How to create a Windows 7 installation disk image. Create an ISO disk image

A disk image is a file containing full copy structure and content of data located on the disk. It stores all the information that duplicates the location and contents of a specific data storage device. The order of data sectors is repeated on the image, but the structure built on it is ignored.

The original purpose of creation was backup disk data, where the exact original structure was preserved. Nowadays, due to the spread of optical media, images in as ISO files, which can be used instead of CDs. ISO has less data - no service information.

Using archive programs that support opening this type of data, you can extract and view the contents of this file. How and with what tools you can reproduce a disk image will be discussed further.

Creating an image using ultraISO

One of the most accessible methods for creating an ISO is to use the UltraISO utility. The program is paid, but you can use the trial version, which you download from the official website.

The essence of use is as follows: yes two main fields– the directory tree of the mounted image on the left and the data stored in them on the right. Below are the directories and files stored on the computer.

Set the name future copy, for which we left-click on it, propertyRename. Introducing a new name.

Then we drag folders and files from the storage area on the computer to the image file area. To find the ones you need, use the directory explorer presented below.

Please note that at the top it is displayed overall size documents.

Actually, to complete the operation, all that remains is to save: FileSave as.

From the proposed formats we take ISO and save.

The saving process will appear, after which you will find a copy in the location you specified.

Burning an image using Daemon tools

An equally popular image burning program is Daemon Tools.

There are several variations of this software, including the free DAEMON Tools Lite. After installing the free license, you will have a virtual DVD drive.

After launch, click on the button below to create a copy of the disk.

IN settings we refer to drive unit, where the disk and folder where the image will be saved is located.

Specify copy type MDS or ISO.

Further Start and the creation process will begin, upon completion of which the copy will be ready.

Mount You can check it in a virtual drive.

Using Ashampoo Burning Studio Free

The free version of this program is free and will allow you to burn a disk image. Download from off. site, simple and straightforward installation.

After installation, the application will launch on its own. Choose Disk imageCreate.

If we create it based on a real disk, first insert it into the drive.

Specify the storage location and click Further to start the process.

Once the procedure is complete, you can open the folder containing the file.

How to create a copy of a disk using CDBurnerXP

To create an ISO in the CDBurnerXP utility, select from the menu Filesave project like ISO.

Specify the directory, where to save the file and click Create ISO.

Can be customized options, such as: name, description, date, identifier, copyright and other settings. Once you open Boot Options, you will see a dialog box with additional options.

ISO using ImgBurn

ImgBurn is a convenient tool for burning ISO images. Everything is done very quickly and quite simply.

After downloading and installing the program, you will see the following window.

As you can see, here you can: write down image to disk, so make it from existing files.

In this case, we are interested in the latter.

There is no need to specify any additional settings (the only thing is that, if desired, you can change the recording speed and number of copies), specify the drive from which you want to read data and click Reading

The copying process will begin, after which a message will signal us that it has been successfully completed.

Free DVD ISO Maker

The program is free, easy to use and simple.

After launch you will need to select Select CD/ DVDdevice, that is, the drive for reading (specify the path). Next is the place where we will save the resulting file. Then click Covert and wait for the final completion of the copying procedure.

We use ISODisk

It is also free, download it from the official website.

The interface, although in English, is quite intuitive. Some users do not recommend using it for mounting virtual drives, but it copes with the task of creating ISOs with a bang.

How to create a windows 7 iso image?
There are many ways to create ISO images of Windows 7, but along with them, there are also many programs to create the above ISO image. A list of programs with a brief step-by-step description will be below. I propose to consider the five easiest and fastest ways to create ISO images.

We create an ISO image in the UltraISO program.

I will give a brief description of the UltraISO program. This software product is one of the most popular for working with ISO images for many types of digital media, one way or another related to images, be it disks, flash drives or creating bootable media. So, provided that this program is available and installed on the computer, you can create an ISO image step by step and answer the question: how to create a Windows 7 iso image as follows:

2. Create an ISO image in Linux.

Considering that to create an ISO image, everything that may be needed is already present directly in the OS itself, then it will not be difficult for you to create an ISO image file on a Linux system:

  • Directly in Linux, launch the command line (other names: terminal, console);
  • Enter the following: dd if=/dev/cdrom of=~/cd_image.iso - this action will create an image from the disk that is inserted into the drive. (However, if the inserted disk was bootable, then so will the image);
  • And to create an ISO image from files, it will be enough to use the following command: mkisofs -o /tmp/cd_image.iso /papka/files/.

3. Create an ISO image in Free DVD ISO Maker.

One of the simplest and most intuitive programs for creating an ISO image. In addition, it is free on the Internet:


The program will immediately begin converting the file. Once the conversion is complete, you can enjoy the converted ISO image file.

4. Create an ISO image in ISODisk

As before, I will give a brief description. The program is completely free and easy to use. Below I will give a step-by-step description of using the ISODisk program and creating an ISO image in it.

