The ability to use a virtual drive to mount optical media from a file will undoubtedly save you time and effort, but if you’re a Windows user then your operating system can’t do it without a helping hand.
Meet brand-new DAEMON Tools product — private and secure cloud storage for Windows, Mac and Linux. Unite Android and iOS devices and ensure that all your media files are backed up and protected. GDPR violation penalties are expensive. EventLog Analyzer isn't. This log management tool can help you meet the requirements of the GDPR and many other IT mandates too. All the features of FTK Imager are part of the OS X and Linux operating systems. There's low-level disk imaging using dd, mounting. Paragon is a long-time developer of cross-platform Mac/Windows disk mounting software, and its HFS+ for Windows 10 works on Windows releases all the way back to XP and Windows Server 2003 all the.
For years DAEMON Tools has been regarded by many as ahead of its class in this field, but it is not without its rivals. If you’re searching for a decent alternative then we’ve got 3 hot tips right here.
If you’re using Linux then you can get better instructions hereHow to Extract ISO Files With LinuxHow to Extract ISO Files With LinuxRead More, these apps are Windows-only.
Do I Need A Virtual Drive?
You only really need a virtual drive if you want to mount image files. Image files are digital copies of optical media, such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-RayBlu-Ray Technology History and The DVD [Technology Explained]Blu-Ray Technology History and The DVD [Technology Explained]Read More discs. It is possible to rip the entire contents of a CD (or other optical media), and then mount it with image mounting software.
The software (in this case DAEMON Tools) installs a virtual optical drive on your PC, which functions exactly the same as a normal drive – only instead of physical media, you feed it image files. You can then access the image file as if you had put a disc into your computer. If you download software or applications and want to avoid burning the downloaded file to a CD, then you can simply mount your chosen software in the virtual drive.
You could even rip often used media so it’s that little bit easier to access. Using virtual drives in this way can vastly speed up your workflow, especially with multiple-disc installs.
DAEMON Tools Lite
There exists a free version of the commercial DAEMON Tools product line, DAEMON Tools Lite. This is the best alternative to the paid versions, with a few restrictions imposed over the pro edition. The interface is familiar and easy to use, and there’s plenty of power beneath the hood.
Not only will it mount a wide variety of familiar and obscure file types (.MDX, .MDS/.MDF, .ISO, .B5T, .B6T, .BWT, .CCD, .CDI, .CUE, .NRG, .PDI, .ISZ) but you can also have up to 4 simultaneous virtual drives (which should suffice for personal use).
DAEMON Tools Lite also includes the ability to make disc image files from your own optical media. As this is the free version, you can only rip to .MDS/*.MDF and .MDX.
Alternatives
Maybe you’ve tried DAEMON Tools, decided it’s not for you and fancy something else. You may also be one of the unlucky few who experience problems with the program, and need something a bit different.
Here are 3 good alternatives to DAEMON Tools that won’t cost you a penny.
WinCDEmu
The first on the list is the completely free and open source WinCDEmu. As there are no commercial versions of the software, the free version packs everything the developers could come up with into one cost-effective package.
Mountable images are limited to: .ISO, .CUE, .NRG, .MDS/.MDF, .CCD and .IMG. This isn’t quite as many as DAEMON Tools, but the major formats are fully supported. WinCDEmu completely integrates with Windows Explorer, allowing you to simply double-click a supported image file for it to be immediately mounted. You can then unmount the disc image using the right-click context menu from My Computer.
WinCDEmu should suffice for most common disk image tasks. What’s more its free and open source to boot.
Alcohol 52%
Brought to you by Alcohol Software, Alcohol 52% is the smaller, non-commercial edition of the popular Alcohol 120% image tool. It supports the mounting of common image file formats and a maximum of 6 virtual drives in this free edition.
Alcohol does not integrate with Explorer quite in the same way as WinCDEmu, instead you must add your image files to Alcohol first and then double-click to mount them.
This version is free for non-commercial and personal use only, otherwise you’ll need a licence. Don’t forget to uncheck that pesky Alcohol Soft Toolbar that’s bundled along!
Note: if you’ve been using Alcohol 120% and want to downgrade to this free version be sure to remove your old version first.
