How to Mount a folder without sharing it in Xp

Question

I have a few folders that I refer to quite often. These folders are often deep in the folder tree. For example: E:\Work\Dec2009\rasters or something like that.

Is there a way to mount this folder as a new drive, so that I can quickly access it using My Computer?

I know that we can mount shared folders as network drives and they appear in My Computer; Is there a similar way to mount folders on your own computer without sharing the folder in question?

Answer 1

You can use SUBST, which is like drive mapping except it works with local paths rather than UNC paths.

In a command prompt or .bat/.cmd file:

subst x: E:\Work\Dec2009\rasters

To remove:

subst /d x:

Note that the drives created by subst are not persistent, so you'll have to create a .bat/.cmd file and place a shortcut in your StartUp group if you want this to be applied every time you log on.

Answer 2

Not as cool as Graeme's answer, I would have been inclined to make a shortcut to the folder on my desktop.

Answer 3

While using the subst command is a cute little trick (+1!), the number of drive letters is limited. Perhaps a 'directory hotlist' might suit you:

My tool of choice is Total Commander - simply hit CTRL + D to add a location to the "Directory Hotlist"

If you fancy something more 'graphical', have a look at Standalone Stack

There is also Anvir Task Manager Free, which automatically populates a list (accessible from tray icon) showing the most recently opened folders (folders can be added manually to this list).