How to Change an ISO File to EXE File

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Changing an ISO file to an EXE is really a process of un-archiving or "mounting" your ISO disc image to a PC-compatible format. For example, you may have an ISO image file containing a program you need to run on your computer. If your system does not come with software that will mount your ISO image, you will need to download one from the Internet. Choices include programs like Gizmo (freeware), Daemon Tools (free trial), and MagicDisc ISO (free trial)--all of which allow you to easily open your ISO files, as well as edit your ISO file's contents without un-archiving them.

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Gizmo ISO Conversion

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Step 1

Launch your web browser and direct it to Gizmo's main website. Download and install the software, free of charge. Agree to the terms of use and run the program, where you will enter the "Village Manager" menu.

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Step 2

Select the "Mount Images to a Gizmo Virtual Device" option in the "Village Manager" window.

Step 3

Check your "Virtual Drives" screen to make sure you have installed the program's driver by checking your status at the bottom-right of the page. If it says "Not Installed," click the "Install" button.

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Step 4

Right-click your ISO icon and choose "Mount." Wait for the process to finish. Un-mount your ISO by right-clicking the image and selecting "Unmount." (Make sure you have no programs are running any of the ISO contents, or your computer will not allow you to unmount the ISO.)

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Daemon Tools

Step 1

Download and install a free trial of Daemon Tools, or purchase the software. Launch the program, making sure the program is running from the Windows Task Panel on the bottom-right of your screen.

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Step 2

Right-click the Daemon Tools icon in the Windows Task Panel and hold your mouse over the "Virtual CD/DVD-ROM" arrow. Choose the "Device..." sub-menu and click "Mount Image."

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Step 3

Locate your ISO file in the pop-up Windows Explorer screen and click "Open." Choose "Run start.exe" to run a program off your ISO, or press "Open Folder to View Files" to review the contents of your ISO.

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Step 4

Wait for your computer to finish opening your ISO.

Unmount the ISO by right-clicking the "Daemon Tools" icon in the Windows Task Panel and selecting "Unmount Image."

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MagicDisc

Step 1

Right-click the MagicDisc icon after running through the download and installation process. Select the "No Media" option from the "Virtual CD/DVD-ROM" sub-menu.

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Step 2

Click "Mount." Browse through your Windows Explorer screen to find and highlight your ISO file.

Step 3

Press "OK" to begin mounting your ISO. Unmount the file after your computer is done by right-clicking your ISO file and selecting "Unmount."

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