AppAssure Software, a provider of backup and disaster recovery software, has released a free tool, VHD Mount ShellExtension, that is a Windows Explorer-based option for mounting VHDs and is the first of three utilities from the company’s Hyper-V Toolset.

AppAssure said that the new free tool offers a library that mounts and unmounts VHD files using the VDI interface or powershell scripts available in Windows 2008 R2, Windows 2008 and Windows 7.

According to AppAssure , it offers the Explorer snap-in as a free tool which integrates into its backup and disaster recovery product, Replay. Replay functions includes: server-based continuous application protection with integrated compression and data deduplication; and ability to restore anything from a single file to an entire server.

Other functions include: automatic notifications of problems with users backups, including checks for corruption; virtual servers that are mirror copies of users production environment; remote office protection; and reduced storage costs with the ability to automatically move backups off-site or into the cloud.

Josh Hoffman, Lead Geek of AppAssure, said: Virtualisation continues to help us reduce costs, save power, and simplify the management of our IT infrastructure. In an effort to support the ongoing adoption of virtualisation technology, it’s great to see the release of new tools like the VHD Mount ShellExtension from AppAssure. This powerful utility makes accessing a virtual drive as easy as the double-click of a mouse.”