. Oddly enough, doing so helps when writing a ... review.

On the subscription model... Not sure that, in this case, it's really any different or worse than a typical shareware scheme. If you paid for an older version of XFilesDialog, you will pay $18 for the upgrade--no matter how long it has been since the original purchase. That includes one year of free upgrades.

While that only represents a ~30% discount (and I feel that 50% is more reasonable), and time-based upgrade offers are idiotic, it doesn't amount to anything vastly different from what typical shareware author does. Don't get blindly hung up on the word "subscription".

As I've said a million times before, if someone is looking for a particular type of software, they ought to be able to search for the best-rated in that particular category, and sort or exclude by price--as a separate criteria. All decent software sites allow for this, and for a reason.

And while it's not perfect, XFilesDialog is still the most full-featured of its type.

allsiante reviewed v3.20.163 Beta on Aug 2, 2005

Alright, one more example of: you don't need to make exceptional or even good stuff, you just need a large enough market so as enough 6packs pay for your crap to make your "work" worthwhile. I know places on this planet where you could put that cash for better use.

ibod reviewed v3.20.163 Beta on Aug 1, 2005

unlike httpd, whose comments really have this app sewn up, I cannot forgive/won't support the subscription model.

httpd.confused reviewed v3.10.159 Beta on Jul 16, 2005

You guys just may be nuts. Use MultiHancer? Yeah, great tip--a free hack from a nobody that tries to replace actual DLL files, despite System File Protection. The whole concept of this is so riddled with problems and stupidities that they aren't even worth listing.

I have tried them all--and I do mean ALL--and none of the others do all that XFilesDialog does:

* Some don't save list types (Details mode, for example).

* Some don't add a reference to the current path of the Open/Save dialog.

* Some don't save settings on a per-application basis.

* Some don't enlarge Browse dialogs.

* Some don't support Unicode.

* Some don't work with Office.

* Some don't add handy drive letter and favorite buttons to the top of Open/Save dialogs, or Explorer windows.

* Some don't work with Explorer windows, but rather only Open/Save dialogs.

Most do only a very few of the things listed above. And absolutely none do all of these things--except for XFilesDialog.

The interface of XFilesDialog is customizable, and if you had actually installed the thing, you might have known that. I agree that the default buttons (* \ +) are ugly, but they can be changed to whatever you want.

I used File-Ex for a very long time, and that is a solid application, too. But I don't find it as easy to use, and it has some of the shortcomings I listed above.

I take one point off of XFilesDialog because the interface could use improvement. For example, there should be an easier way to add favorite files and folders (such as drag-and-drop). Also, the "Settings for program" drop-down list sucks. The programs should be in a list where you could more easily see and navigate among them.

One other thing I will opine on is the license. It sucks. As if the price wasn't high enough, the license is subscription based, which I utterly despise. However, I will not figure that into my rating, since I am reviewing software, not the thickness of your wallet.

Chanbingo reviewed v3.10.159 Beta on Mar 25, 2005

Use Maltihancer. It does a much better job and free. Specially it writes to the original DLL so you don't have to run it always.

Find it here

http://www.netcult.ch/elmue/ElmueSoft-en.htm

guti reviewed v3.10.158 Beta on Mar 8, 2005

I used to use File-Ex 3.0.24. Unfortunatelly it has not been updated in years, and is lacking of updates and improvements.

XFilesDialog, nicely supports unicode, and Office dialogs, so is the choice.

I liked File-Ex, because it was prettier, faster, and eating less memory. I loved it, but those advantages are useless if it does not support what I need.

Hope XFilesDialog will continue improving.

CyberDoc999 reviewed v3.10.158 Beta on Mar 8, 2005

very poor interface
reminds me of windows 3.1
pure junk
waste of time!

hardgiant reviewed v3.00.149 on Jan 4, 2005

Great app, and I'm glad that the buttons now work with visual themes.

I would prefer Office 2003 dialog boxes if M$ would ever upgrade the stupid 95 ones they have stuck us with for the last 10 years.

and yes $27 is a bit to high...

pluto2se reviewed v3.00.149 on Sep 27, 2004

NO thanks, check out fileex instead, it may look wacked out at first but it actually contains all this and a hell of a lot more too!

kronix2 reviewed v3.00.147 Beta on Aug 30, 2004

Looks like the developers got a tad greedy when deciding what to charge. $10 would have been a fair amount, for the job that it does. $27 is as much or more than what people pay for popular applications such as Winamp, Trillian, Ad-Aware Pro etc.

