How to Open Bin Files on Windows

By Mitchell White

BIN is a virtual CD image that copies a real CD.
i cd image by Thierry Hoarau from Fotolia.com

BIN is a virtual CD format, which means it's an electronic copy of an actual CD. Virtual CD files such as BIN are made to backup real CDs in case they get damaged. Opening a BIN file in Windows is done through virtual CD software that you can download and use for free from the Internet. This software will "mount" your BIN file, functioning just like a virtual version of a CD drive.

Download and install Power ISO for a one-program solution for opening your CD BIN files. Double-click on the Power ISO image you see in the bottom-right corner of Windows. Click on any of the drive letters you see there, such as "Drive [Drive J:]." Select "Mount Image" and double-click on your BIN file in the Browse window that appears to access the virtual BIN disk.

Try Daemon Tools for another free alternative. After you install the program, right-click the icon in the bottom right corner of Windows for Daemon Tools. Click on "Virtual CD/DVD-ROM" and then click on "Device 0." Double-click on the BIN file in the browse window to mount it. The CD should then be recognized by your computer and load automatically.

Use WinMount as an alternative program to use. After it's installed, open the program and click "Mount file" to select your BIN file to mount. Click "mount to" to select a drive for it to go. Use the "Open Drive" button to open your mounted BIN image.

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