How to Boot From a Virtual CD
A virtual CD is essentially an image or copy of a physical CD or DVD. It is often called an ISO after the file extension ".iso" that a virtual CD usually carries. ISOs are popular as a means of backing up disks. To boot or open an application that is in image form, you will also need to have a virtual disk drive installed on your computer. After setting up a virtual disk drive, booting up a virtual CD is just as easy as opening a CD on your computer.
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Instructions
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Download an application that acts as a virtual disk drive (see Resources).
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Open the installation file that you downloaded. Accept any "terms and conditions" and choose a folder on your computer where you wish to save the program. The program will usually be accessible in two locations on your computer. You can access the main program under the Start menu and a simplified shortcut version as an icon in the task bar at the bottom of you desktop screen.
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Righ-click on the program's shortcut icon. Depending on the virtual drive program you use, a "Mount Image" option should be selectable. Select it, and a pop-up box will appear. Find the ISO file or virtual CD you wish to boot and click "Open." The virtual disk drive will behave just like a physical disk drive, and your program will boot up normally.
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Tips & Warnings
If the virtual CD you have has more than one program on it and you wish to view all the files instead of booting it up, open up the virtual drive under the Start menu. Select "File" and click "Open." Choose the virtual CD or image you wish to view. The file will appear in the main window. Click "Extract" from the toolbar and then choose where you wish to save the files on your computer. Click "OK" when you are ready, and the program will extract all your files instead of booting up as an application.
Many trial versions of virtual drives only cater to CDs that are 200 MB or less. You may need to purchase the full version of a program if the virtual CD you are trying to boot is larger.
References
Resources
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