Windows Live SkyDrive (initially Windows Live Folders) is part of Microsoft’s Windows Live range of online services. SkyDrive is a file storage and sharing service that allows users to upload files to the computing cloud, then access them from a web browser. It uses Windows Live ID to control access to the user’s files, allowing them to keep the files private, share with contacts, or make the files public. Publicly-shared files do not require a Windows Live ID to access. So as long as you have a Hotmail or MSN email account, you have a SkyDrive. The service currently offers 25 GB of free personal storage, with individual files limited to 50 MB.
Recently I discovered SkyDrive Explorer, a very useful extension that allows you to access SkyDrive files from My Computer. The concept is exactly the same as GMail Drive Extension which turns your Google email into a virtual file system. SkyDrive would be a better option compared to Gmail because Gmail is an email service and not meant to be a file storage. It can be a little risky if one day Google decides to delete files that are uploaded using GMail Drive Extension or suspend your Google account.
SkyDrive Explorer is a free, easy-to-use, but very powerful extension for Windows Explorer. With SkyDrive Explorer you can make any every-day operations with your documents from Microsoft Live SkyDrive service using Windows Explorer, as if they were on your computer. Moreover you don’t need to install and configure any additional programs or ActiveX components. SkyDrive Explorer will organize the interaction with the online storage itself. With the current beta version of SkyDrive Explorer v1.1 you can enjoy the following functionality:
View the structure and contents of folders in SkyDrive View files information (type, size, creation date in GMT format) Create new root folders and subfolders Copy files into the storage Delete files and folders Copy files from the storage to the computer Copy folders and subfolders from the storage to the computer saving their structure Use Drag & Drop for files operations Rename files and folders Create links to SkyDrive folders
After installing SkyDrive Explorer which is only 1.17MB in size, you will see an additional icon in My Computer called SkyDrive Explorer. Double clicking on that icon will prompt you to enter your Windows Live ID. The login form looks very much like Windows Live Messenger 2009.
After a successful login, you’ll be presented with a few folders like you normally see on your computer. My internet connection upload speed is 384Kbps (48KBps) and I was able to upload at 46KBps.
You do not have to worry about people snooping on your connection because it is protected with HTTPS protocol. SkyDrive Explorer is free and works both in 32- and 64-bit version Windows starting from XP to 7.
[ Download SkyDrive Explorer ]
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I can’t login …
always show this error: (server error ( 80048820 ) ,please try again later :(
NIce info… it has same function like many paid online storage like nero.. but this is free and big capacity.. Thanks for this tips.. :)
How do I get rid of this error (server error ( 80048820 ) please try again later), I can not log in..?
thanx alot for sharing :)
Hi Raymond,
May I suggest you add a section e.g. “Addendum” or “Readers’ Feedback” towards the end of your blog for any additional input and/or readers’ valid contribution and feedback.
I’m sure when you do that, readers will feel appreciated bcoz they were heard.
This is more for reader appreciation than anything else.
This doesn’t let me OPEN the files in my vdrive. I moved them over, I don’t have thumbnails when I view the files in Explorer and I can’t even open the files. All I can do is upload…
Nice post. Have been using Gladinet (gladinet.com) to map SkyDrive as a drive for sometime. Will try this one.
Do try the new release, guys! Content of the folders is not empty :)
Same here… using Win7 32bit RC.
Only an empty folder, no matter how many files I try to upload. Already uploaded files I already had on my Skydrive, I can see just fine. It’s a pity, it looks nice.
Its a good utility as described by everyone but it didn’t worked for me. Everytime I login using this program, I am shown an empty folder. I can do nothing but logout. Wish it worked for me.
Thnx mate!
haven’t yet installed in my PC but I already downloaded.hope it works on my PC.thanks very much
nice post..will certainly help me a lot besides dropbox
i haven’t yet installed in my PC but I already downloaded.hope it works on my PC.thanks very much ray.
