Windows XP disconnect physical disk, retain access to directory structure?

[rhatsaruck]

All the IDE connections on my computer are used: 3 for HD, 1 for IDE. I'd like to disconnect one disk and put in a new one. However I'd like to be able to use Windows Explorer to browse the directory structure of the disconnected disk. Does 3rd party software exist to do this?

I know I could setup a file server to achieve this (and more) but it's overkill for my needs. I really only need to view the directory structure of the disconnected hard drive. If I really need the data I'm willing to physically reconnect that drive.

 

[montag451]

Hi,

Unlikely that you would be able to get a drive to refresh and share any information on it if it isn't connected to the mobo/power.
You would need a very powerful and friendly god for that. (try off topic).

You could use an external enclosure to shove your drive into and connect up through usb/firewire/nic.
Or, you could get a pci hard drive controller (promise seem to be ok) where you could plug in some hdd internally into the card.

 

[gwag]

perhaps you should try some disk cataloging software, sorry I can't offer any advice on wich one but I am sure there are lots.

 

[rhatsaruck]

Originally posted by: gwag:
disk cataloging software

That's the term I'm looking for. Thanks.