Virtual CloneDrive
We’ve mentioned it before3 Simple Free Virtual Drive Tools to Mount Disks & ISO Images3 Simple Free Virtual Drive Tools to Mount Disks & ISO ImagesRead More, and for good reason. Virtual CloneDrive is a freeware image mounting tool with the usual support for common formats (including .ISO, .BIN and .CCD) and a whopping 8 virtual drives. You may get a Windows driver warning whilst installing, but soldier on and click Continue Anyway to proceed with the installation.
Once installed you can associate your image files with the program so that in future all it takes is a double-click to mount. Virtual CloneDrive is simple, cost-free and effective.
Conclusion
We’ve already covered a lot of optical media tools, but it’s always nice to have a selection. All of these programs should work on machines running the Windows XP, 2000, Vista and 7 operating systems. let us know if they work out better than DAEMON Tools for you.
Do you have any preferred image mounting software? Have your say in the comments.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Explore more about: Disk Image, Virtual Drive.
Daemon Tools lite is a known malware vector. Even when unchecking the opt-in options in the setup, it installs code that accesses malware sites, which are very persistent. If you value your security and sanity, avoid Daemon tools altogether. There are reports that the pro version is shipped without malware, but I wouldn't risk it, and considering their underhanded practices in the free version, I would never support that product.
I used Daemon tools for years, and never knew it was the source of my problems until finally stumbling upon other people's reports of it's nasty practices on malware removal help sites. A quick search for Daemon Tools malware will bring to light these underhanded tricks and backdoor installations. Hope you have a safe and malware-free online experience!
WinCDEMu
is a decent share+1
thanks Tim for great post.
Daemon Tools Lite FreeInstalled Daemontolls Light and using just the gadget on Win7. Very handy.
Try MagicDisc (which I use) or OSFMount which my friend uses. It can mount nearly ANY type of virtual disc, unix, vmware, and more!
Virtual clonedrive is perfect. it does everything with ease and has never failed to work for me. the right click to mount is easy and 8 drives mean you can rock through it all.
I've been using Virtual CloneDrive and Alcohol 52% for a long time depending on my needs. Alcohol mounts a lot more image types, but uses a little more resources than Virtual CloneDrive. It does have Explorer integration. If you have it associated with the image files, all you need to do is double-click on the image to mount it. Or if you set another default program after associating Alcohol, you can right-click and choose 'Mount Image'.
Thanks Tim
i think MagicDisc is the best mounting image free toolI wish this post was published 2 days ago. I needed a Virtual Drive Clone so I could install a CD on my netbook because the Daemon Tools version I had didn't work with Windows 7.
Anyway, I settled for Virtual CloneDrive which is even better than Daemon Tools
Thanks Tim
i think MagicDisc is the best mounting image free toolI wish this post was published 2 days ago. I needed a Virtual Drive Clone so I could install a CD on my netbook because the Daemon Tools version I had didn't work with Windows 7.
Anyway, I settled for Virtual CloneDrive which is even better than Daemon Tools
I used to run Microsoft Virtual CD but it seems not to work on every System (at least it didn't on one of my test machines)
http://download.microsoft.com/..
I used to run Microsoft Virtual CD but it seems not to work on every System (at least it didn't on one of my test machines)
[Broken Link Removed]
MagicDisc is the free alternative to MagicISO, and it's my favorite. It does exactly what I want, no frills.
in case anyone interested, here is the link to MagicDisc
I used to like Daemon Tools, until they started 'monetizing' downloads. Now I use VirtualCloneDrive. All is well.
MagicDisc hasn't been mentioned at all? It is very good for daily use..
I love virtual clonedrive. There is something really sexy about being able to right click a .ISO file and mounting it on the spot without having to go down to the system tray to mount it.
Magic ISO is my favorite followed by daemon tools lite.. really surprised u guys put the trial version of alcohol but not MagicISO.. talk about ignorance
No! I use Magic ISO--it's been quite good to me, faithful and friendly.
Wow, let's totally ignore MagicIso virtual CD/DVD manager
The original idea to create an exact copy of a CD-ROM disc and place the data into a file which can be stored on a hard drive or USB flash drive was a great invention. This made it possible to store collections or backups of your important optical media in one location. These files, which can also store a copy of DVD or Blu-ray media, are more commonly known as ISO images. Even Microsoft utilizes ISO image files and the Windows install DVD is these days distributed as an ISO.
