Disc Image 1.3
1.3.0 for Windows 2000, XP, 2003
© 2006 Pa-software

1. Welcome to Disc Image

The Disc image system is a driver that can mount ISO CD/DVD images into a Microsoft Windows 2000/XP based system. This gives the impression that a new CD/DVD-ROM drive has been added and a disc has been inserted.
The small size of the driver and its simple operation allow an integration which is similar to actually using CD/DVD-ROM hardware. It is even possible to mount as many images as there are available drive letters.

The Disc image system can mount ISO images that contain either ISO9660 or Joliet (or both) file systems, which on a Windows 2000/XP based system allows nearly all ISO images to be mounted. It will not allow images to be mounted if Windows does not read that type of file system e.g. HFS+.

For single users the Disc image system allows you to store frequently used CD/DVD images so they can be accessed quickly and quietly (no more loud whirring noises).
It will also eliminate the need to have a disc left in the CD/DVD drive when running applications that require access to the disc.
When using on a laptop, it allows better use of the battery as CD/DVD drives require a large amount of power, especially when the drive is running continuously.

When you create ISO disc images with products such as Nero, the created images can be mounted using the Disc image system, allowing them to be tested before being burned to discs, thus reducing disc wastage.

For networks that require a secure central location, or just want to store images in an easy to reach place, the Disc image system will allow those images to be mounted locally. This in turn protects certain images from unauthorised use and allows software stored on servers to be installed without finding the installation CD/DVD(s).
There is no need for special server software as the small driver is installed on each of the targets.
As the Disc image system works with the ISO standard, it gives you the opportunity to store images that can be accessed by other operating systems, such as Apple Macintosh OS X and Unix as they already have the built-in ability to mount ISO.

2. Limitations

The demo version has an image size limitation of 650MB, expires after 30 days or 20 mounts, whichever comes first, and will not mount images over a network even if the network share is mapped.

To purchase a license, visit: http://www.pa-software.com/products/

3. How do I use Disc Image?

Disc Image is incredibly easy to use. If you can right click on a file or open My Computer then you should have no trouble installing and using Disc Image. In fact, you probably don't even need to read this guide.

3.1 Using ISO image files

Mounting an image could not be simpler, just right click on the ISO file and select 'Mount image'. The mounted image will then appear in Explorer (or if Auto-Play is available, it will automatically open).
It is just as easy to remove the mounted image, just select 'Eject' in 'My Computer' just the same as any other CD/DVD, the drive will then be removed.

3.2 Using the mounted images

The mounted image is used in the same way as other CD/DVD that has been inserted into a physical drive. Just open 'My Computer' and double click the new CD/DVD drive icon.

4. Applications included

Image Mount (pro only):
This program mounts ISO images into the file system using Disc Image driver and also allows images to be ejected if the standard mechanism fails.

Image Creator:
This application can create an ISO image from physical CD/DVD's.

Image Converter (pro only):
This program allows you to convert images from BIN types to ISO. It can convert from .bin/.mdf/.cdi/.nrg to ISO, or even from unknown formats if the geometry is known.

Tray Menu:
This little application puts a menu into the taskbar tray so that you can mount recent images, and create folders of image links for easy access.

Command line support (pro only):
Images can be mounted and un-mounted using the console or even from scripts.
This can allow administrators to mount read-only systems when the user logs in.

5. How to contact us

E-Mail: comments@pa-software.com
Web: http://www.pa-software.com/
Support: http://www.pa-software.com/support.html

License

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Disc Image is Copyright © 1990 - 2006 Pa-software