PocketPCFreeware : GSFinder+ 1.04

GSFinder is an existing file explorer originally developed by Y. Nagamidori (who also made GSPlayer).

Abandonned by its original author, it has been totally remade by Mitsuru Toda, from a HPS version, then PPC, and for the first time as an 'international version' in English. As for functionality, interface and ease of use, it is in my opinion, it is the best freeware (even better than certain commercial apps...): support for all machines from the old MIPS up to WM2003SE with VGA supprt, ZIP management, network management, file searching, powerful context menus (copy to, move to...), Windows standards compliant, tree view, favourite documents and folders, etc.

It has a unique feature that lets you open any file with different applications from the context menus or from the "File" menu (you only have to create the shortcuts from "Favourite Applications" in the \Windows\Sendto\ folder). Another thing which we like: it is the only true free GNU GPL program in this category, it is supplied with the source code (for the fans!) What's to complain about at this point (v0.02) ? Firstly, as with all very new programs and therefore "immature", it contains some little bugs (but the author listens and corrects them very quickly!) and I would like to not have to seperately install UNZIP.dll (DLL still not translated) for ZIP support. We are only at the beginning: it is most likely that GSFinder+ will one day become THE reference for this category of apps, considering the number of improvements already planned by M. Toda, under the same heading as Total Commander which has a less friendly interface.

Update : GSFinder+ has received a major update, 1.0, with a number of improvements and new functions, including:
-improved execution speed (notably a spectacular gain in file search speed).
- "Open With" function like on the PC,
- File Associations,
- automatic refresh,
- dialog box improvements (clearer),
- Integration to the Unzip module (translated into English),
- menu modifications,
- New icons,
- bug fixes.

The source code has been entirely rewritten on the base of GSFinder+ 1.99, supplied by Y. Nagamidori.
Lastly, an illustated guide, in English, explains the many functions in detail.

[Geared2003] (Translation: ashmoo)

Author:	M. Toda
Date:	06-05-2005
Links:	Web Site
Rating:	9/10
Size:	?
Hits:	66249
Download:	Download ( ARM/XSCALE MIPS SH3 )