5. Create an ISO image in CDBurnerXP.

One of the freely distributed, simple and convenient programs in Russian is the above-mentioned CDBurnerXP program for creating ISO images. The sequence of steps from the beginning to the final completion of creating ISO images is as follows:


You can also create ISO images in more complex programs with powerful functionality, but is it worth bothering, wasting time and delving into complex programs when the goal is just to convert a file into an ISO image. But if you are still interested, I will give a list of these programs below:

  • PowerISO;
  • BurnAware Free;
  • ISO recorder 3.1;
  • ImgBurn;
  • Ashampoo Burning Studio Free.

I hope that the question: “How to create an ISO image of Windows 7?” you got the answer. Happy conversion!

Despite the fact that most users have hardly used laser media lately, quite a large amount of software and games are distributed either on them, or, if you use pirated versions, in disk image files. What it is? This is a regular archive file that can be stored on your computer’s hard drive, or mounted in a virtual drive using special software. When you start it, the computer detects it as if you had inserted a regular disk into a laser drive.

This can be very convenient when you took a disc with a game or program from someone and want to copy its contents, since you need to return it soon; you have to use the media too often, which can cause it to be scratched and the drive laser to wear out; You want to burn data to a disk, but your drive doesn't work, so you send the archive over the Internet to a friend who can burn it. There can be many application options, and if you still don’t know how to create a disk image, this article is just for you. We will look at several of the most popular programs, both free and paid. After reading, you will be convinced that there is nothing complicated about it.

A free, but at the same time very advanced program that allows you to work with disks. You can make an image either by making a copy of the media inserted into the drive, or by assembling it from individual files and folders. The program works perfectly on all versions of Windows and has a user-friendly interface, a clear menu in Russian, and also contains absolutely no advertising, unlike some competitors. How to use the application and create a disk image?

  • First of all, download the installation file from the official website and install the program, then launch it.
  • In the main window, all menu items are located in the left column. In our case, we will need the “Disk Image” item.
  • If you want to create a copy of the optical media, select “Create an image”, and when you need to assemble it from separate files, click “Create an image from files”.

Select "Create Image"

Depending on which option you chose, the sequence of next steps will be slightly different. If you decide to create a copy of the disk:

  • A window will open in front of you in which you can determine the active drive. If the program recognizes the media, the Next button will be active, which must be clicked to proceed to the next step.
  • Select the folder where the finished result should be saved, as well as the desired format. We recommend choosing ISO, as it is the most common and is compatible with most hardware and operating systems. Click Next to start the file creation process.

  • When finished, click the "Exit" button and check if the result is saved in your folder.

In case you need to make a virtual drive from individual data, the steps will be as follows:

  • Select the folder to save the finished result, as well as its format. We recommend sticking with ISO. Click the “Save image” button.
  • In the window that opens, you need to add the necessary files. To do this, click the Add button in the upper right corner. If you want to create several folders on future virtual media, click “New Folder”. A scale will be displayed at the bottom with the size and an indication on what media you can record the resulting result.
  • To begin creating the file, click Next.
  • Finally, check if the image was created correctly.

A very convenient free program with a Russian menu that allows you not only to write blanks, but also provides the opportunity to create their images. Don't let the presence of XP in the name scare you, the application works successfully on even the most modern versions of Windows. Many users consider it one of the best solutions of its kind. How to use the software?

  • Go to the official website, save the installation file and install.
  • After launching the program, select “Data Disk” in the main menu.
  • In the window that opens, add the necessary data. This can be done either by clicking the “Add file” button or by simply dragging them through Explorer into the program window.

Add the necessary data for the entry

  • In the upper left corner, click the File menu - Save project as ISO image and specify the folder in which the finished result should be saved.
  • Click the Start button and wait for the process to complete.

BurnAware Free

An equally simple and completely free program with which you can make a disk image. The program is small in size, does not load the system at all, and does not contain any advertising or virus elements at all. The developer presents three product options; we will use the simplest one - free. After you download the utility from the official website and install it, follow these steps:

  • In the main menu of the utility, click the “Create ISO” button.

Click the "Create ISO" button

  • Determine the file system in which the image will be saved. ISO 9600 is your best bet.
  • Add the necessary files by clicking the appropriate button in the menu.

  • If desired, you can change the settings, for example, the name or date, otherwise the program will automatically determine the most suitable parameters.
  • Click the "Create" button to start the process and wait until it finishes.

If you need to create a copy of laser media inserted into your computer drive, follow this guide:

  1. In the main menu, click the “Copy to image” button.
  2. In the next window, select your drive from the list of available ones.
  3. Specify the folder to save the finished file, and also change its name.
  4. Click the “Copy” button and wait until the procedure is completed.

Daemon Tools Lite

If previous solutions were completely free, without any restrictions, then to get all the features you will still have to buy this product or use a hacked version. The free version only allows you to copy the contents of the laser media. How can I do that?

  • Right-click on the program icon. In the menu that opens, select - Create an image from disk.

