With the beginning of the era of CDs, users began to have a file with the ISO extension on their computers. And if the old PC owners know perfectly well what kind of "beast" this is, then newcomers are afraid of this format and do not know what to do with it, what it is for and how to open an ISO file. There is nothing wrong with this file and it does not carry any "usefulness" for the installed operating system. However, this issue is definitely worth looking into. Let's start with the basics.
What is ISO?
An ISO file is a virtual copy of a disc or any other optical (or non-optical) media. It was created by a special program that can make exact copies from media. Such programs include UltraISO, Alcohol 120% and some others. Most often, images of games (which refuse to run without a disk) and operating systems (for their subsequent rewriting to a disk or flash drive) are saved in this format. How to open ISO? There are a number of programs for this. All of them are third-party, since Microsoft's Windows operating system does not know how to work with such files by default. So, consider the most popular programs.
Daemon Tools
This is probably the most popular and widespread program for working with virtual copies of disks. The utility is able to create a fair amount of virtual drives to run copies of disks. It uses the SPTD driver for this. To open a disk image using this utility, you must first launch the program, click the "Add Image" button and find the desired ISO file. Then you need to select this file in the program manager with the right mouse button and select "Mount". If there is an autorun file on the disk, then the desired window will open by itself. If not, then you need to open a virtual drive with this disk in the "Explorer" and then proceed to other actions. This is one of the answers to the question of how to open an ISO image.
This method of opening ISO files is very popular among gamers. The fact is that many games categorically refuse to run without the original disc in the drive. And disks, as you know, are not eternal. Therefore, instead of it, an image is often substituted. It's easier. And the speed of reading a virtual disk is much higher than an optical one. And sometimes speed is everything. However, let's move on to other programs.
WinRAR
As strange as it may sound, even this archiver is capable of opening ISO files. True, the archiver cannot fully emulate a virtual drive. Therefore, you will not be able to get autorun. Opening images of this format using an archiving program is worth it only if you just need to copy the contents of the image to a separate folder on your hard drive. This requires you to install WinRAR first. After installation, the program associates itself with files of this type. It remains only to double-click on the desired file and the utility will open it in its window. Now it can be unpacked by simple drag and drop to any directory. If "not picked up", then you need to right-click on the ISO file and select "Open with WinRAR". And then start unpacking. Here is another answer to the question of how to open an ISO file.
But WinRAR is not very popular among regular users. Only older users remember him. Most young people do not even imagine that such a program even exists. Therefore, it is better to use other programs. For example, the one that comes next in our review.
Total Commander
If you do not have WinRAR, but have this wonderful file manager, then we can assume that the trick is in the bag. This manager has in its arsenal all possible archivers. Therefore, any archive in "Total" opens in the same way as a regular directory. But there is one feature: if you open it in this way, you can only copy the archive files to a separate directory. And yet, Total Commander is another answer to the question of how to open an ISO. You just need to run the program, find the directory with the ISO file and double-click on it with the left mouse button. A list of files contained in the image will immediately open. Now you can do whatever you want with them.
Total Commander is much faster than WinRAR. That is why many users prefer to work with this particular file manager. In addition, it has a two-panel structure, which is quite convenient. There is only one minus: the program is not free. Just like WinRAR. But this does not affect functionality in any way.
Conclusion
So, we have sorted out what ISO disks are, how to open them and what they are for. Everything is simple here. ISO is a virtual disk image. To open it, you can use programs such as Daemon Tools, WinRAR and Total Commander. If you need a full-featured disc with menus, animations and all the "pretty things", then you will have to use only Daemon Tools to open the image. If you just need to copy the contents of the image to a directory, then a well-known archiver or an equally well-known file manager will do. As you can see, opening an ISO file is quite easy. It all depends on specific goals and objectives.
DAEMON Tools is the best program for creating virtual disks and their mounting (emulation), which significantly reduces disk space and allows you to back up all the necessary files. The main difference between this program and many others similar is that the developers of the utility put the interests of their users much higher than everything else. This is evidenced by the constant updating of versions of the program, which is becoming more and more convenient to use and universal in application. The main advantages of the utility include:
- the ability to create images (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) as a file and mount them.
- the ability to replace the physical wear of all types of discs.
- convenient and clear interface will not make absolutely anyone use the program by all categories of users.
- allows you to use all possible image formats.
- provides the ability to copy boot disks, and also gives the ability to protect saved files with a password, which will ensure complete security for storing the file.
In order to be able to use the program, you need to take the following steps.
First you need to download and install the program on a personal computer:
After that, select the desired program components to use and determine the program installation folder. Installation will take a matter of minutes.
After installation, you need to run the program and select the image creation tab, after which a window will open in which you need to select the disk drive parameters, recording speed, and the location of the new disk image. Select the file for the image and its format. It is desirable to specify the maximum reading speed and, if necessary, you can specify a protection password.
At the end of the selection of parameters, you need to click on the start button and the image will be created automatically in the previously specified folder.