comments
kripkee (10-12-2004) - v0.02
Works nicely on a Dell Axim5 (XScale 400MHz). The only problem I've found so far is that execution of a link by a double-tap doesn't pick up parameters that are part of the link. For example, when I double-tap the link Calendar.lnk to "\windows\outlook.exe calendar", I get an error message "Cannot find 'poutlook.exe calendar' (or one of its components)". However, if I tap and hold Calendar.lnk, select from the menu Open:Parameters..., and enter the parameter "calendar", then the link correctly opens the calendar application. The double-tap procedure ought to parse the link and extract the parameter(s) from it. Based on a quick look, I'd give the application an 8. I prefer Total Commander for three reasons: It does correctly parse links to extract parameters, it's virtual two-window mode is very useful, and its text editor provides a very useful tool for editing shortcuts. GSFinder+ has the advantage of a split-screen showing both a tree view and a list.
RD100 (10-13-2004) - v0.02
GSFinder+ is a very nice file manager! I really like that it has a large assortment of features and options. It is one of the best file managers I've tried. Prior to using this, I was mainly using Total Commander. Some of the features that make GSFinder+ great is its tree structure, and its split screen, which can be displayed either horizontal or vertical. I am using version v0.02, and it has a few minor bugs. One bug is when graphic artifacts remain on the display when you drag window separation lines to resize a window. One feature I would like to have is to be able to do a file copy/paste by tapping on the "from" and "to" folders. It lets you do the copy now, but not the paste, because paste doesn't come up as an option on the menu. At present, I would give GSFinder an 8 +. Once all is working correctly, I'd say it could be a 9 or a 9+. I highly recommend it!
Geared2003 (10-13-2004) - v0.02
To Kripkee: thanks for your valuable feedback. I have reported it to Mitsuru Toda, who reacts very quickly when bugs are found. Concerning a text editor in GSFinder+, it is already planned for a next release (among several new features)... To RD100: what device are you using ? I didn't encounter "graphic artifacts" on my Ipaq 2210...This might be a hardware related problem. Concerning your feature request, did you try the 'advanced/copy to..' and 'advanced/move to...' function available from the file menu and context menus ?
Rage of Thor (10-13-2004) - v0.02
Superb! My new main file explorer. My only concerns are that I hope future versions support more compression formats, but more importantly that unzipping should open a dialog like the file search's browse function, so the user can choose their own destination folder instead of being required to specify a default. Even as it is now though, this program deserves at least an 8 out of 10. Well Done!
RD100 (10-13-2004) - v0.02
To Geared2003: My hardware is a Toshiba E335 with ARM 300mhz processor, and runs PocketPC 2002. My issue is, when I drag a window to resize it, I see multiple images of the window separation line remain on the screen. These artifacts go away once I use the down/up or side to side arrows to scroll within the window. I did see the advanced copy to and move to. But I believe the word "paste" is more commonly used. Personally, I would like to see the word "paste" on the same pop-up menu as "cut" and "copy". It would make the program more intuitive. One other issue to check is the Rename Feature. If you try to rename a file at the bottom of the lower window, the keyboard pops up and hides the file. But regardless of the current minor issues ... I still think this is a terrific program !!!
Geared2003 (10-13-2004) - v0.02
To RD100: The regular "paste" option does exist (1: Edit Menu; 2: toolbar icon and 3: "paste" does exist in context menus). From the context menu, just copy any file; then go to another folder, choose a blank space of the screen and do a "tap and hold": the "paste" option should appear... Concerning the artifacts, a few problems have been reported on some PPC2002 devices (Casio E200...): it is hardware specific and I don't think much can be done.
RD100 (10-14-2004) - v0.02
To Geared2003: I realize the Paste exists in both the Edit Menu and on the Tool Bar Icon, but I believe it should also be on the Tap/Hold popup menu along with Cut and Copy. If the context menu you referred to is the tap/hold popup, mine only shows Cut and Copy, but not Paste. Cut+Copy+Paste is a standard set of options which usually appear together. That is why I feel your program would be more intuitive if it included Paste on this tap/hold popup menu, immediately below Copy. Regarding the artifacts, I've seen a similar problem in a beta version of a game called Virtual Pool Mobile by Celeris. The developer successfully corrected the problem. But their artifacts resulted when a pool cue was dragged across the screen, and left a trailing of multiple pool cue images on the screen. It was not from resizing a window.
Rage of Thor (10-14-2004) - v0.02
I see what you mean. I tap and hold a file, and cut and copy are options, but not paste. However, if you tap and hold the empty white space around a file, not the file itself, you will see paste and paste shortcut. It is better this way because you can't paste a file onto a file anyway, so why bother trying? If you are trying to paste something into a folder, just open the folder and paste it inside by selecting the white space. Overall I see no problems with this area of the program.
RD100 (10-15-2004) - v0.02
Rage of Thor: I now see Paste and Paste Shortcut in the tap/hold pop-up menu. I appreciate your help. This is a great program !!!
Geared2003 (10-15-2004) - v0.02
Hi, A new beta correcting different bugs has been posted by M. Toda (right click to download): http://www.geocities.jp/todamitsu2004/file/gsf_ppc195_003beta.zip Report your findings...
kripkee (10-15-2004) - v0.02
