Mounting an ISO Image using Microsoft’s Virtual CDROM Driver

I’ve just recently begin running into more and more ISO images. Most CD burning software (such as Roxio) provides the ability to write an ISO to a CDROM and then you can install from the CDROM. However, if you just want to install from the ISO without writing a CDROM, you’ll need virtual CDROM software. There’s a few popular ones out there such as Daemon Tools. Microsoft also has a free unsupported Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel download for Windows XP. I’ve used a few different tools and so far I do prefer the Microsoft’s software. It’s small and compact and just one executable and one driver file needed. It doesn’t even require an install.

The Microsoft download is at: http://download.microsoft.com/…/winxpvirtualcdcontrolpanel_21.exe. If you were trying to find this by searching Microsoft.com, then you might only see it mentioned in a couple of MSDN articles and a FAQ.

After downloading, just put the files into a folder and double click on the executable. First, you’ll need to load the driver so click on “Driver Control …”, click “Install Driver”, and then select the VCdRom.sys file. Then click “Start” and finally “OK”. This has loaded the virtual CDROM driver.

Next you’ll need to click “Add Drive” button. This will create a virtual CDROM drive. The drive letter will be shown in the user interface, most likely it will be “Z:” drive. You’ll now see the new CDROM drive appear as a drive in Windows Explorer.

Finally, you’ll need to mount the ISO file (which essentially is like putting the CDROM into the CDROM drive). Click “Mount” and browse to the ISO file. After the ISO file is mounted, you can use the drive as a normal CDROM. If you need to switch to another ISO file, just click the “Eject” button, then “Mout” the next ISO file.

When you are done, you’ll need to “Eject”, “Remove the Drive.” and then click “Driver Control”, click “Stop”, and click “Remove Driver”.

Update: 8/28/2007
If you’re looking for something compatible with Windows Vista (without running as the Administrator), then Microsoft’s TechNet Magazine recommended Virtual CloneDrive in the September 2007 issue.

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