Rip contents of CD onto HD and run it from there-possible?

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Vert.E.Gogh · #1 Post by **Vert.E.Gogh** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:05 am

This is a dumb question because I'm really not familiar with ripping CDs or DVDs and how that all works. But here goes...

Is it possible to rip or copy the contents of a CD-ROM onto the hard drive (or flash drive) and run it from there? For example, I have CD-ROM discs that came with IT certification textbooks that I purchased, and on these discs are various programs such as lab simulation software for configuration exercises and practice, a testing engine for practicing exam-type questions, and other study tools. In order to access and use these study tools I normally have to have the CD-ROM in the optical drive because the software runs off the disc. So, is it possible to copy the CD-ROM contents onto an X61s hard drive and run it from there, or is the only option would be carrying around an external usb optical drive?

It would be great if this was possible, otherwise I will have to look into buying a laptop with a built-in optical drive (T61 maybe) or consider carrying around an external optical drive (with the X61s).

What are your thoughts?

P.S. I'm not trying to make copies of these CDs or distribute them in any way. I use them for personal use only, for study purposes only.

#2 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:59 am

Yes, basically. You mount an .iso image of the CD. See following for more info.

Mount .iso files under Windows XP

skitty4gzus · #3 Post by **skitty4gzus** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 1:50 pm

daemon tools is what you will need.

Vert.E.Gogh · #4 Post by **Vert.E.Gogh** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 5:15 pm

Wow, this is fantastic! Thanks so much for the great information! Learning something new every time I visit this forum. Just great. Thanks again.

leoblob · #5 Post by **leoblob** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 10:29 pm

Please excuse my cluelessness...

Why can't you just copy the files from the CD onto the hard drive using Windows Explorer?

#6 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:54 am

Some CD's or DVD's have software on them that will only run if the CD or DVD is in the drive. If you try copying the software to your hard drive, it won't run without the CD or DVD in the drive. By mounting an image, you can run the software without the physical CD or DVD being present. Discs that come with educational textbooks and a number of commercial games often need the disc to be present for the software to run.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_image

furrycute · #7 Post by **furrycute** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:34 pm

Under Daemon Tools there are a couple of emulation options, try those see if they work.

If not, you can try Alcohol 120%, but you have to pay for that one.

skitty4gzus · #8 Post by **skitty4gzus** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:18 pm

alcohol %120 did have a free 30 day trial, but daemon tools was free and fairly simple to use. you just designate an unused drive letter and mount the .iso to that drive.

leoblob · #9 Post by **leoblob** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:27 pm

GomJabbar wrote:Some CD's or DVD's have software on them that will only run...

Thank you.

Rip contents of CD onto HD and run it from there-possible?

Rip contents of CD onto HD and run it from there-possible?

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