Just like the old boot floppy diskettes, CD or DVD-ROM discs can boot to a DOS or other operating systems. Just copying files to the CD will not work because the CD will need a master boot record and other hidden Startup operating system files. Instead, the preferred method is to create a single file, an image of a bootable CD, called an ISO image. Most CD-ROM burning applications recognize this type of image file. Once the ISO file is burned as an image, then the new CD is a clone of the original and bootable. Besides the bootable OS, the CD will also hold the various software applications that will be run from the CD.
Method 1: Nero – Burning ROM
Nero Burning ROM can be used to record a CD from a .iso file. This programs is available from Nero Software, or you may already have it on your computer.
Steps to create a CD if you have installed Nero – Burning ROM:
- Download the ISO CD image to a folder on your computer.
- Insert a blank CD in your CD-RW drive.
- Start Nero Burning.
- Follow the wizard steps to select Data CD creation.
- When the wizard closes, click Burn Image on the File menu.
- In the Open dialog box, select the ISO file, and then click Open.
- In the wizard, click Burn to write the image to the CD.
Method 2: EasyCD Creator
You can use Roxio/Sonic EasyCD Creator to create a CD from a .iso file. This program is available from Roxio/Sonic, or you may already have it installed on your computer. When the program is installed, it is automatically associated with the .iso file extension in Windows Explorer. Steps to create a CD if you have installed EasyCD Creator:
- Download the .iso CD image to a folder on your computer.
- Insert a blank CD in your CD-RW drive.
- Start the EasyCD Creator program.
- The Quick Start section may be available on your version; if so, click to open it.
- If not, choose Copy.
- Either way, choose Burn Image.
- Browse to the folder in which you saved the .iso image.
- Click the button for Burn Image.
Method 3: Alex Feinman’s ISO Recorder (Freeware)
This freeware can be found here.
You must simply install the software and reboot your computer if instructed. Once that is accomplished:
- Insert a blank CD in your CDROM drive.
- Find the .iso file that you have downloaded onto your computer, for example, onto your Desktop.
- Right-click on the .iso file.
- You will see a “Copy Image to CD” option on the dropdown menu. Select it.
- The CD Recording Wizard should appear. Simply choose Next and Finish. The CD will eject when completed.
This freeware should support Windows Vista and Windows XP/2000.
* MacOS Disk Utility
- Insert a blank disc.
- From the Desktop, click on Utilities (or in some cases, Applications, and then Utilities).
- Launch Disk Utility.
- From the File menu, choose Open Disk Image.
- Select the ISO image to be burned.
- In the list of volumes, you will now see an item representing the ISO file. Select it.
- Click the Burn button and follow the instructions.