ISO image files can easily be created, all you need is a ROM drive and an optical disc. Or they can be downloaded from the internet. Once you have the file, there are several things you can do with it. The ISO can be burned to a CD or DVD to create a copy of the original disc. It can also be written to a USB flash drive to install something like Windows or Linux faster. Another option is using a program to make the ISO image behave like a real disc. This allows you to install software, read or play the disc contents like it was physically inserted into your computer.
This is known as virtual drive software because the drive isn’t real and it just emulates a real optical drive. The ISO image is then mounted to the virtual drive to create a virtual disc. Windows 10 has basic ISO mounting built in but here we list 10 free virtual drive emulators that you can use to mount ISO images and other types of disc images so they behave like real discs. All tools were tested in Windows 10 and 7 64-bit.
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux Freemind is a Java-language free mind map software for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux systems using tiny memory. The minimalist style shows their positioning on rich inner rather than fancy graphics. The Best 100% Free Mind Map Tool for PC & MAC A 100% free mind map tool that is easy-to-use yet powerful. The predefined mind map symbols, prepared templates and advanced formatting tools enable users to create mind map faster than ever. MindMaster is a free mind mapping software providing comprehensive solution for brainstorming, knowledge management, and project management. Use it to capture ideas and organize your thoughts with its powerful functions. Best free mind map tool.
1. Virtual CloneDriveVirtual CloneDrive has been around since 2005 and the company behind it, Elaborate Bytes, are the same people behind the famous CloneDVD and CloneBD ripping software. It hasn’t been updated in the last few years and the latest version is from 2016. Virtual CloneDrive is still fully compatible with Windows 10 though.
Several different image file formats to mount a virtual disc are supported and up to 15 virtual drives are allowed at the same time. An image file can be mounted by double clicking on it or right clicking on the tray icon and selecting Mount. The tray icon menu has an option to unmount each active drive as well as a recent history list of files that can be mounted at the click of a button.
Download Virtual CloneDrive
2. DVDFab Virtual Drive
Many users that like ripping and converting media will know of DVDFab and its shareware software. Virtual Drive is one of a few standalone free tools that are also found in their flagship DVDFab Suite.
Virtual Drive has support for up to 18 virtual drives at once from 8 different types of disc image. One of those image types is the .Miniso DVD/Blu-Ray format that allows you to mount a DVD or Blu-ray ISO image or folder so it can be played in a media player like PowerDVD. Most functions are accessed via the tray icon menu but other options like changing the drive icons, Windows integration and hotkeys can be changed in the Settings window.
Download DVDFab Virtual Drive
Password remover tool for mac os x. 3. WinCDEmu
WinCDEmu is an open source tool that’s been around for over a decade. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to be actively developed anymore but all recent operating systems are fully compatible. A portable WinCDEmu is also available but it’s still on version 4.0 whereas the installer version is 4.1.
After install, all you need to do is to double click on an ISO file to automatically mount it to a drive letter. To not be asked which drive letter to use, check the “Manage drive letters automatically” box. If you want to unmount, just right click on the drive in Explorer and select Eject. WinCDEmu has a simple option to create an ISO from a CD/DVD or Blu-Ray disc, just right click on the drive in Explorer and select “Create an ISO Image”. A useful option for administrators is the requirement of admin rights to mount an ISO image.
Download WinCDEmu
4. Alcohol Portable
Alcohol Soft released a free for personal use version of their software in 2015 called Alcohol Portable. Apart from installing a system service and driver while running, Alcohol Portable is a standalone executable that can be launched from anywhere.
The maximum number of mounted virtual drives is four and it accepts around a dozen different disc image formats. Just drop an ISO onto the upper part of the window and it will mount automatically. Right click on a virtual drive to unmount, mount another ISO or change the drive letter. A list of image files can be added in the lower half of the window for quick access. If you have finished with Alcohol Portable, click File > “Exit + Remove Device Driver and Service” to remove it from the system completely.
While the free version of Alcohol 52% is still available to install, we’d recommend against using it. Crapware called Smart File Advisor gets installed alongside Alcohol, you cannot deselect it during install and it cannot be uninstalled without removing Alcohol as well.
Download Alcohol Portable
5. Daemon Tools Lite
Long time PC users might remember Daemon Tools used to be the go to software for mounting protected disc images. Since then, it has changed a lot. The free Lite version has many disabled features along with adware and upgrade nags during install. We’re not sure if the Mountspace statistics function is still used but it’s worth disabling usage statistics during install just in case. Make sure to select “Free License” during install or you’ll get a trial of the paid version.
