File-Ex improves Open & Save dialogs
One of my great frustrations is the difficulty I have with Windows Open and Save dialogs. They're too small by default and it's cumbersome to modify the default settings to get the display to remember the size, view, position, and other attributes I want. There are a number of utilities that promise to solve the problem but I've hard a hard time finding one that both meets my needs and behaves well with all of the programs I use on a regular basis.
Recently, I discovered File-Ex from Cottonwood Software and my problem has been solved. Unlike most of the other utilities I've tried, File-Ex not only works in all of my standard applications, it provides a broader range of really useful customizations that really enhance my productivity. Check out this list of features:
Cottonwood Software: File-Ex and Windows Utilities for Power-Users
File-Ex saves valuable time and mouse clicks...
- Larger file window reduces scrolling clicks by up to 90%.
- Re-opens the last folder used so you don't have to hunt for it each time you open a file.
- Default to the sorting you like, and have it remember the columns widths in details view.
- Remembers recent and favorite folders and files, reducing clicks to the file you need.
- Create and open a new folder in 1 click instead of "click...wait...type...double-click".
- Built-in Find tool searches all of your hard drives for files.
- ...and more!
Click for full-sized image
Notice the additional tools File-Ex provides in this actually useful dialog box. A row of buttons provide common file operations (these buttons can be hidden if you prefer the right-click method), the file path, size, modification date and time, and available space on the current disk or network share. The four drop-down menus provide immediate access to recent files and folders as well as your favorites.
File-Ex offers a number of really useful settings for these dialogs. You can set the size as a percetage of your screen, choose a position or always have the dialog centered, and set whether you want these dialogs to always open in Details view (my personal preference).
All this power comes cheap ($19.95) and a 30-day trial is offered so you can try it out on your system. Based on my evaluation, I will never go back to the old way of working. This is a permanent addition to my system.
Cottonwood also offers a very nice free tool called Delayer that provides control over the timing of when the items in your Startup Items folder launch. Looks pretty cool. I'll be checking it out too.