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Avanquest Software All Deals Software Utilities File Management Software

PowerDesk Pro 9

A Superior Replacement for Windows Explorer

$39.95

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Platforms: Windows XP, Vista (32 and 64 bit), 7 (32 and 64 bit), 8 (32 and 64 bit)

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PowerDesk Pro 9, File Management Software Screenshot

PowerDesk Pro 9, Software Utilities Screenshot

File Management Software, PowerDesk Pro 9 Screenshot

Software Utilities, PowerDesk Pro 9 Screenshot

Windows Explorer is a pretty good file manager, but why settle for "pretty good" when you can have OUTSTANDING? With PowerDesk 9 Professional, you'll have access to six file utilities that totally replace Explorer with file management tools that will make your life easier and better! Believe me, you WILL NOT miss Windows Explorer!

Let's start with the most important thing -- finding your files! Have you ever relied on Windows Search and come up empty, when you KNOW for CERTAIN that what you need is on your drive? Well, with PowerDesk 9 Professional's powerful search engine functionality, you can quickly locate files by keyword, file type, size, or date range and see the "hits" displayed in a single-line reference!

How often have you had to launch an FTP program and interrupt your workflow? Thanks to PowerDesk 9 Professional, your FTP sites can be viewed just like ordinary folders! Ever had to launch a separate utility just to compare two folders? Not anymore! PowerDesk 9 Professional can compare and synchronize the contents of any two folders, especially useful when working on files that are shared between two machines!

The list of benefits over Windows Explorer goes on and on! PowerDesk 9 Professional boasts a "Size Manager" that shows you which files are consuming the most of your valuable hard drive space. Even better, you can use PowerDesk 9 Professional to compress and expand your files using over 30 compression formats to save even more disk space!

Lastly, PowerDesk 9 Professional will enhance all of your Open File and Save File dialog boxes to give you fast access to recently opened files!

Review Written by Derek Lee

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The Conversation

Features

The Fine Print

Expand All Email Updates Load 60 Older Comments

George Cohen I have owned PowerDesk for many, many years. Unfortunately while the functionality is fantastic when it works there are so many bugs that I simply stopped using it. Each new version promises a fix but alas none are present for the problems I encountered. As for Cust. Svc, it is non existent in my experience. This is a shame as, again, the functionality was fantastic - when it worked.

Nov 23 2011 at 5:22am Copy Link

Eddie Tex Just an observation that it appears the licensing terms for PDP is more restrictive than DOpus (Desktop + Laptop), XYplorer (user based + lifetime upgrades), and xplorer2 (user based).

Keep this in mind everyone if you're trying to evaluate the value benefit if PDP against its competitors. If you have more than one or two machines, the value proposition of PDP drops significantly compared to the competition.

Nov 23 2011 at 8:46pm Copy Link

Bill User Have to agree with you, George, I'm also a long-term user who sadly abandoned PowerDesk when I upgraded to Windows Vista (PowerDesk simply ceased to function). But have you ever used PowerDesk 8?

Nov 25 2011 at 8:18am Copy Link

Joe M Mr Hermit : Ditto to what George said above. There are faster file managers to choose from. PowerDesk Pro 8 is the slowest that I have tried in Windows 7 64 bit. It used to be a great program in Windows XP and Windows 95. I hope that if and when PowerDesk Pro 9 is released it will be an improvement over Pro 8. Hopefully there will be a true 64 bit version.
8 is slow to open, slow to process files, and hangs up often then crashes. I don't see these problems with the other file managers.
Save your money and wait for Pro 9.

Nov 25 2011 at 8:19am Copy Link

KA WWooffee I have used Powerdesk Pro 4,5 &6, and other software from their company, on all my computers, and have liked it. However when they came out with Pro 7, and they started the activation crap and limiting to 1 computer per license, I don't buy any of their products anymore. Also as George has said above, there has been some bugs, and their Customer Service is non existent. And I now use xplorer2 on all my computers.

Nov 25 2011 at 8:19am Copy Link

George Cohen In regard to Bill's question.
Yes, I have tried V8 (80510 to be precise). Same problems as prior versions. The most irksome aspect is the random hangups. At times I wasn't able to shut PowerDesk down and had to completely reboot. What is most perplexing is the problems have persisted for many years. The developer simply is not addressing them but continues to add 'window dressing' to sell a new release to the unsuspecting.

Nov 25 2011 at 8:56am Copy Link

Bill User Thanks, George, that's very helpful. Hm - not good enough. There's definitely been an increase in "issues" since PowerDesk 6.