Daemon Tools is still a capable virtual disc program. The number of supported image formats to mount ISOs is around 20 and you can also create an image from a physical CD, DVD or Blu-Ray disc. Up to three normal virtual drives are supported but the SCSI option which can emulate disc protections is now disabled. A feature which some might find useful is Catch! which allows sharing of images over your local network.
Download Daemon Tools Lite
12Next › View All You might also like:
How To Access ISO Files Using an Archiver or Virtual DriveRecent Daemon Tools Issues and Some Free AlternativesMounting Tool For Lock Ring
4 Portable Tools to Make a Full Image Backup of USB DrivesCreate a Self Running Executable to Auto Burn ISO Files to Disc3 Ways to Run Bootable ISO Image Files Directly in WindowsCan any of these help me if iv locked myself out my admin password & a 2nd account i just wana restart using a laptop i got 2nd hand RESTART DISK i didt no about im learning so im kinda stuck ANY ONE ANY TIPS HELP NEEDED
ReplyYou can either reinstall whatever Windows OS you’re using or use a program to crack your password.
To reinstall Windows you will need the .iso file. You can torrent those off tpb or wherever. Then you need a usb drive and a program to install the OS onto the usb like Rufus. After you do that, plug it in, and boot from usb. Usually just keep pressing f9 right when you start computer. Yours might be different though, there’s instructions on the screen at the bottom for a second or two. You will lose all your data unless you made backups. If you have Windows 10 this is probably your best option.
The other option is to download Ophcrack and their Rainbow Tables and follow the instructions. Install the Ophcrack.iso onto usb using Rufus. If your password is simple you don’t need the huge rainbow table files, just try the smaller ones. Make sure to get the tables that match your OS. This method doesn’t work with Windows 10 yet.
Or see if your restart disc will work, I don’t know. Good Luck. And don’t give up.
Replyyeah.in all os,you double-click,you mount it.but we”re talking about virtually mounting it.
ReplyJust open with winrar (eg) :)
ReplyI’m using WinCDEmu it’s very good and simple to mount a ISO.
ReplyThank you very much, Raymond. Your article helped me out after bashing my head against the wall trying to mount an DISK image using a different program and having it fail time after time. Your #2 listing got the job done. Thank you again!
ReplyHi All,
Thanks RAY for another wonderful article. I think ‘WinCDEmu portable’ is the easiest to work with ( at least for the job ! ). thanks & regards.
Great info, thanks!
ReplyMicrosoft Virtual CDRom Control Panel
the driver is NOT signed for win 7 64 bit – can only use it with 32 bit
figure I’d try and save people the trouble of trying to use it and wasting time trying to figure it out. also have to right click the exe and run as administrator.
ReplyThanks.
ReplyI have owned and used Alcohol 120% for over ten years now. It is NOT free but worth every penny. All updates have been free. It also handles several different file formats. It comes with a program called ACID which you run when a program is requiring an actual CD/DVD be in the drive. It makes it look as if the virtual drive is a real drive. The default file format is Alcohol’s MDF file format but you can reset that to be ISO. Alcohol 120% is also smart enough to know that if you want to make a copy of a double layered DVD that it needs to switch over to using a BIN type image rather than an ISO image. Again, I felt it was worth the money to buy the full blown version and over the six hard drive crashes caused by viruses or hackers or just a bad disk – Alcohol 120% has been there every step of the way.
ReplyLinux !!!! The Best ever tool to mount iso’s
Advanced IP Scanner Reliable and free network scanner to analyse LAN. The program shows all network devices, gives you access to shared folders, provides remote control of computers (via RDP and Radmin), and can even remotely switch computers off. Home / MAC Address Lookup MAC Address & OUI Search Search the Mac Address Vendor Database by entering a full MAC Address, an OUI Vendor Prefix, or a Vendor/Company name. Ip search tool for mac. Search Tool Download for All cameras System Version Size Download upload date Windows PC v1.0.3 12MB 2015.9.01 Mac/OS v1.0.0 9MB 2015.9.01. Simply go to Address Leases under the Scope and you can view both the client IP address and the Unique ID, which is the MAC address. If you have a wireless router at home, it will vary depending on the brand (Belkin, Netgear, LinkSys, etc). MAC Address and OUI Lookup This program displays the name of the company that manufactured your network card. You can also do a reverse lookup and find the MAC addresses registered by a company.