A fairly convenient interface and ease of use are the main advantages of this program, which is designed to greatly secure and expand the range of possibilities of your disk images up to 4 different units, which will replace the need to save disks and be afraid of their failure.
Category: Disk images
The ISO format is used when creating a disk image (its exact copy). To open it, there are a lot of programs (even the usual Total Commander is capable of this). But the best of them can not only open this format, but also play it as a full disc.
No. 1. Daemon Tools
Every gamer knows this name. The program can create virtual drives and mount the necessary images in them. However, this is only one of its possibilities. In fact, the application is capable of a lot.Video review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94r1xMmGFRA Features:- Creating images. The product is able to create an image in ISO format from any optical media. Works great with DVD, DVD-DL, Blu-Ray and CD.
- Bypass protection. Daemon Tools easily bypasses country code lock protection for game discs and movies. Even the vaunted protective mechanisms of StarForce or Denuvo do not save.
- Own driver. For normal operation of the program and the ability to bypass protection, you must install the proprietary SPDT driver. It usually comes with a kit.
- Omnivorous. Daemon Tools can mount and play more than just the ISO format. The program also has access to such popular formats as MDF, MDS, BIN, NRG.
- the program is easy to use;
- has a nice interface;
- there is a special free Lite version;
- Russian language included;
- does not particularly load the computer;
- works even on older machines;
- integrated into the Windows context menu;
- easily removed.
No. 2. UltraISO
This is not just a program for opening ISO files, but an advanced combine with rich functionality. This is the second most popular product that is actively used by users around the world. UltraISO has a very impressive list of tools. But that's not all.
Video review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX3UQrJObeY Features:- Creating images. The program does a great job of copying any discs. The images are saved in ISO format and are amazingly accurate.
- Built-in error correction algorithm. If the copy cannot be removed due to a read error, then the application will do its best to somehow bypass the error and not violate the integrity of the image.
- Creating bootable USBs. Many people use UltraISO to create bootable flash drives with a particular operating system.
- Review. The program boasts a built-in explorer that is able to show the entire contents of the ISO image.
- Easy installation process
- Windows context menu integration
- multitasking
- Russian language "out of the box"
- Adequate work with Windows 10
- Low CPU and RAM load
- Advanced error avoidance algorithm
- Intuitive interface
- Simple removal process.
Number 3. Alcohol 120%
Another product that is able to emulate drives to run disk images. It has its own format (MDF, MDS) and boasts high performance. However, it takes up quite a lot of hard drive space.
Video review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcSkMZaSijY Features:- Creating images. Easily copes with copying any discs. But it saves in its own format, which is not very popular.
- Running images. Able to create a virtual drive and run an image of any format in it. Even the notorious ISO.
- Bypass protection. Like Daemon Tools, it can bypass protection mechanisms, but it does not cope with all of them.
- Work in the background. Always works in the background. At this time, the tray icon is visible. When doing this, it loads the computer.
- intuitive interface;
- Russian language included;
- reproduction of images of any formats;
- able to bypass some protection;
- works great with Windows 10;
- there is a special free version (Alcohol 50%);
- simple installation and removal process;
- modern design.
The question of opening certain types of files constantly arises among computer users, since not every extension is supported by a standard set of programs preinstalled in the operating system.
What are ISO files for?
My acquaintance with ISO files began in those days when it was a big problem to find programs on the Internet, and low speed and expensive traffic put an end to any attempts to download online.
People used disks and actively copied them from each other. There was one problem in this process - many discs had protection. Games without a disc inserted into a CD or DVD drive did not work, and autorun was required to install programs. In a word, it was impossible to just take and copy the files - the disk itself was needed.
During this period, programs appeared that imitated the drive, creating its virtual counterpart, and the files with which they worked received the ISO extension.
An ISO file is an image file of a CD or DVD disc that contains all the data that is present on its physical original (optical disc) in a packaged form. In addition to storing a disk image, using files of this format allows you to create an exact digital copy of the original by writing data to a blank CD-RW or DVD-RW.
Most often, ISO files are used for distribution of large assemblies of programs, or for versions of large paid products such as Windows, Microsoft Office, Photoshop, games, etc.
Programs that open ISO files
Two types of programs are used to open image files - archivers and drive emulators.
1. Archivers
These are programs that work with archive files. The main purpose of archives is to compress information or combine a large number of different files into one, so that it is more convenient to transfer it somewhere. These include WinRar, 7Zip and a few others.
In its structure, the ISO file is identical to other archive formats, therefore, it is supported by the above archivers.
2. CD/DVD drive emulators
The purpose of these programs is not to work with files inside disk images, but to create virtual disks and connect image files (ISO) instead of physical storage media. Emulators are not designed to edit or work with individual files within an image.
How to open an ISO disk image file with WinRar?
In the article "" I already talked about this archiver and its capabilities, so if you decide to get to know it in more detail, go there. We are now interested in how to open ISO with it.