Nov 25 2011 at 9:09am Copy Link

Joe M George, you might want to try to update V8. Right now I am running version 8.4.12. As far as I know it is the latest. It is not perfect but it is a bit better then earlier versions. I am running it on a Windows 7 64 bit system.

Nov 25 2011 at 1:55pm Copy Link

Louis H I am another former long time user of PowerDesk Pro who gave up on the program after lack of customer support and problems with the program running very well under Vista (for me at least.) Made the jump to DOpus and XYplorer. I really liked PowerDesk Pro under win95 and win98, and seriously hoped the developers would rewrite the program to take fuller advantage of Win7. If they ever do I would gladly return to it.

Nov 26 2011 at 3:26am Copy Link

Gary Robinson G Robinson I am a former user. It is a great program but has very restrictive user license. Only allows use on one computer for each licence. Most computer software allow the user to install and use on multiple computer. This is very restrictive, and very expensive if you want to use on multiple computers.

Nov 26 2011 at 4:33pm Copy Link

Jerry S Like others, I used to think highly of PowerDesk but it went downhill and never recovered. Support, as noted, is non-existent. I'd suggest passing it by.

Nov 26 2011 at 10:17pm Copy Link

Steve Ferg I'll just lend my support to the comments of others. I was a long-time user of PDP and was extremely happy with its functionality. But I work on multiple boxes, and boxes move into and out of the herd frequently. With version 8 the PDP license became much more restrictive (and brutally enforced) and I could no longer move PDP onto and off of different boxes. The restrictive license became an unsupportable hassle, and I have abandoned PDP.

I've been using the free version of xplorer2 and been happy enough with it to consider upgrading to a paid version. Per the suggestion of others, I'll check out DOpus and XYplorer.

Apr 15 2012 at 10:57am Copy Link

Eric Johnson I use to always run PowerDesk but like others have stated bugs and other issues, I switched to Altap Salamander long ago and have not looked back. This may be a program alternative some should look into :)

May 16 2012 at 6:36am Copy Link

John Scalzo PowerDesk Pro was a great program. Too bad the programmers just let it slip into the toilet. I used it for years. Something happend between 6 and 7. I'm trying to make a decision right now as to what would be the best file manager.

Aug 5 2012 at 5:09am Copy Link

Software Seeker I have the same negative sentiments many users have expressed about the lack of development of PowerDesk. I have used it since the days of Mijenix - and that's a long time ago. When version 8.5 snatched the .jar file extension and never let go off it, which prevented me from running java programs on my PC, I finally had to move elsewhere. The only reason I have not removed it completely is the Dialog Helper - I have never seen a similar utility as handy as this one.
Btw, version 9 of PowerDesk is already out! I have received several emails from Avanquest begging me to upgrade, but I have declined.

Feb 6 2013 at 7:58am Copy Link

Jim Parker The company's website has Powerdesk version 9 for sale for $39.95.
The ad here is for version 8 at 30% off of that same price.
Something's not right here.

Feb 6 2013 at 10:44am Copy Link

Tony Martin I would pass this up. Xyplorer or xplorer 2 are far superior in every respect. I bought Powerdesk 4, 5, 6 and 7 but the restrictive licensing killed it for me and others as I see. Powerdesk 9 seems to be out. To little too late.

Feb 6 2013 at 11:09am Copy Link

Read MoreJoe M I have upgraded to PowerDesk Pro 9. It is running on a Windows 8 Pro computer. I don't see much of an improvement over Version 8.5

Compared to XYplorer, xplorer 2 and Opus Directory 10 Lite, all of which I have purchased here on BitsDuJour, PowerDesk Pro 9 is the slowest of the programs to open. I use Windows\System32 as a test directory. When opening that directory, it is the slowest to open. The only improvement that I have seen with it is the file viewer seems to view the files faster, especially PDF's.
XYplorer and xplorer 2 will allow you to run multiple computers under one license. Opus will allow you to run on two computers under one license. PowerDesk Pro 9 still allows only one computer per license.

PowerDesk used to be my favorite file manager. Now it is at the bottom of the pile.

Feb 8 2013 at 10:05am Copy Link

Paul Fenwick Ditto... I stopped using it when they shut it down on my desktop computer after I also installed it on my laptop.. I tried arguing with them but to no avail, so I uninstalled it off both computers and have purchased XYplorer, Xplorer2 and EF Commander and vowed never to buy anything from Avanquest again. By the way I was using PowerDesk from the first versions from Mijenix (paid copies) and they just went downhill bloatware style in my opinion once they sold out, and the conditions of use became very greedy... I mean I only use 1 computer at a time and this was never an issue before the greedy avanquest took over the software.

