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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:

1. Download the ISO CD image to a folder on your computer.
2. Insert a blank CD in your CD-RW drive.
3. Start Nero Burning.
4. Follow the wizard steps to select Data CD creation.
5. When the wizard closes, click Burn Image on the File menu.
6. In the Open dialog box, select the ISO file, and then click Open.
7. 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:

1. Download the .iso CD image to a folder on your computer.
2. Insert a blank CD in your CD-RW drive.
3. Start the EasyCD Creator program.
4. The Quick Start section may be available on your version; if so, click to open it.
5. If not, choose Copy.
6. Either way, choose Burn Image.
7. Browse to the folder in which you saved the .iso image.
8. 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:

1. Insert a blank CD in your CDROM drive.
2. Find the .iso file that you have downloaded onto your computer, for example, onto your Desktop.
3. Right-click on the .iso file.
4. You will see a “Copy Image to CD” option on the dropdown menu. Select it.
5. 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

1. Insert a blank disc.
2. From the Desktop, click on Utilities (or in some cases, Applications, and then Utilities).
3. Launch Disk Utility.
4. From the File menu, choose Open Disk Image.
5. Select the ISO image to be burned.
6. In the list of volumes, you will now see an item representing the ISO file. Select it.
7. Click the Burn button and follow the instructions.