Since your ISO files do not have the WinRar-specific icon in the form of a stack of books, I believe that you do not have an archiver or this file type is not included in its settings as a characteristic one.
1. If the archiver is not installed
You need to download it from the official site - win-rar.ru/download/
After running the setup file, you will be asked which files to associate with WinRar. If you want to automatically open ISO files with this program, then check this box.
Now all image files will have the corresponding icon and will be automatically opened by the archiver on double-click.
The program allows you to make changes to the contents of the archive - delete, add and edit files.
2. If WinRar is already installed and ISO does not open
Files are marked as unrecognized, which means that the files are not associated with the program. In this case, it is possible to manually select WinRar when opening the file or change the program settings so that it understands the ISO by default.
To change the settings, run the archiver. Press the key combination Ctrl + S or select the "Options" tab in the top menu and "Settings" in it.
In the settings, we need the last tab code-named "Integration" - in it the treasured plate with the types of associated files is hidden. Put a tick in front of ISO and click "OK".
We found out how to open a file to extract the necessary data from it and make changes, now let's move on to using it as an image.
How to run an ISO file with Daemon Tools Lite
To work with image files for its intended purpose, you can use not only this program, there are a number of applications that create virtual disks and use ISO images, the free versions of each of them are approximately identical in capabilities and user interface.
I feel comfortable using Daemon Tools Lite because it's free (no need to pay, look for pirated versions and various cracks), and, most importantly, I'm used to it.
Program installation
Official site for downloading the application - daemon-tools.cc/rus/products/dtLite
Download the installation file from there, when you run it, you will be offered to install a free version of the program with ads or pay a small fee to use a clean product.
During the installation, they may ask a few more questions (depending on the version of the program, something changes). In particular, you can choose which shortcuts to put in the system, whether to allow the transfer of statistics data and which files to associate with this application automatically.
During installation, there may be suggestions for installing software for different types of controllers - they are not required, but may be useful.
First start
The first launch of the program will take place immediately after installation, if you do not refuse this action by unchecking the box. When you first start Daemon tools will offer to scan all your hard drives (HDD) for suitable files (ISO and other involved). I recommend unchecking all unnecessary checkboxes, leaving only ISO.
At the end of the scan, the main interface of the program will open, where the central part will contain the image files that were found during the scan.
Program interface
At the top right is the search box and "+" to search and add new images.
At the bottom are icons of active virtual disks, and on the left is a menu for management (which you can do without).
In order to run the ISO file with Daemon Tools, you need to select it with the mouse and drag it to the virtual disk in the bottom panel. The image will be instantly mounted into the drive and autorun will occur if it was provided by this file.
All virtual disks are perceived by the system as normal and are displayed in the "My Computer" list.
In such a disk, you can enter and walk through the folders, as with a regular disk.
How to enable multiple drives at the same time
Daemon Tools can open several ISO files at the same time, mounting images to different virtual disks. This means that it is not necessary to extract one file before installing another - you can run at least all the found image files at the same time.
To do this, when selecting the desired image file, do not drag it to the disk on the bottom panel, but click on the "Mount" link in the left menu.
In this case, a new virtual CD/DVD drive will be automatically created and the disk image will be installed into it.
Other Useful Features
The "Quick Mount" icon allows you to add images to the drive immediately through the explorer, even if they are not in the list of found ones.
To extract files and to delete virtual disks, right-click on the disk with the desired letter and select "Unmount" or "Delete" respectively.
The paid version of the program has a lot of functions that are no longer related to opening ISO images, but to creating them and burning them to physical discs, if you need these functions, you can connect them by paying a certain amount.
We are done with you for today, I hope that now you will not have problems opening ISO files and launching other types of images.
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Daemon Tools Lite is a CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive emulator, a freeware program for reading and creating virtual images of laser optical discs. With the help of Daemon Tools Lite you can create up to 4 virtual CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives in the system and you can use them like ordinary optical drives, with the only difference that you need to insert electronic casts, images of optical media into them. Daemon Tools Lite is a great solution for a computer that does not have a laser drive. Install Daemon Tools Lite and you will be able to create *.iso, *.mdx and *.mds disk images, as well as mount images of *.iso, *.nrg, *.cue, *.vhd, *.ccd formats into a virtual drive, *.bwt, *.b5t, *.b6t, *.cdi, *.isz, *.dmg.
Reading images
Using a virtual disk image allows you to more reliably store information, because the disk image file cannot be scratched, and the reading speed from a virtual drive is many times higher than the reading speed of a conventional drive, moreover, when accessing a virtual drive, there is no noise at all that occurs when a laser disk rotates. It is also convenient to store information in the form of image files on disk, because it does not take up space on the shelves. Mounting disks is possible directly from the Explorer window, the program is built into its context menu during installation. Daemon Tools Lite implements copy protection bypass algorithms for Laserlock, CDCOPS, Protect CD, SafeDisc, Securom, StarForce and others, thanks to which you can emulate both regular and protected disks.
Screenshots of Daemon Tools Lite
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