Opening a SQL Server .bak file (Not restoring!)

Question

I have been reading a LOT of google posts and StackOverflow questions about how to restore a database in SQL Server from a .bak file.

But none of them states how to just

Answer 1

It doesn't seem possible with SQL Server 2008 alone. You're going to need a third-party tool's help.

It will help you make your .bak act like a live database:

http://www.red-gate.com/products/dba/sql-virtual-restore/