ReplyIn Windows 8 and Windows 10, there is no need for third party software. Double-clicking will mount it automatically.
ReplyDon’t post fake info, idiot. Windows 8 & 10 will ask “How would you like to open this file”. Then they show a list of programs, none of which mount .iso files. Third party is required for every version of Windows. You’ll need to set a virtual drive in the first place, otherwise Windows wouldn’t know where to mount the image!
ReplyJK, double-clicking an .iso mounts it automatically in Windows 10 (don’t know about 8 but for what I read it was already implemented then.
“otherwise Windows wouldn’t know where to […]” you obviously don’t know what “coding” means.
This is amazing for me! I just discover windows 10 can mount ISO files with just a right click!! New era…
ReplyWikipedia comparison table:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_disc_image_software
gBurner did not work for me on Win7 64-bit. As a matter of fact… when I uninstalled it and restarted my Avast AV software didn’t start! These ‘free’ versions always scare the crap out of me. Tried WinCDEmu instead. I only really need this to mount and install software from an iso. Like it thus far… and like the Windows Explorer shell integration.
ReplygBurner Virtual Drive is the best :)
Reply
I can assure it is free DT lite people must just click the blue bit at options … idiots most of you
ReplyJust installed on the 9/Nov/2015 Demon Tools offers 3 license options when installing, one is a free license, one is a personal license and the last is a commercial license.
ReplyDaemon tool is no longer free
ReplyThere is still a free version available of DT Lite, it asks you to select the paid or free version on install.
ReplyMounting/Virtual Drives are not free with DT Lite.
ReplyBefore writing this comment I was able to install DT Lite Free and mount 2 virtual SCSI devices without an issue. It certainly is still possible to mount drives in DT Lite Free.
ReplyIt is no longer free, you are only able to get free trial now.
When I install DT-Lite it offers the free version on install and in the program it says “Free license” with limited support. I’ve seen no mention of a trial version anywhere, where are you getting information it’s a trial only?
bro just try to download it again, its no longer free
Mounting Tool For Machine
I have just this moment downloaded it again and installed, it offers the personal license, commercial license or free license (with adware offers) on install. Running DT-Lite it tells me I have a free license with limited support. Are you saying the “free license” is really a trial or it’s telling you that you have a trial version??
I have just downloaded it and i can confirm that you get the option for free license upon installing the software.
Windows itself has default tool: disk management, or you can just right-click on the USB in file explorer and choose Format to complete the mission when new USB is connected, but sometimes when USB drive is write protected or shows format error, the snap in disk managing utility cannot format any disk. Best Video Software for the Mac How To Run MacOS High. Format Tool can quickly and thoroughly format virtually any USB flash drive in a wide range of file systems as well as create bootable USB. Bootable format tool free download - USB Flash Drive Format Tool, Norton Bootable Recovery Tool, HDD Low Level Format Tool, and many more programs. Best Video Software for the Mac How To Run. Make a bootable mac disk. How to create a bootable installer for macOS. The Sierra and El Capitan commands show the proper format of this argument. After creating the bootable installer, follow these steps to use it. Connect the bootable installer to a compatible Mac. Use Startup Manager or Startup Disk preferences to select the bootable installer as the startup.
yep
confirmed
Just downloaded November 9 2015 still free!! I think you have a serious vision problem!
ReplyOSF MOUNT is free and the best!!!
ReplyNice one pupper just tried it and it’s fantastic. My new fave iso tool.
ReplyFor all intents and purposes OSF Mount is essentially just a clone of IMDisk (I have both so I’m able to state this truthfully).
ReplyWinCDEmu – !!! (Ya – russkiy)
Replywhen im not using windows 8, i use wincdemu. it is only a small ap and can do the exact same thing. just one pop up box for the first time, you can easily remove it though by clicking automatic and ok.
ReplyPowerISO is flawless & easy
ReplyPowerISO costs 30 bucks lol, not worth it if for what most people actually do with the software
Replypoweriso.com/download.php PowerISO is free the hell are you talking about
ReplyPowerISO is a shareware product costing $29.95, the ISO mounting can be used while in trial mode so it’s sort of half and half…
Replyalso comes with free spyware and malware so awesome don’t wait!
