ISO images are images of a disk containing all files as well as boot files necessary for automatically launching the installation of the content that you downloaded. These files need to be burned to a disk specifically as an image, instead of a 'data' disk, which will extract the ISO into the required setup files. By burning the file to a disk as a data disk, you will simply end up with an .ISO file on the disk, which cannot be used for the installation.
Every program used to burn ISO images will require you to have a blank writable disk and a rewritable CD Drive on your computer. Navigate to "My Computer," where you can see the names of your CD Drives. If a drive on your computer contains "RW," it is rewritable and you can burn the ISO using that drive (if you have multiple CD drives, it is normally also labeled on the computer). If you are downloading an operating system such as Windows Vista, then you will need a writable DVD, called a DVD-R (make sure that your drive is DVD rewritable as well by seeing if the drive name contains "DVD"). If you are downloading a program, then all you need is a writable CD (called a CD-R). Keep in mind the name of this drive, as you will need to select it when you are running ISO burning software. You will also need to know where the ISO file is located. By default, the file is located in C:\Temp. To get to this folder, click "My Computer," then the C Drive, then the "Temp" folder.
There are several programs used to burn ISO images. You may have one of these programs on your computer already. Otherwise, download and use the freeware.
If you have ISO-burning software installed on your computer, locating and double-clicking on the ISO image file should open the program. This is the easiest way to start the process. However, if you have software installed and double-clicking on the ISO image will not open the software, open the software separately and follow these instructions:
Roxio Creator
Select Copy on the left hand side, click "Burn Image" and browse to the location where you downloaded the ISO file (most likely C:\Temp). Ensure that the program has selected the right CD Drive. Then press the "Burn" button.
Roxio Easy CD Creator
Go to where you downloaded your file and right click the file. Press "Open With" and select Easy CD Creator. Simply click on the "Start Recording" button on the top right when the setup window opens.
Nero Express
Open Nero Express and select "Disc Image or Saved Project". When the "Open" Dialog box appears, look towards the bottom to the dropdown box called "Files of type:" and make sure that "Image Files (*nrg; *.iso; *.cue)" is selected. Navigate to the folder where your file is located and click "Open." Ensure that the program has selected the right CD Drive. Click "Next."
Active@ ISO Burner (freeware)
Open Active@ ISO Burner.
Click on the "..." button next to the "ISO path" input box and navigate to the folder where your ISO file is located. Ensure that the right drive is selected and click "Burn ISO!"
That's it! Wait a few minutes and your ISO file should be completely burned onto the disk. After this, simply reinsert the disc into your computer to run the software. If you are having problems or would like help using a different program, email chris.vegter@unco.edu with details of the problem you are having.