The new beta release, gsf_ppc195_003beta.zip, has fixed the problem I mentioned in a previous posting. GSFinder+ now correctly parses a parameter, as in the link to "\windows\outlook.exe calendar", which correctly opens the Calendar. I'd like to suggest that GSFinder+ should itself allow parameters so a link to GSFinder+ could open a particular directory. For example, a link to "\Program Files\GreenSoftware\GSFinder.exe \Windows" would open GSFinder+ with the \Windows directory on display. The built-in program \Windows\fexplore.exe does have this feature, and I find it quite useful for building links to directories that I frequently use.
Rage of Thor (10-15-2004) - v0.02
The one thing I still want is a file dialog for uncompressing so I can choose the destination
Rage of Thor (10-15-2004) - v0.02
stupid autocomplete text on my pocket pc (I'm on it now) keeps filling in my words and submitting my unfinished messages at the same time. thanks for being understanding and if the person in charge of this site could erase my previous mistakes that would be appreciated The one thing I still want is a file dialog for uncompressing so I can choose the destination folder on the fly without needing to always go to the specified default folder. I still have to use Pocket RAR for this, and it would be nice to only need one program. One more thing just came to mind: Whenever there is a change in the contents of a folder, Pocket RAR updates immediately and automatically. I'd like to see this in GSFinder+, so I don't need to press refresh anymore. Also, I'd still like to see more compression formats supported
Geared2003 (10-15-2004) - v0.02
To Kripkee: Thanks. Very interesting suggestion... To Rage of Thor: GSFinder+ is not meant to be a replacement for a full blown archiver application. It will never replace a dedicated app like PocketRAR : it is just a handy way to quickly compress/decompress ZIP archives "on the fly". Don't expect any significant changes in this direction... Concerning the automatic refresh function, this is another story : it is certainly a very good idea , but as far as I know, even "established" commercial File Managers like Resco don't do that... I will ask Mitsuru Toda.
SonicH (10-19-2004) - v0.02
M. Toda you are awesome, i almost thought i was using windows exporer for a second there and i forgot it was my pocket pc ;) To heck with the default PPC file manager this is my new replacement. Id love to see a few personal features added just for authenticity, to make it feel more like the windows explorer. Can you let the us decide what part of the screen we would like to have the toolbar? Perhaps even add an "Open With" Option in the um..right click menu :D I have found a little glitch, it seems that when a group of files are selected and you view the properties, it only shows the file size for one file.
Geared2003 (10-19-2004) - v0.02
To SonicH : the "Open with" in context menus option already exists ! You need to create a folder called 'Sendto' inside \windows : all applications shortcuts placed in this folder will appear in the 'Open' submenu ( you need to close and restart GSFinder+). Any file can be opened with the applications you selected. Concerning the toolbar, GSFinder+ just follows the "PocketPC standards" ( toolbar at the bottom). As a Sigmarion 3 user ( CE.net HandheldPC with a real PC "look and feel"), I do think that the PocketPC UI is quite awkward compared to HPCs(no close button, stupid start menu,etc.), but this is another story...
Geared2003 (11-12-2004) - v0.02
Major Update for GSFinder+ (1.0) with many improvements and new features: - GSFinder+ is now based on a completely new code provided by Y. Nagamidori (GSFinder 1.99 for PocketPC); The code used for HandheldPC and PocketPC versions of GSFinder+ have been merged. - New menu structure. - New "choose program" feature - Many changes in the English dialogs - New "automatic refresh" feature - New 'File Types' (file association) feature - New Font Size option, to change the icon Font - Increased execution speed - Major improvement of the file search feature (speed) - Use of a specific icon for the start menu - Several small bugs correction - New original icon set - "Drag-and-Drop Mode" menu item added (Edit Menu) - New View Style added
SonicH (06-20-598) - v1.00
this is wonderful, the new update looks and feels just swell and the icons sure are perty. I love all the new additions, the automatic refresh is a wonderfull feature. i have noticed that the filesize info on the bottom right doesnt change when groups of files are highlighted, only the curent folders size is shown just a sugestion but perhaps that can be updated..
Geared2003 (11-17-2004) - v1.01
New Features in GSFinder+ 1.01: -integrated LHA compression/extraction module in English, -improved "File Search" feature, -new icon set (closer to Windows XP).
rc (11-17-2004) - v1.01
utter novice here! when you have unzipped the zip download how do you install it? i'm using an ipaq 3970 with PPC 2002.
NewKreation (11-17-2004) - v1.01
Only 9 stars? I would give this program a 10! This has replaced Resco's Explorer on my Pocket PC. Why? It has my "dream" back and forward buttons to easily switch directories AND does everything else I loved about Resco. I am thrilled. Thank you M. Toda! Thank you! Thank you!
Banjo009 (11-17-2004) - v1.01
This is by far the best freeware available. I appreciate you updating this program regularly in response to reported bugs and feature requests. The new features are wonderful - now all we need is a built in text editor and some sort of virtual two window mode for fast file copying. I think this freeware has earned the sought-after 10/10 ranking!
cs (06-20-1643) - v1.01
