How to Boot From an ISO CD Image

An ISO image is a file that archives the content of an optical disk. The ISO file contains all the information contained in the optical disk it is a copy of. If you purchase Windows 7 online or install any software that requires you to restart your computer, you will be downloading an ISO image. The ISO image needs to be burned to a CD/DVD to be usable. However, if you are using a virtualization software program, you can use the ISO file directly in one of your virtual machines.

Instructions

Virtual Machine

1. Step 1

   Run your virtualization software. Create a virtual machine by clicking on "New" on the top of the window and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Step 2

   In the CD/DVD section, select "Use an ISO Image"

3. Step 3

   Use the browse function to find the ISO image you want to use. Click "Open" to have the virtual CD/DVD reader load the ISO image.

4. Step 4

   Start your virtual machine, and it will boot from the ISO image.

Real Machine

5. Step 1

   Open your CD/DVD-burning software.

6. Step 2

   Select "Burn Image" and select the ISO image you want to put on CD/DVD.

7. Step 3

   Once the ISO image is burned onto the CD/DVD, insert the CD/DVD in the reader of the computer you want to boot from.

8. Step 4

   Press the appropriate key to open the "Boot" menu on your computer. Select the CD/DVD drive and press "Enter."