Replythanks.
ReplyImDisk is hands down the best solution for mounting ISOs and other images.
Its lighter than any other one on the list, as its not a bloated adware ridden pile of bad codjng. It’s just a filesystem driver.
It has more features than the others, and games don’t use disc protection anymore.
Youcan also make images of any of your disks, flash drives, and cds/dvds/blurays for backups or just to access the data from a file.
Dont use that ofher garbage.
ReplyAbsolutely the best solution.
ReplyThanks Raymond,
i dont know much about IT but its nice that people actually take the trouble to write this so i know which is best to download. finally taking the emu. kind regards.
I’ve been using MagicDisс for CD emulation for almost ten years. It’s the easiest. And I tried ImageBurn also. Try it yourself. You will see how simple and good it is.
ReplyI have Windows 7 and NONE of the “Clone Drive” programs work, including Disc Magic.
The only one working so far is ‘Virtual CDrom Control Panel’ on Win XP but not on 7!!
Can anyone Help ???
ReplyNever mind, I finally remembered to RIGHT CLICK ! SORRY
Replyultra iso will work
ReplyPowerISO is best option for windows 7, works great.
ReplyDaemon Tool Lite is very good too
ReplyIt seems to be copping a lot of bad reviews recently, for installing browser redirects and malware. I’ve just ditched Power Iso for doing the same thing, trying to find a replacement now :(
ReplyISODisk it]s so cool and simple.
Thank you for sharing with us.
As an IT company we have been using MagicDisc for almost a decade and we use it weekly. Within the past few months it has failed more often than worked on Windows 7 computers. There seems to be a huge compatibility issue with the MagicDisc driver that it installs. Unfortunately, it is costing us time and money, so we will be using ImageBurn.
Mikey
ReplyMagicDisc is crap with larger DVD images. To test, simply copy a file that is physically near the “end” of the image. Boom “MS-DOS error” – it’s junk. Even worse is that it is the most impossible program to completely uninstall. A Big time waster.
Tested on multiple win7-x64 systems. Maybe it is better on other versions.
Guess what? IMGBurn has the same problem, only you can actually uninstall it.
ReplyImageburn is by far the best.
I have tried most of the others. Imageburn has the smallest footprint of most of these. It performs all the necessary functions that a basic user needs. It mounts ISO to DVD flawlessly. If you have a DVD with content on it, Imageburn automatically detects it and asks you if you want to clean the disc. It will do that and then begin the analysis before the burn.
I tried Alcohol 120%. Everyone says it is the best. Imageburn does everything Alcohol does for the basic user and Imageburn is free.
I felt compelled to submit this because of the headaches and pains I went through with all the other listed crapware before I stumbled upon Imageburn.
Simple and intuitive UI, no bloat, fast download, install and performance, extremely accurate after 30 or so burns (DVDs perform flawlessly… and best of all, it’s FREE!
ReplyIMGBURN doesnt create a virtual drive to mount an .iso file does it?
ReplyYou are correct, I believe Syndey has got confused between mounting ISOs and creating/burning ISOs!
ImgBurn has no facility I know of to mount ISO images as virtual drives…
Get hooked with the advanced PDF drawing tool for your Mac and Windows computers or laptops. Aside from its conversion tool from PDF to excel, ppt, pages, images, and HTML, other features like organizing documents, splitting PDF, and creating PDF enable users to have full control over your files. Feb 15, 2018 digital drawing tool to paint on Mac The whole drawing process could be saved as drawing video and playback anytime. It is a very good alternative to Paint on Mac. Tool for drawing on mac. Paint for Mac app free Download: Use the wonderful Mac Paint tool to sketch, draw, paint for Mac and enhance your photo graphic skills.
ReplyThanks for the info. Failed to install Microsoft Virtual CDRom Control Panel on my Win7 x64. Installed the 2nd one and works fine.
ReplyThanks for posting this Raymond. Yes, never heard before about Microsoft Virtual CDRom Control Panel. Will give a try. I’m currently using Virtual clone drive. Its easy and doesn’t require a restart during installation unlike daemon tools.
ReplyI love gizmo
ReplyThanks a lot
ReplyI’ve had a lot of success mounting using WinCDEmu on windows 7. It’s a piece of cake. Just install, find the image, then right-click over it and choose “mount”. You can mount it with any letter too. Piece of cake!