Feb 14 2013 at 5:39am Copy Link

judi bunner I have windows xp and am using Powerdesk Pro version 3.3 and it works great as a file manager. The preview/viewer doesn't work because it was dependent on windows viewer. Also, because windows xp doesn't have true dos, some of the great functions (i.e. changing file attributes, viewing hidden files, etc.) are limited. I upgraded twice to newer versions when VCOM took over from Mijenix. It hasn't worked well since VCOM supposedly improved it. I even purchased SystemSuite and it didn't work.

Feb 18 2013 at 3:42am Copy Link

Rich OBrien I've been using PowerDesk since 1996. I currently use Pro version 7. It runs fine on Windows 7, 32 bit on my computer. The fourth owner, Avanquest is flaky. I purchased software from them. They sent the DVD without the box and refused to provide the box even though their offer showed the box and called it the boxed version. Also Avanquest ignores my requests to retain the original dates on copies of folders. I currently use Directory Opus 9 to copy folders and retain the original dates on folders. Directory Opus 9 is good but way too expensive. And upgrading to the current version is unfortunately more than I can afford.

Feb 25 2013 at 9:56am Copy Link

George Cohen I just noticed that unlike all the other offers there is no trail period for Powerdesk Pro. I think this speaks for itself in regard to it's quality/reliability.

Feb 26 2013 at 4:12am Copy Link

Read MoreS D Fafalios Simply not true!
Read the fine print Tab and visit the website link. You get a full version and 60 days to return it for a refund.
Over the years I have bought 26 licences for Powerdesk.since version 5.
There is simply nothing to compare.
Every week you will see a utility on BitsDuJour where they ask 10, 20 or even 30 dollars for something that is already included in this amazing package. Just the batch graphics format converter alone is worth the price. Look a little deeper and count the features.
Service does exist and may take a little while but I did get a rebuild to correct a feature that wasn't working. Perhaps it's how you communicate that gets results.
I use it on Win7 64 and XP. No show stopping problems. Occasionally I may have to shut down an extra Process. That's it.
I miss not having the XTgold keystroke option.
I use this package every single computing day.
It is the most valuable tool in the box.

Mar 2 2013 at 5:41am Copy Link

George Cohen That very well may be true. If it is then I stand corrected. But I don't know as I have neither the time nor inclination to get involved with a product that has 'burned' me, and many others (see above) mutiple times and for which customer service is non-existent. Indeed the only reason I view this page is to see how the product performs vis a vis sales.

Mar 6 2013 at 4:21am Copy Link

Eustace Phenackertiban Like many others here, I have used PDP since the mid-90s, Mijenix days. Unfortunately, beginning about version 7, IIRC, stability became a serious issue. I was *never* able to get v.8 to run on Vista at all, so was leery about 8.5 when they offered it. I tried the trial, and when it worked, got the upgrade price of $14.95. Again, unfortunately, stability is still poor. I literally moments ago experienced another "PowerDesk has stopped working" abend. I really like the many features, but with the "one machine only" licensing, and the apparent complete inability to address stability issues, I think I'll pass, especially at this price..

Mar 7 2013 at 1:38pm Copy Link

Danny In view of the negative comments here, I will this offer also but even going to pass! Thanks guys! :-)

Apr 3 2013 at 2:52pm Copy Link

Harvey Mann PowerDesk Pro 9 is nothing but spawn from it's ORIGINAL program called "Explorer Plus". I have and still use "Explorer Plus" and it is a superior prog compared to powerdesk pro??? My original files: Explorer Plus 6.0, Expansion Packs, all updates with Photo Viewer are all dated in May of 2004 with updates of Feb 2006 in the original old ARJ files. A couple of years ago I called the current owners & they said it's discontinued, not anything to do with their so called "better program" ??. And that's fine with me. I would rather not be associated at all w/ their trappings. The reason I'm bringing this to light is to set strait the fact that powerdesk pro 9 started out as a real FINE program, but after reading the comments here, It's really nothing new.

Apr 12 2013 at 6:55am Copy Link

S D Fafalios I think you are thoroughly confused.
Others talk about having Powerdesk from the 1990s. My first license is from 02/2004
The products are nothing to do with each other. Explorer Plus was last updated in 2007 to version 1.0 by some company called chilihot software who apparently went out of business almost immediately.
Their website has apparently been hijacked by a porn site who will probably infect your machine.

I continue to be entirely happy with the product PowerDesk.

