How to Run an ISO File From a DVD


An ISO file is essentially a full virtual copy of a CD that has been copied to some type of storage media--in this case, a DVD. These virtual copies are useless to a computer user, however, until they are burned back onto a CD, or until they are accessed--the technical term is "mounted"--by a program that functions as a virtualCD drive. Fortunately, these programs are easy to find and most of them are free to download.


Instructions

1
Download and install the virtual CD drive program of your choice, such as MagicISO or Daemon Tools (see the download links in the "Resources" section). Follow the onscreen instructions, then restart your computer when you are prompted.

2
Insert the DVD containing the ISO image into your computer's DVD drive.

3
Look at the bottom right of your screen and locate the icon representing your virtual drive manager. For Daemon Tools, this will be a small lightning bolt icon. For MagicISO, it will be a hand holding a CD.

4
Move your mouse over the "virtual devices" pop-out menu, then over the "device 0" option. Click "Mount Image."

5
Navigate to theDVD drive containing the DVD with the ISO on it in the "open" window that appears. Select the ISO file, then click "Open."

6
Open "My Computer." You will see an extra CD drive located in the "devices with removable storage" section. This is the virtual drive created by the program you downloaded and installed in Step 1. Double-click this drive to access the ISO file, as it will now behave just like a physical CD that has been inserted in a physical drive.