Directory Monitor

Keeping track of what data has been deleted or modified may seem like a trivial task, but if other users have access to your files, you may have a hard time figuring out what files have been added or removed. Directory Monitor will make this easier. Its main function should be obvious due to the name. The software will monitor a folder of your choosing and alert you if something is created, deleted or modified.

The software's installation package is roughly one Mb large. Directory Monitor only requires the .NET Framework 3.5 client profile, which is a minimalist download for XP users. Directory Monitor is compatible with most Windows operating systems and it will run even on low end computers.

The folders you want monitored must be added to a list, on the interface's top half. An Add button, above the list, will bring up a new window, where you can specify the folder. Besides selecting a folder, you can select what events you want the program to watch out for. These include new files, modifications, renames or deletions. Sub-folders can be monitored as well, should you want to. All monitoring options can be set from the same window, after clicking the Add button and they involve browsing for something and clicking check boxes.

If Directory Monitor detects one of the selected actions, it will notify you with a pop up message, in the lower right corner of the screen and it will log the event as well. A history of the actions is displayed on the lower half of the main window, where you can also see the affected file's path and when the event occurred. If a monitored folder's contents are modified by someone from your local area network, the software can also log the user's information.

A third party program can be launched automatically when an event occurs. It can be anything you want and you only have to specify the path of its .exe file in the New Folder window. A sound can be selected the same way and it will be played if Directory Monitor detects something.