How to Mount CD or DVD Image Files

CD and DVD images are a great way to store data without having to keep up with actual disks that clutter your work area. You can make images out of your discs and store them on a hard drive, but to access them you need to be able to mount them. Here are some ways that you can mount your disc images and easily access all of your data.

Instructions

1. Download some software. You need disc image management software in order to access image files. There is some free software on the web, such as Virtual CloneDrive, and some you have to pay for but offer more options, like MagicISO. Find software that meets your needs, and your budget. If there is a demo, try it out before you buy.

2. Set up a virtual drive with your disk image management software. A virtual drive will show up in your computer settings as another physical disc drive. The purpose of a virtual drive is that you can mount disc images on it, which is kind of like tricking your computer into thinking that there is a physical CD or DVD in a physical disc drive, while in reality it's all software.

3. Locate any CD or DVD images you have or create disc images in your image management software. Some common file extensions of CD and DVD images are .ISO, .IMG, .CCD, .BIN and .CUE.

4. Mount your image on your virtual drive. You can do this sometimes in your disc image management software. You may also be able to mount your images by right clicking on your virtual drive in My Computer and selecting mount. Point the virtual drive to your desired image file.

5. Open your disc image to verify it is working and access your data. You should be able to double click or right click and select open to get to your files. If your imaged CD or DVD has an autorun feature, it should start automatically when you mount the image.

Tips & Warnings

• Backup important data and discs that you do not use often to image files, place them on an extra hard drive and mount the CD or DVD images when you need to access it.