How to Boot From an ISO CD Image

An ISO image is a file that archives the content of an optical disk. The ISO file contains all the information contained in the optical disk it is a copy of. If you purchase Windows 7 online or install any software that requires you to restart your computer, you will be downloading an ISO image. The ISO image needs to be burned to a CD/DVD to be usable. However, if you are using a virtualization software program, you can use the ISO file directly in one of your virtual machines.

Instructions

Virtual Machine

1. Step 1

   Run your virtualization software. Create a virtual machine by clicking on "New" on the top of the window and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Step 2

   In the CD/DVD section, select "Use an ISO Image"

3. Step 3

   Use the browse function to find the ISO image you want to use. Click "Open" to have the virtual CD/DVD reader load the ISO image.

4. Step 4

   Start your virtual machine, and it will boot from the ISO image.

Real Machine

5. Step 1

   Open your CD/DVD-burning software.

6. Step 2

   Select "Burn Image" and select the ISO image you want to put on CD/DVD.

7. Step 3

   Once the ISO image is burned onto the CD/DVD, insert the CD/DVD in the reader of the computer you want to boot from.

8. Step 4

   Press the appropriate key to open the "Boot" menu on your computer. Select the CD/DVD drive and press "Enter."

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How to Access My Computer From the Command Line in XP

If you need to access the command line inside of your Windows XP computer, there are two ways to do it. One way assumes that your computer is working properly, while the other assumes that your computer is malfunctioning, and you cant boot it up normally. Either way, accessing your computer through a command line is a straightforward process.

Instructions

Command Line Access with a Working Computer

1. Step 1

   Turn on your computer and log into Windows as you normally would.

2. Step 2

   Wait for the operating system to load completely, then click on the "Start" button, then click on the "Run" button and type "cmd" (without quotes). Alternatively, click on the "Start" button, click on "All Programs," "Accessories" and "System Tools," and then click on the "Command Prompt" program choice.

3. Step 3

   Wait for the command prompt window to open. When finished, close the window by typing "exit" and pressing the "Enter" key.

Command Line Access When Windows Wont Boot

4. Step 1

   Insert your original Windows XP CD into the computer and restart it. Choose the startup option that will allow you to boot from CD, then press any key to start the CD boot process.

5. Step 2

   Wait for the boot loader to go through the automated loading screens, then press the "R" key once the process has completed. This will start the Recovery Console.

6. Step 3

   At the command prompt, enter your username and password that you use to log on to Windows, then perform the operations you need to do. When finished, type "Exit," then press the "Enter" key to exit the Recovery Console. Restart the computer.

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