Abstract: A method and system for responding locally to requests for file metadata associated with files stored remotely includes a method of responding locally to requests for file metadata without downloading the file from a remote location. A directory structure representing an application program stored by a remote machine and metadata associated with each file comprising the stored application program are received from the remote machine. The directory and the metadata are stored. At least one request to access metadata associated with a specific tile in the directory structure is received. The stored metadata is used to respond to the at least one request.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing a file in a directory structure associated with an application includes a method of accessing a file in a directory structure associated with an application. A request by an application for access to a file is intercepted. The request is redirected to a first isolation environment. A determination is made that the requested file does not exist in the first isolation environment. The request is redirected to a second isolation environment responsive to a determination that the file is identified in an enumeration of a directory structure including a plurality of application files residing on a remote machine. The requested file is retrieved from a file server, responsive to a determination that the second isolation environment does not contain the file and that the file is identified in the enumeration.