How do I run ISO images on my PC?

An ISO file is basically a digital copy of a CD or DVD. Many old games were distributed this way, and to run them today, you’ll usually need to mount the ISO (make Windows think the disc is actually inserted) and sometimes install extra tools for compatibility.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide you can follow to run an old game distributed as an ISO file on your Windows PC.

1. Check What You Have

• ISO file: this is your game’s disc image.

• Sometimes you may also have .bin/.cue, .img/.sub/.ccd, or compressed archives like .zip or .rar. If so, extract until you find the .iso.

2. Mount the ISO

Windows 8 and later can mount ISOs natively:

• Right-click the .iso file.

• Select Mount.

• A new “virtual drive” will appear under This PC, just like inserting a real CD.

If you’re on Windows 7 or earlier, you’ll need a tool like WinCDEmu (lightweight, free) or Daemon Tools Lite.

3. Install the Game

• Open the mounted drive.

• Look for setup.exe or install.exe and run it.

• Follow the installation prompts, just as you would with the original disc.

Some older installers may not run properly on modern Windows. If that happens, try:

• Right-click → Properties → Compatibility → run in Windows XP/98 mode.

• Run as Administrator.

4. Running the Game

After installation, you usually still need the ISO mounted (many old games require the “disc” to be in the drive).

• Keep the ISO mounted when launching the game.

• Double-click the game’s shortcut or .exe.

5. Optional: Patches, No-CD Fixes, etc.

Some very old games require:

• Official patches (check fan communities or abandonware forums).

• No-CD cracks (used when disc checks fail on modern PCs). These are often available on preservation sites, but use with caution.

Some older games (especially from the Windows 95/98/XP era) won’t launch properly unless certain entries exist in the Windows Registry.

If you install the game manually (by copying files, or if the installer fails), the registry entries might be missing. A .reg file is basically a small script that tells Windows: “Add these keys and values to the registry.”

How to Use a .reg File

• Double-click the .reg file.

• Windows will ask if you want to add it to the registry → click Yes.

• Press Win + R, type regedit.

• Navigate to the path (e.g., HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREOldGame) to confirm the keys are there.

For certain ISO-based old games, a .reg file can be mandatory — otherwise the game may fail to detect its installation, CD, or license.