title: C++ code to emulate virtually mapped network drive under Windows?
body: <p>Here is the situation:</p>
  
  <p>I have a RESTful web service which when queried returns a list of virtual files (file-name, size, last modified, creation date and an id). It is also possible to get the binary content data of any file using its id from the same web service. </p>
  
  <p>What I want to do:</p>
  
  <p>I want to write a piece of C++ code which convinces the operating system (Windows XP, vista or 7) that there exists a mapped network drive (for ex: Z) such that when the user types (Z:\) in windows explorer the list of virtual files (which is returned from the web service) is displayed. Also when double clicking on a file icon in the explorer view, the piece of C++ code should retrieve the binary data form the web service and present it to the OS as the legitimate file content.</p>
  
  <p>In other words, the user (and the OS for that matter) shouldn't be able to tell the difference between Z and any other ordinary drive.</p>
  
  <p>Any ideas?</p>