How to Create a Backup Disc Image File on Windows XP
Creating an image file of a physical disc is a good way to back up your media for archiving or making copies of at a later point. Ed Bott, Microsoft Press author and Expert Zone columnist, explicitly states that Windows XP does not include the capabilities to create image file backups without the use of add-ons. He directs Windows XP users to the Windows PowerToy add-on ISO Recorder that adds this functionality so that making backup copies of your discs is a breeze.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Download and install the Microsoft-recommended ISO Recorder PowerToy. This is not the only utility that can preform such a task, but it is the only one that adds the functionality to the Windows XP base system. Other such programs include MagicISO and Alcohol 120.
-
2
Insert the blank CD or DVD into the computer's optical drive.
-
3
Open the My Computer window in Windows Explorer.
-
4
Right-click the CD or DVD drive containing the media. Select "Create image from CD."
-
5
Set a name for the backup image file and save it to the .iso file format. Select "Save" and Windows will begin the process of converting the disc to image.
-
1
