How to Open MDF & MDS Files

MDF images emulate a CDDVD image by running in a container file on your computer.

MDF and MDS files are made with a program called "Alcohol 120%." These files are virtual image files that emulate optical drive media. The MDS file is the catalog or index and the MDF is the actual image. This file structure is beneficial for music and movie files as it allows a user to burn the MDF and MDS file to disk for playability in external CD\DVD players. However, you can also open these files directly on your computer without having to burn them.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol 120% or Daemon Tools

Instructions

Alcohol 120%

1. Open the Alcohol 120% program.

2. Click on "Device" in the top toolbar.

3. Click on the "Mount Image" link.

4. Browse to the "MDF" file, click on it, and select "Mount."

Daemon Tools

1. Start the "Daemon Tools" application, then right-click on the "Daemon Tools" icon in your taskbar.

2. Select "Virtual Devices." If you do not see any virtual devices listed, select "Add virtual drive" from the menu.

3. Right-Click on the "Daemon Tools" icon and select "Virtual Devices," then click on "Device 0."

4. Select "Mount Image," then browse to, and double-click the "MDF" file to open it.

References

• Alcohol 120%: Manual
• Daemon Tools: Image Mounting

Resources

• Alcohol 120% Product Page
• Daemon Tools Lite Product Page