Mount an ISO image in Windows 7, Windows 8 or Vista

The freeware utility from Microsoft to mount ISO Images doesn’t work in Windows 7 or Vista. Thankfully there’s another utility that does.

Mounting an ISO Image in Windows 7 or Vista

The utility that we will use is called Virtual Clone Drive. This utility will let you mount .ISO, .CCD, .DVD, .IMG, .UDF and .BIN files. Download the utility and start the setup process.

Select Yes or OK at the hardware prompt and continue. You might have to restart your computer. Now you should be able to mount any ISO image by just double-clicking on the file. You can also right-click on the cd-rom drive to mount or unmount an image.

Notes: If you are going to reinstall this utility, make sure you uninstall it first, or you’ll BSOD yourself repeatedly. Also, as of the latest version, this utility should work on Windows 7 or Vista 64 bit edition.


Alternatives

• Virtual CD-ROM (Microsoft) – This utility has recently been updated but it is still fairly old.
• Alcohol 52% – Free version of Alcohol 120, but it bundles a browser toolbar that they claim isn’t spyware. It’s unacceptable.
• Daemon Tools – Well known tool, but the latest version installs spyware on your computer, and the old version doesn’t work in Vista or 7.

At this point, Virtual CloneDrive is by far my favorite free utility.
Download Virtual CloneDrive from slysoft.com

Mounting an ISO Image in Windows 8 or 8.1

Now that Windows 8 is finally upon us, it’s worth noting that ISO and VHD mounting is built right into the operating system. All you need to do is right-click, double-click, or select and use the Ribbon to Mount an ISO image. It’s just that simple:

Once you’ve done so, you’ll see the ISO mounted as a new drive in Computer. You can right-click there to unmount when you’re done.

ORIGINAL: