User Reviews
Virtual Desktop Manager Powertoy
Virtual Desktop Manager is a Microsoft Powertoy for Windows XP. It allows you to maintain up to 4 different desktops, each with it`s own applications and desktop wallpapers. It integrates into the ta ...
Average of 8 user ratings: 
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- Aug 21, 2008
- For version:
- 1.0
Bug since 2003 still there in 2008 
- Interface: 1
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 1
- Overall:
One major problem with msvdm is that it stores its wallpapers in the temp-folder, so you loose them when you clean up your disk. You'd think this could be easily fixed by storing the wallpapers somewhere else, but apparently not for the guys at MS, who still have not managed that almost five years after. Come on guys, why did you pick that folder in the first place? It should be obvious that this would happen.
Review by: Qalso70 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by Qalso70
- Jan 06, 2008
- For version:
- 1.0
Still has glitches after several years
- Interface: 4
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 1
- Overall:
This program has always proved to be a little bit dice-y for many potential users. I've tried installing it several times on several computers with Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista most recently with mixed results, but none of them running smoothly. Microsoft would have something really useful here for some people if they would fix it!
Review by: kol2008 (15)
Read all 15 reviews by kol2008
- Jun 08, 2007
- For version:
- 1.0
No added functionality or tools
- Interface: 1
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I wanted the multiple desktop capability that UNIX/LINUX has. It does not allow one to simply glide from one desktop to the other (a feature windows really should have). You must manually select with the mouse or a shortcut key. Also some programs minimize when returning. It has no advantage over simply using the task bar except each desktop can have its own background (pretty useless).
Review by: joe_ski
First post
- Nov 05, 2006
- For version:
- 1.0
Very good powertoy, but could be a bit better
- Interface: 4
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I didn't have any problems or bugs running this powertoy, except that I couldn't Transfer programs from desktop to desktop. I tried reinstalling and rebooting multiple times, but nothing worked. I even tried installing after a scheduled reformat. Instead of switching like that, this powertoy also offers shared desktops(all programs are present on all desktops, but are minimized automatically)Other than that I really like it. Everything that the average user needs is here in my opinion.
Review by: 4606_GT
First post
- Dec 26, 2005
- For version:
- 1.0
Reviewing it a year later, and still glitch-y
- Interface: 4
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 2
- Overall:
I have tried several times to use this software over a couple of years on different computers. Microsoft would have something really useful here if they'd fix the glitches, but they don't bother to do that. Check my review above... I've downloaded this to a couple of new laptop computers... IBM ThinkPads... and still found many of the same problems as with the Sony VAIO computers I tried it on a year ago. Some people I know have used Virtual Desktop Manager Powertoy successfully, others have had similar problems to those I've experienced. I have yet to see a "virtual desktop manager" that works well with Windows XP -- even shareware! This kind of software would be great for laptop users who travel a lot... if it worked!!!
Review by: KenRurik
First post
- Apr 16, 2005
- For version:
- 1.0
Microsoft's lacking on this one.
- Interface: 1
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 2
- Overall:
This is a program which proves pretty glitch-y for a fair number of potential users. I have attempted to use it several times on each of 2 Sony VAIO laptops and given up in disgust after a few days because the virtual desktops you set up do not stay set up, icons migrate and sometimes settings you make disappear when you reboot. Could be a great one if Microsoft would perfect it. The idea itself wold be a terrific feature -- if it worked!! But, it's freeware, so the price can't be quibbled about.
Review by: Kenmartin
First post
- Jan 22, 2005
- For version:
- 1.0
Do i really need this!?
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 4
- Overall:
At first, I was looking for something that will switch desktop like Linux/Solaris does, It can also switch all system tray icons and desktop icons. But this is only for picture display. It's nice to have, but not to me. It serves no purpose to me at all if it doesn't hide or change the system tray icons from other desktop. Basically, this is just some enhancement for you to beautify your boring look at your computer. That's all. You can't hide from your boss of what you have been doing in you system tray or desktop...... I would not recommend it if you are looking for security purpose.
Review by: homeflash (54)
Read all 54 reviews by homeflash
- Jun 27, 2004
- For version:
- 1.0
Boss protection
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This powertoy is very useful as well as effective when in the office... put a spreadsheet or two on one desktop, download music on the other. If u use boss protection for MSN messenger, this is much the same. However, this doesn't work with large applications like computer games - it just takes too much time to switch desktops in those cases. Just don't use this for purposes other than quick switching once in a while and u'll b fine. (the easy-program hotkey shortcuts are very handy when time is of the essence :))
Review by: adrienne_w
First post