Great application!!! This one is for sure the replacemenet for my RescoFileExplorer! I would give it a 10/10. As i have read above this Comment section is also used for suggestions, questions and bug reports, i hope Geared2003 will read this: Bug?: there is no "Location" information when selecting file-"Properties...". The filed is always blank (PPC2002 Jornada 568). This is sad when having "search results" with same filenames (you just do not know where they are located, or is there a workaround?) Suggestions: -a "Hide Folder" option would be nice when using the lower windows (similar to the "show 'up level' Icons"), so more and only files will be seen in the lower section. -in "Options->File Types" it would be nice to have a row sorting function (for "Ext." and "Types"), wouldn' it? -also "Options->File Types" the "DefaultIcon" parameter is missing and can not be set, isn't it? -and again "Options->File Types": when having a wrong registerd/not valid extension assosiations (e.g. wrong path for an app or wrong app) the "Ext/Type" info does not show up at all, how to change it?. May be a Reg-Editor should work here. -"File Search": in the "search results" I can not find any file-path information. Even not when looking at the properties (see above), a file path-info would be great... -one last thing I am looking for quite while: when creating shortcuts a "Icon association choosing" feature would be wonderful (so that you do not have to write the "/?Path/Application.xxx,-1001" manually after the shortcut is generated, is that possible or does any one knows an app that is doing this? Questions: -what is in "View->View Styles" Details(line select)??? -what mens "no shortcut mention" in Options->View??? Thanks
kripkee (06-20-5612) - v1.01
A minor problem: In the Properties dialog for a program file, I changed the location of the file, and thereby changed the icon that should be displayed in the directory. When I returned to the directory, the new icon did not display, even when I refreshed the directory, or exited the directory and then returned to it. The new icon displayed only after I exited GSFinder+ and then reopened it.
JohnnyLim (12-23-2004) - v1.01
The BEST freeware explorer(No one should doubt on it!) and I love using it on my XDAII. After testing it for a while, I trusted on it and remove the TotalCommander which I was using for a long time. The minor commonly used requirement that I found was missing Paste Command on the context menu of the directories although I can use the Paste Icon on the toolbar.
BBQ (03-26-2005) - v1.01
The best yet, GSFinder+ is the champion of the file explorer class. I still miss the virtual 2 window mode and the text editor of Total Commander, but all in all it is a near-perfect program. Also VGA compliant! 9/10 (nothing is perfect :) )
Matthew (05-01-2005) - v1.01
The BEST!
CyberWizard (06-20-5057) - v1.04
Excellent freeware. Works fine on my HP iPAQ hx4700 (Windows Mobile 2003SE) even in VGA mode. Tree representation (2 window mode) of file system (both possibilities, usual iPAQ horizontal look and usual Windows vertical look). To paraphrase BBQ, nothing is perfect but this utility is very near to that! :-) 10/10. If this utility cannot get 10/10 which one can?
CyberWizard (06-20-6828) - v1.04
ZIP extraction in not enabled by default - it has to be enabled in options (unfortunatly does not have virtual ZIP directory where ZIP file is represented like standard folder, instead this utilty extracts into Temp or any other specified folder). Also, by default one click launches assigned program and that can be reverted to double clik in options.
ianl (04-06-2006) - v1.04
Using v1.66 - comes complete now (in English) with both the ZIP/LHA dll and gsgetfile.dll (to allow you to ignore_my_docs !) Works very well - an excellent File Manager. My quibble (and the reason I have not removed Total Commander) is in the font choice. You can choose a useable font OK, but you cannot (yet ?) bold it. So in TC you can choose eg. Tahoma 9 bold and have your screen both eminently readable and with very efficient screen real estate. Can't do that yet in GSFinder+
rsolo (07-23-2006) - v1.04
Will this tools function under Windows Mobile 5.0?
ianl (07-27-2006) - v1.04
Unfortunately, NO is the short answer Regards ianl
bobaloo (07-28-2006) - v1.04
Funny, it's running great on my Dell X51V running Windows Mobile 5... It replaced the Resco utility for me, nice program.
ianl (07-29-2006) - v1.04
Not on the iPAQ
Blubber (07-29-2006) - v1.04
This one is working on my A636 with WM5. I installes the ARM version. But I like the Total Commander a little bit more. I like the virtual two pane display of the TC and the easy way to browse the network. But both are not able to send files via bluetooth. :(
bv (09-20-2006) - v1.04
Just used it on my iPaq 6315. Works Great. Awesome application. A musthave for every PocketPC!
bourmb (10-05-2006) - v1.04
The icons on this program look terrible on my WM5 Dell Axim x51v. Is there anything that can be done to increase the resolution of the program? I tried VGA Brute Force via Tweaks2.net and it mad the program look better but it also made the menu rows overlap.
Torgamm (10-05-2006) - v1.04
You may try the version I found on this site : http://mkawa.dyndns.org/SoftOkiba.htm It is optimized for HTC Universal which has a VGA screen too.
mudroads (03-12-2007) - v1.04
I prefer this to Total Commander - it's easier to use and much better looking. No need to pay for Resco!
plitvicer (07-24-2007) - v1.04
I forgot to say that it works very fine with WM5 (HTC P3600). It looks good, is fast, simply perfect.
uvor (01-12-2008) - v1.04
The Torgamm-link above is dead, and on my Toshiba E800bt VGA the Icon-appearance is just quartered... what a pity, do I have to live with it?
The Foliator (06-08-2008) - v1.04
I have only rwo minor complaints about the version I'm using (1.99): 1) The very helpful line-select option in the detailed view will not stay active from session to session. I have to keep turning it back on. 2) If a lot of files are selected for the built-in zip compression, the process stops short, excluding some files from the archive. For example, I tried zippng 41 files just now, and the compression stopped at 19. No big deal; I have a couple of other zip utilities, but this does appear to be a bug.