Apr 12 2013 at 10:50am Copy Link

Read MoreC M I am using PD version 5 on two Windows 7 machines and it runs great. Here's a little background:

I have used PowerDesk since way back and still have a version 4 file dated 2001. It used to be excellent, but in recent releases the directory and network management features have become like molasses —and many times frozen molasses.

I used PD v6 for a long time but the hangups and slow response times were just unbearable.

In recent months, I purchased a copy of PD v8, and then PD v8.5. They had good features but were still plagued with the slow directory/network problems. I wrote Avanquest and asked them to stop falsely claiming that the network features had been improved when actually there was no change. Finally, when PD v9 came out with great promises I had high hopes but there was not a lick of improvement with the directory/network issue.

Someone mentioned that PD problems started with version 6 so on a whim I installed a copy of Version 5 dated 2002. Much to my delight it runs like a champ! Network directories snap up on the screen and refreshes are fast. Just like the old days. It is now on 2 XP machines and 2 Win 7 systems.

I won't even consider any further PD upgrades until Avanquest upgrades the product, changes their deceitful marketing practices, and rave reviews are found on the blogs.

Apr 24 2013 at 10:21pm Copy Link

TopDog To add to the conversation about PDP. I was a loyal customer from version 5 up to 8. Version 8 had problems and they updated the program up to version 8.4. When they came out with version 8.5 that was supposed to fix the bugs they wanted to charge for an upgrade ($14). Now if you want to upgrade to version 9 there is no loyalty upgrade discount price. Sorry the company will just bleed you. I dropped PDP went to Directory Opus and never looked back. Directory Opus works, minor updates are free and major version upgrades are offered at a discount.

My advice try something else, although PDP is a great program, at least the corrected version 8.5 was, it is not worth the terrible update and upgrade policies.

May 6 2013 at 8:38am Copy Link

Ben Paturzo I'll agree with the others on the activation crap:
I even had a go-around with "customer support" telling them a program that costs thousands (3D Studio Max) can be installed on a laptop and desktop, but a 30 dollar program can't!

Let's face it - Avanquest are dillholes, and I don't mean dillholes.

May 12 2013 at 8:53pm Copy Link

Read MoreOlivier Gebuhrer to George Cohen and others alike
I totally agree ; each version of PD is more full of bugs than the former one ; it DOES NOT work well on Windows 7 ; nor did it on Vista already ( nothing to do with 32 bits or 64 bits ) ; it has become an awfull program . Should not be on bits du jour Clearly this is a bat written program and what is more is that the Support is unbearable ; either they do not answer or they try to disguise their ignorance behind customers' fault ; and regarding activation , the process checking the program tells you periodically that you have attained=ned the maximum of activations or anything of that kind , this PREVENTS not only the program to work but in fact if you did integrate windows explorer in it it prevents you to browse you PC unless you uninstall and possibly reinstall ; I Will stop absolutely buying this scandalous way to earn money with nothing !!! very expansive and no way to put it at work as it should ; I discovered Opus 10 , it IS expensive but a real wonder program Anybody with a complex configuration should try it

May 15 2013 at 3:19am Copy Link

John Wow.

I have version 6 and was actually going to buy this upgrade, but with the licensing limited for only one computer, screw that. If they would have allowed just 2 computers I would have done the upgrade.

Their loss.

Jul 4 2013 at 5:58am Copy Link

Ben Paturzo One more reason to hate Avanquest -- you can unsubscribe all you want -- from their emails.....and they'll ignore your request FOREVER!

Jul 4 2013 at 10:23pm Copy Link

Olivier Gebuhrer Avanquest WAS a good soft reseller ; for various reasons I do not know the Customer service is Awfull ; had varios problmes including POWERDESK ( see above ) and now "new" version of Fix-It utilities ; no answer nothing ; Anyway I am not going to purchase either software ; PWD 9 is a clown ; it does not work on my machine , nothing new for numerous contributors ; Directory Opus and XXplorer are tremendously better

Jul 5 2013 at 1:05am Copy Link

No Name I used PDP 4,5 and 6 back when they were amazing. I thought 7 was terrible. I highly recommend XYplorer. The feature set blows PDP out of the water and the author is one of the hardest working software developers out there. Bought a lifetime license and could not be happier with the program.

Jul 12 2013 at 7:53am Copy Link

Joe M To No Name. Another advantage of XYplorer over PowerDesk is that you can load it and use it on all of your computers with just one license.

Jul 17 2013 at 8:35am Copy Link

Please note that all comments for this promotion will be screened before posting. It's nothing personal, just a step we have to take because of a few bad apples last time around.