  • The next step is to select the active drive available on your computer, as well as select the file format and the folder in which it will be saved. Also, don't forget to insert the disc, otherwise nothing will work.
  • Click the Start button to start the process and wait until it finishes.

Ultra ISO

A very popular program with extensive capabilities for working with disks. Unfortunately, the developers do not provide a free version, even with limited functionality. The cost of a full release is about $30. If you cannot afford or simply do not want to spend that amount, look for a hacked version on the Internet.

  • The working window of the program has four windows, as well as a menu and toolbar. Click Tools - Create CD Image.

Click Create CD image

  • In the window that opens, select the working drive, specify a folder to save the finished result and select the desired format.
  • Click Finish and wait for the process to complete.

If you need to create an image from the data you have, then you need to do the following:

  1. In the main window of the program on the menu bar, find the “Total size” button, click on it, click or determine the size of the future virtual drive.
  2. At the bottom of the window, select the required data, select it, right-click - Add.
  3. Select the location where the finished result will be saved; to do this, click File - Save As.
  4. After confirming your choice, the process of creating a disk image will begin immediately.

Conclusion

In fact, there are many more utilities for creating virtual media than we listed in the article. Therefore, if you want to talk about another wonderful product, write about it in the comments.

Hello! In this tutorial I will teach you how to create ISO disk images. This feature can be useful in cases where a game or program will not start without a DVD or CD disc inserted into the drive.

I will also show how you can create an ISO disk image from various files that are just lying on your computer. We can pack music, films, programs and much more into the image.

In general, if you find yourself on this page, then most likely you know for what purposes you need create a disk image, so let's get straight to it. To create the image we will use UltraISO program, which can be downloaded from the official website.

And run it. Don't forget to insert the disc into your computer. Now we need to select the Tools menu in UltraISO and select “Create CD image”. You can also use the hotkey F8.

A window opens where we need to configure something. First of all, in the CD/DVD drive section you need select drive letter, which you can find out by going to the section Computer. If you only have one drive installed, the desired drive will be selected by default.

Just below you need to indicate the location on your computer where you want to save the ISO image, and also give it a name.

A little lower is the section for selecting the format. Except ISO there are MDF, BIN and some other less popular formats. Perhaps in some cases they will be useful to you.

To start creating the image, all we have to do is click the Make button.

This is how the process goes:

Here we once again see where the image will be saved, as well as the approximate time remaining until the process is completed. When finished, we can open the folder and check the result.

Now this ISO image can be opened in special programs, for example, . After opening the image, in the section Computer this file will be displayed as a disk, and we can work with it like regular CD and DVD disks.

Creating an image from various files
(movies, music, programs, etc.)

Now I've shown how create ISO image from an actual CD that is inserted into an optical drive. But besides this, the UltraISO program can pack absolutely any files into a disk image. This is done very simply.

The new backup utilities in Windows 7 are truly impressive. System imaging is available in all editions of Windows 7. Today we'll look at a way to create a backup image of your machine without using third-party utilities like Ghost or True Image.

Let's say you've just finished installing a fresh copy of Windows 7 on your computer and configured it the way you like. Now the first thing you need to do is create a disk image that will help you quickly recover in case of failure. An image is an exact copy of everything on your disk. It is best to create it when the system is still clean and organized. This will make the image smaller in size, and will allow you to quickly restore your system in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Creating an image in Windows 7

To create an image, go to Control Panel - System and Security - Backup and Restore.

You can include multiple hard drives in your image, but this will increase the final image size. The drive on which Windows is installed will be enabled by default. Also, the image cannot include the disk where you are going to save your image (unless, of course, you are saving it to disk).

In the confirmation window you will be able to see how big your image will be and what drives will be included in it. If you find an error here, you can go back and correct everything.

A progress bar appears as the image is created. In our example, creating a disk image with 15GB of data on an external drive took approximately 20 minutes. However, the creation time varies depending on the system and where the image is saved.

Once the process is complete, you will be prompted to create a recovery disk. To which you must give your consent and ensure that the disk is stored in a safe and secure place.

When it comes to recovery (if it comes), you can use your recovery disk and its System Image Recovery option in System Recovery Options to get your system back.

Vista Ultimate, Business and Enterprise also allow you to create a system backup image. True, Vista Home and Home Premium do not have this feature. The process is similar to creating an image in Windows 7. To begin, simply type backup in the Start menu search box and then click on Backup and Restore Center.

Then click the Back up computer button and you will see a backup wizard that will guide you through the image creation process.

Conclusion

All the utilities described above are extremely convenient and really work well. It's also good that they will be available in all editions of Windows 7, and not just in the higher ones (like, for example, Vista). This will allow you to save your money (approximately $50-80) on third-party utilities.

It is necessary to create an image when the system is still fresh, so that it does not turn out to be huge and allows you to quickly recover in the event of a failure. For example, we created an image after installing the operating system, the Office 2007 office suite, and several other programs we use most frequently. As a result, the image took us 10GB, which we could easily place on an external hard drive.