Microsoft Introduces Native ISO Mounting In Windows 8
Microsoft Introduces Native ISO Mounting In Windows 8
Posted 08/30/2011 at 11:09am
| by Brad Chacos
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What’s your favorite ISO mounting program? Daemon Tools Lite? Alcohol 120%? There are plenty of options out there, but regardless of which application you’re using at the moment, you may consider kicking it to the curb with the arrival of Windows 8. We’ve already tipped you off about the ribbon-based interface in Microsoft’s upcoming OS; now comes word that Windows 8 will be able to mount ISO files (and VHDs, too!) natively.
That gush of wind you just heard was the relieved exhalation of millions of gamers and movie buffs. Microsoft decided to (finally) implement the ability to mount ISOs because one, hard drives keep reaching higher and higher storage capabilities, and two, requiring people to carry around cases full of CDs seems kind of silly in these slim-form tablet and Ultrabook days. Rajeev Nagar, a program manager in Microsoft's Storage & File Systems group, gave a rundown of the new feature on the Building Windows 8 blog.
So how does this work in Windows 8? It’s quite simple – just “mount” the ISO file (you can select mount from the enhanced Explorer ribbon or double-click or right-click on the file), and a new drive letter appears, indicating that the contents are now readily accessible.
Okay, now that we’re almost done, we have to take back something we said in the intro; don’t toss that copy of ISO Recorder in the Recycle Bin just yet. While the ability to mount and run ISO images will be included in Windows 8, Nagar implies that you still won’t be able to create ISO files of your own with the OS.
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compguytracy
August 31, 2011 at 5:03am
Magicdisc, small, free, easy to use, ability to make up to 6 virtual drives, will have it in w8, even if its included. as someone else said here, im so used to getting my own software. anything ms puts into system, is low end lame, to avoid a lawsuit, i mean, burning capabilitys!! no thanks, ill use nero. dvd watching! power dvd.
Engelsstaub
August 31, 2011 at 12:06am
I use Virtual Clone Drive (Slysoft) when I'm on my Windows PC.
Nimrod
August 30, 2011 at 7:26pm
if its anything like the CD burning feature in WMP i think ill stick with my dedicated software.
nmanguy
August 30, 2011 at 5:54pm
I'm kind of glad that people have finally gotten used to the idea of an OS coming with software other than a clock. I mean, remember the hissy fit people threw over IE?
p47riot
August 30, 2011 at 4:02pm
While I think it's about time MS got on board and put this in (it SHOULD have been in W7!!), I'm going to have a hard time giving up DT...it's been a must have on every system I've built since around 05. Nice to have native support now though.
Eoraptor
August 30, 2011 at 3:56pm
i've used a LOT of them over the years (currently using Daemon because of it's easy to use desktop gadget)
I dunno. for every good feature like this, and the early tests of the ribbon that I like ( yes, I like it, it puts disk management tools in easy reach for me, i also like office 2010) there are boneheaded things like all the metro crap that I don't need, or want, going in as well.
ChatterboxChuck
August 30, 2011 at 1:11pm
Virtual clonedrive is my software of choice. But this will be great to have.
GenMasterB
August 30, 2011 at 2:34pm
I concur. Slysoft's tiny app footprint of 1.5mb has been a dedicated tool of mine when I work on PC's in the field. it's an excellent little app that I highly recommend as a tech. It's stays on my usb thumb drive.. I see no reason to install some huge app to mount isos... just sits in my system tray awaiting orders! Also, I've seen no copyprotection software complain about it like I've seen with some utils like Daemon Tools
Neufeldt2002
August 30, 2011 at 11:22am
For mounting ISO's I use Slysoft's Virtual CloneDrive. For creating, I use DVD Decrypter (worked great on my M*A*S*H collection), but I may buy AnyDVD in the future, depends on how many DVD's I purchase in the future and if I build a HTPC.
andrewc513
August 30, 2011 at 3:59pm
You ripped MASH? Good lord, what is that, like 150+GB? All my seasons barely fit on one tiny shelf.
Caboose
August 30, 2011 at 1:42pm
You missed out on the lifetime subscription for AnyDVD HD. I picked it up at the end of the year, and am set forever!
Neufeldt2002
August 30, 2011 at 4:10pm
Just checked the website and you can still get the updates for life, just costs a bit more.
wcj786
August 30, 2011 at 7:13pm
If you had purchased it a few years ago, all updates would have been free, but they changed their policy around 2008-2009 timeframe. Now, it costs to update. Those who purchased before that date still get free lifetime updates.
I'm glad I purchased it back then. I have the whole suite, including AnyDVDHD. I mainly use AnyDVD and CloneDVD2 to back up my movies. I have a 14TB RAID 5 to store them all on (as well as ebooks, music, pics, etc.).
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