CD/DVD ISOs, image files

[AiponGkooja]

During the process of making a slipstreamed/updated/tweaked/unattended/etc WinXP SP2 boot disc, I recently learned about CD/DVD images. I was wondering if it is actually better to make these image files of your CD/DVDs, and to use those instead of ever using the disc drives. It is faster, as it accesses the harddrive instead of the disc drive, and it protects against disc scratching and drive wear and tear and noise, right? Obviously you would need the space on your harddrive(or somewhere else), but would it be a good habit to get into, or is it not worth the time and disk space?

Thanks,
Aip

 

[JasonSix78]

I've used Alcohol several times in the past to install..stuff.

The two times that I used it I really liked it, I just can't see myself using it for everything though. The reasons you brought up are good ones, give it a shot and see how you like it.

-Jason

 

[BespinReactorShaft]

Mainly to remove the hassle of disc-in-drive checks when playing games.

 

[tuteja1986]

Alcohol 120% is the way to go and deamon tool to load up the images.

 

[nbarb99]

I've used DDump to create disc images of my most-launched games, and use Daemon Tools to mount them. Sure beats trying to find the CD!

It's also doubly handy right now, as my CD drive conked out on me. For a month or so I've been just using an emulated Daemon Tools drive.

 

[AiponGkooja]

Originally posted by: BespinReactorShaft
Mainly to remove the hassle of disc-in-drive checks when playing games.

What checks are these?

 

[crizzar]

you know... "please insert Battlefield 2 Disc 1 and click ok to continue"

 

[AiponGkooja]

Originally posted by: crizzar
you know... "please insert Battlefield 2 Disc 1 and click ok to continue"

Yeah, but isn't that BEFORE you start playing, as opposed to WHEN you are playing? He said "when," so I got confused, heh.

But anyway, is there anyone else that uses them regularly? If so, do you find that it is beneficial?

 

[rbV5]

But anyway, is there anyone else that uses them regularly? If so, do you find that it is beneficial?

I regularly "rip" my DVD's to my hardrive storage (instead of creating an image). I prefer it quite a bit over optical media because I can just pick from my list in MCE and no hunting for DVD's. I also rip all the crap so that I don't have 5 minutes of commercials and before the feature starts. It just makes it easier for my family.

At this point, its only for movies that won't rip to a single layer DVD because of space constraints on my hardrive.