Hi Raymond,
i’ve been following your post for a few years already and this is my 1st time writing a comment.
I realised that SkyDrive Explorer is a 3rd party software not officially released by Microsoft to complement Windows Live SkyDrive.
I am reluctant to login to Windows Live through 3rd party software – SkyDrive Explorer.
How safe can this 3rd party software be trusted?
Entrust Microsoft with my files and stored data?
Enable Microsoft to further tighten its stranglehold on my computing activities ?
Trust Microsoft with the safekeeping of my data “in-the-clouds” after the massively embarrasing and shameful loss of Sidekick Mobile Phone customer data?
bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2009/10/the_sidekick_cloud_disaster.html
i4u.com/article27526.html
In The Clouds? You would have to have your head in the clouds to trust Microsoft with storing your data ! A server crash – yes – but informed blogs (microsoft whistle blowers) assure all that it was Microsoft’s usual cynicism, greed and total ineptitude when they bought out “Danger” data storage company that caused the Sidekick to be withdrawn from the market to protect T-Mobile’s market reputation. Great of course for the competing product Micro$oft plans to launch – lousy for the Sidekick users who lost all their personal records – and lousy for T-Mobile – who further rumours suggest are putting together a $100 million PLUS dollar law suit for damages and incompetance against Micro$soft.
Live SkyDrive seems to be synonymous with Live DriveBy Suicide wish – to me !!! Thanks but no thanks !
if i login with my account will it work
login password???????????????????????????????? by the way good information
would skydive be a good backup (storage) for music files?
Can this program resume upload / download?
Can we trust Microsoft that is not gonna take a peek into our files ?
Let`s say I depozit there ( in Windows Live SkyDrive ) some cracks and other files – ex. keygens … ??? )
Maybe would be better to put them archivated + password protected ???
What`s your oppinion Raymond ?
Where is the link?
On my Vista PC, Skydrive Explorer doesn’t work: when trying to upload a file, the transfer is automatically aborted by DEP (the Data Execution Prevention that is a core part of Windows security). This happens while DEP is set to its default minimum setting of “Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only”. So it looks like the Skydrive Explorer designers simply forgot to include DEP compatability in their software.
Amazing info…….. Thanks ray
Hi Ray
Think this is a great tool. I recently discovered what a great thing skydive is.
Now with this little gem you presented here today there will be alot more ease… I surely will give it a try later on…
THX Ray…keep doing the good work.
Thanks Ray
The link to download the skydrive explorer wasn’t in the article. So here it is:
skydriveexplorer.com
great and useful article, thanks Raymond.
Sounds good!!
Hi Raymond,
I’ve just installed SkyDrive Explore on my Win 7. and Got the following error. Could u help me out.
Regards,
“Program files\SkyDrive Explorer\sdapi.dll
unable to register the DLL/OCX: RegSvr32 failed with exit code 0×5
Click Retry to try agian, Inore to proceed anyway(not recommended) or Abort to cancel installation”
has this been approved my microsoft?
Is there some way to make it so i don’t have to sign in again every time i start up the comp? The same thing annoys me with my webdav.
This is useful only for small files, because upload limit is 50 MB, I knew this is to good to be true from Microsoft
Thanks a lot but it shows an
server error ( 80048820 ) please try again later
tnx rey very helpful.nice post.
nice post good thing .thanks ray.
didnt know about this tool!! thanks ray
BTW: i think u forgot the link
Nice find. will try.
Thanks Mr. Raymond!!!
Can you post the downloadlink, please?.
Anyway…. thank you very much.. It will be very handy for me.
Best regards,
Jose.
Thanks..
good information
Thanks Ray for sharing this information..
Have a good day..!!
To upload, each file must be less than 50 mb. That is the disadvantages.
thnq for the info ray
Awesome man . thanks
Good Find Ray.
it will be great,…
i am downloading and installing skydrive Explorer
will give a try
Thanks Ray