How do I run an ISO file on Windows XP?

Question

Someone sent me software as a single ISO file. How do I install this?

Answer 1

You need a tool that creates a virtual CD/DVD drive and "mounts" the ISO as a virtual CD.

Some famous tools are:

• Daemon Tools (not free anymore :-( )
• Virtual CloneDrive

Answer 2

An ISO is an image of a CD or DVD disc. It contains all the data, and is often used to make multiple copies of an optical disc. You can install the software on it in one of several ways:

• You can burn it to CD/DVD using tools like ImgBurn or Nero, and then use the CD like normal;
• You can mount it in a "fake" CD drive using Virtual CloneDrive or Daemon Tools; or
• You can use a program such as MagicISO to extract files from it.

Answer 3

You need to install something like Virtual CD or the Microsoft Virtual CD Control Panel (direct link to exe)

This will then allow you to read or "mount" the ISO file as though it were a real CD or DVD.

Answer 4

WinCDEmu is an open-source software that allows mounting CD/DVD images by clicking at the image files in Windows Explorer. It supports both Windows XP and Vista

it doesn't get much easier :)

WinCDEmu is open-source and freeware.

Answer 5

Use Daemon Tools/PowerISO or, if you want to look inside the ISO, use 7-Zip or WinRAR.

Answer 6

Install the free utility http://www.slysoft.com/en/virtual-clonedrive.html then right click the ISO file to mount it as a drive like E: and then it functions just like a physical read-only drive.

Answer 7

I am using Power ISO : easy and simple to use...

Answer 8

Virtual Clone Drive is the easiest to use in my opinion. It has the added benefit of being completely free.

Once you've installed it you'll see a new "virtual" CD drive appear on your machine. You'll also get a small icon in the notification area of your start menu near the clock that will look like a small silver CD. Right clicking on that will let you choose the ISO file from a location on your hard drive to your virtual CD drive. From there the virtual drive will behave just like a real disc drive.