How to Extract MDS Files

The MDS file format is primarily used by Alcohol 120%, a program that creates image files from CDs and DVDs. Alcohol 120% makes it possible to copy the contents from a disc into a single file, which can be "mounted" to a virtual optical drive. If you have downloaded or been given a file with the MDS extension, the file was created using Alcohol 120%. Download and install Alcohol 120% to extract the data from an MDS file.

Instructions

1. Download and install Alcohol 120% using the link in the Resource section of this article. Alcohol 120% is commercial software, costing $57 to purchase as of 2009. However, a free 15-day trial is available. Launch the program after installing it.

2. Click "File," then click "Open." Browse to the MDS file and double click it. The file will appear in the main area of the Alcohol 120% window.

3. Right click the MDS file in the main area of the Alcohol 120% window, and click "Mount on Device." Select "Virtual DVD/CD-ROM." This is the virtual device installed with Alcohol 120%.

4. Click the "Start" button, then click "Computer" ("My Computer" in Windows XP or earlier).

5. Right click on the virtual DVD drive, and click "Explore."

6. Extract the files from the MDS image mounted to the virtual drive by copying them to the location of your choice.

References

• Alcohol 120%

Resources

• Alcohol 120% Trial Download