ReplyThat’s really amazing. Thanks very much.
ReplyEveryone has their preference for a basic ISO handler. Mind is PowerISO, which is commercial, but which can be easily found for free on the torrent sites. It’s best-of-breed (yes, even better than MagicISO); and it will now handle MagicISO native files…
…that is, unless they’re compressed. Occasionally, one will encounter an ISO file that was created and then, further, compressed using MagicISO. PowerISO can’t handle that, so that’s where the little free MagicDisc utility (mentioned above) comes in.
MagicDisck can uncompress any file compressed by its parent MagicISO product. Once its uncompressed, then PowerISO (or, really, most any freeware or commercial ISO handler) can take it from there.
So, then, my point is, one should use whatever primary ISO handler that one wants to use. Most of them (including PowerISO) will mount any ISO as a virtual drive. However, because of the MagicISO compression thing, the smartest thing one can do is download and use that free little MagicDisc and let it sit in the system tray. Because it will mound multiple virtual drives, you can just let it be what you use for that purpose. But its REAL value will kick in whenever (if ever) you encounter a MagicISO-compressed ISO that you wish to use with something like PowerISO or ImgBurner or some other much more sophisticated and feature-rich ISO handler.
All of the choices in the primary article are nice and interesting, but with that free little MagicDisc utility running in one’s system tray, one need only add whatever is one’s choice of primary, feature-rich, freeware or commercial ISO handler software, and one will have all one needs… ever.
NOTE: Remember that when I say “all one needs” and “ever,” I’m referring strictly to ISO handling, not DVD or CD ripping or decoding or anything else. There are fine utilities for those things. This article just covers CD/DVD virtual drive mounting and the free utilities that will get it done. My point with this posting is to suggest that there’s only one choice from the above because of the vexing problem of how to handle ISO files (of whatever format) which are further compressed by MagicISO. Only the MagicDisc utility, above, will do that, so since one is likely to encounter MagicISO-compressed files in one’s downloading experience, one might as well just get the one tool from the above list that will not only mount virtual drives, but will also handle the vexing MagicISO-related decompression problem. From there, use whatever ISO handler you like.
Or so it is my advice, for whatever that’s worth.
ReplyI personally use Virtual Clone Drive, it’s really light weight, size and resources wise, plus it has a sheep on it! but for making my ISO’s and such I use IMGburn.
ReplyAlcohol 120 is the best in terms of overall features. Daemon Tools is the best in mounting images and virtual drives. It just lacks writing capability which Alcohol 120 has. My problem is both good programs can’t be installed in my Windows 7 system as of the moment. I think they both installs SPTD layer or something which Windows 7 Beta won’t allow for now. UltraISO works on Windows 7 and I’m using it. You should try it. You can open image files with it without mounting it to virtual drives. You also can edit the image file’s contents and save it. I’m just scouting for other programs of the like for now. Just passing by. hehe.
Replyi’m using Alchohol 120% and MagicISO. It works great! I use 2 softwares becuase MagicISO can’t mount some files (like MDS) so I use Alchohol 120% (And the other way around)
Thanks Raymond for the info…
Replygizmo drive been excellent thanks raymond cc
ReplyI tried Gizmo drive and it rocks!Thanks for the link
ReplyThanks raymond for the best is magicdisc.
ReplyVirtual CloneDrive for me!
ReplyGreat programs Raymond ,I use always Power ISO its very good too .
Thanks man :-)
ReplyI always use Daemon Tools for mounting disk images, I think its the best small utility. :)
ReplyPower Achiever 2009 (professional) can also mount an ISO file and it makes the mounted drive physical.
ReplyMicrosoft Virtual CDRom Control Panel is small and works nicely but it can not make a physical drive like Nero Image or StarBurn. I use StarBurn GAOTD and it works perfectly
ReplyImDisk Virtual Disk Driver is the best ;) thanks john_lennon
ReplyIs there any free portable application to mount!
Replyi needed this but in case some doesn’t work you guys should also try daemon tools
ReplyI’ve not been able to run MagicISO in Windows7! For me only POWERISO worked! :(
Replyanother one, very good and with source code is ImDisk Virtual Disk Driver. The community is active. It’s not really a program but a driver. Works on XP/Vista.