An ISO file is an image of a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Typically, you burn an ISO image to a CD or DVD, but there are times when you want to access what’s in the ISO file without burning it to a disc. For example, some downloadable Microsoft software programs come on ISO images. Windows is not able to mount an ISO file or otherwise read it so you can gain access to it unless you use a special utility. One freeware utility you can use to mount an ISO image is Virtual CloneDrive by SlySoft. This tutorial shows you how to download and install Virtual CloneDrive and use it to mount an ISO image as a virtual CD drive on your computer.

1. Open a web browser (such as Internet Explorer) and navigate to http://www.slysoft.com/en/virtual-clonedrive.html.
2. Click on the DOWNLOAD link on the page.
3. Scroll down the page and click on the green download icon next to Virtual CloneDrive:
   
4. After the file is downloaded, navigate to the folder and doubleclick on the setup program to install Virtual CloneDrive.
   
5. Click I Agree to begin setup.
   
6. Click Next.
   
7. Click Install.
   
8. Click Install.
   
9. Click Close.
   
10. Navigate to your ISO file, right-click on it, and select Mount (Virtual CloneDrive F:). If you have multiple drives on your system, the F: might be a different drive such as E: or G:.
    
11. In my case, AutoPlay started. If you have AutoPlay turned off, navigate to Computer in the Start menu and see the icon for your virtual drive:
    
12. The virtual drive is now mounted with your ISO image.