The actual software looks fine. But is it worth the money, or the subscriptions? Hell no.

Choda_Boy reviewed v3.00.139 Beta on Jul 29, 2004

Worse still, after the initial time period, you must continue to pay if you want the latest version. You must purchase a "subscription" to get updates. If you let subscription expire, you can renew it, but "the months are counted since your previous subscription ended". So, if it has been 36 months, you must purchase a subscription for at least that amount. The rate is $17 for 24 months, so you must pay $34 for 48 months to catch up. Heck, a new copy only costs $27.

Forget that.

PC Rat reviewed v3.00.139 Beta on Jul 29, 2004

$27 is kinda high.

A utility like this can be very useful for folks who work with files a lot. Cursor-dragging the edge of a file box to enlarge the dialogue window is a pain in the ass.

But you may want to consider FileBox eXtender for $20.

http://www.hyperionics.com/

The Computer Rodent

QQ reviewed v3.00.139 Beta on Jul 29, 2004

I wonder if some n00bs realize that earlier versions of Windows did NOT remember dialog sizes? Furthermore, even XP doesn't remember sorting settings?

Fools.

hardgiant reviewed v3.00.139 Beta on Jul 29, 2004

I'd prefer Office 2003 dialogs but this is the least you can get to improve the badly designed dialog boxes.

noredspoon reviewed v3.00.139 Beta on Jul 29, 2004

I wonder if the author realizes you can just resize the file dialog? Unnecessary piece of software, and nothing special enough to charge for it

DJWesley2K reviewed v2.80.128 Beta on Nov 24, 2003

The drive buttons are ugly as hell and it still doesn't work well with XP. To the author: You need to conform to the latest operating system specs, and re-write the whole damn thing. XP is a eye-candy OS and this app does nothing but unbeautify the dialog boxes!

Yuk!!!

Justus reviewed v2.80.128 Beta on Nov 24, 2003

One of the most useful Windows third-party extensions..
MUST-HAVE for those who has no free-time for struggling
with Windows..

acey reviewed v2.50.092 Beta on Mar 31, 2002

This is directed to the person who made the statement "The best fix I found is just to use resource hacker on your comdlg32.dll and then you don't need any extra software running". Would you mind explaining *exactly* how you accomplished such a marvelous thing just for the sake of some of fools out here? I'm not trying to be facetious here I'm really wanting to try it myself. Thanks for your time -= Ace =-

klumy reviewed v2.30.083 Beta on Mar 1, 2002

I don't think this program will be useful for a long periode of time. You can use the default configuration of windows and save a lot of money, which you can spend to charity organizations.

fupduk reviewed v2.30.083 Beta on Mar 1, 2002

No thanks - default view cannot be set, access of detail view must be toggled. This should be configurable.

gloria reviewed v2.10.0070 Beta on Jan 8, 2002

This program is very very very goooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kylde reviewed v2.00.056 Beta on Nov 13, 2001

Not bad, overpriced, obsolete with the advent of XP, and VERY ugly (written in VB or Delphi?. Plus it hardly integrates with the OS when you have to load it each boot

oomingmak reviewed v2.00.054 Beta on Nov 6, 2001

hardgiant I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. Cottonwood has had that same page up on their site for nearly 2 years now (since the release of Win2k in Feb 2000). Notice they say NT/2000 (you won't find any mention of XP on there cos it's so out of date).

kompot reviewed v2.00.054 Beta on Nov 6, 2001

It does not run under Windows XP. This sucks!

litexmedia reviewed v2.00.054 Beta on Nov 6, 2001

Don't waste your time for dis crap Use AFolders and you find da truth.

oomingmak reviewed v2.00.051 Beta on Oct 31, 2001

I don't like it. Poor intergartion with the OS. I'd still rather see a Win2000/XP version of Cottonwoods File-ex (which worked really well on 9x but now seems to have been abandoned).

naboo reviewed v1.0 on Mar 27, 2001

The Idea is very Good but it works only in the normal open file dialog window and not in the (i hate it) chose destination the hard little window like using sent too
where is no option. i mean its a halfe god but it change not the uggliest.