How to Write ISO Files to USB Memory for Bootable Drives

Introduction

ISO files are unique in that they are disk image files that encapsulate the entire content of a CD or DVD, preserving it as a single file. Essentially, an ISO file acts as a digital replica of an optical disk, making it convenient for data storage and distribution. However, unlike standard image or audio files, ISO files can’t be directly opened; they need to be written to a storage device, such as a USB memory, to become bootable.

Creating a bootable USB drive from an ISO file is a common practice, especially when installing or repairing operating systems, creating rescue disks, or installing software on devices without optical drives. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the significance of ISO files, and walk you through the process of creating bootable USB drives using five popular software options.

Understanding ISO Files

Before delving into the software and methods for creating bootable USB drives, it’s essential to understand what ISO files are and why they need to be written to storage devices.

ISO files, often referred to as disk image files, contain a complete representation of the data found on a CD or DVD. They serve as an efficient way to store the contents of optical media, making them easily accessible on a computer. These files are valuable for creating backups, distributing software, or installing operating systems.

To use the data within an ISO file, it must be transferred to a storage device like a USB memory, which can be booted from. This process involves writing the ISO file to the USB drive using specific software, ensuring that the contents can be accessed by a computer or other compatible device.

Popular Software for Writing ISO Files to USB Memory

There are several software programs available to facilitate the task of writing ISO files to a USB memory. Each of these programs offers unique features and capabilities, catering to different user needs. Here are five commonly used options:

1. DVDFab DVD Copy

DVDFab DVD Copy is a versatile software solution that allows users to write ISO files from DVDs to a USB drive. The software offers a range of customization options, including selecting specific titles, chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles before writing the ISO file to the USB memory. Here’s how to use DVDFab DVD Copy:

• Download and Install DVDFab: Start by downloading and installing the latest version of DVDFab on your computer.
• Select “Copy” from the Menu: After installation, open DVDFab and select the “Copy” option from the top menu.
• Configure Output Settings: Customize the output settings, specifying the title, chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles you want to include in the ISO file.
• Insert USB Drive: Plug the USB drive into your computer, select it as the destination, and click the “Start” button to begin writing the ISO file.

2. ISO to USB

ISO to USB is a straightforward and free software designed exclusively for writing ISO files to USB drives. It is easy to use, although it may lack Japanese language support. Follow these steps to create a bootable USB drive using ISO to USB:

• Select the ISO File: Click the “Browse” button to locate and select the ISO file on your computer.
• Choose the USB Drive: After connecting the USB drive to your PC, press the ‘V’ key on your keyboard to select the connected USB drive’s name.
• File System Selection: Choose “FAT32” from the file system dropdown menu for compatibility.
• Enable Bootable Option: If you intend to create a bootable USB drive, check the box labeled “Bootable, only supports Windows bootable ISO image.”
• Initiate Writing: Click the “Burn” button to write the ISO file to the USB memory.

3. Rufus

Rufus is another free software solution with user-friendly operations, along with Japanese language support. It is particularly suitable for those who appreciate simplicity and ease of use. Here’s how to use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive from an ISO file:

• Connect USB Drive: Plug the USB memory into your PC, and Rufus will automatically detect the connected USB drive.
• Select ISO File: Click “Select” to browse your computer and choose the ISO file you wish to write to the USB drive.
• Choose Partition Scheme: For the partition scheme, select “GPT.”
• Initiate Writing: After configuring the settings, click “Start” to begin writing the ISO file to the USB memory.

4. AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro

AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro is a paid software solution with advanced features. While it comes with a price tag, it offers more extensive capabilities, including the ability to write ISO files to USB drives. Follow these steps to utilize AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro:

• Connect USB Memory: Plug in your USB memory and launch the AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro software.
• Create Bootable Media: Select “Create Bootable Media” from the menu on the left.
• Choose USB Boot Device: In the bootable media creation window, opt for “USB Boot Device.”
• Initiate Writing: Click “Proceed” to start writing the ISO file to the USB memory.

5. USBWriter

USBWriter is a free software option known for its simplicity and ease of use, though it might not natively support Japanese. You can apply a Japanese language patch for added convenience. Follow these steps to write an ISO file to a USB memory using USBWriter:

• Select the ISO File: Click the “[Browse…]” button to choose the ISO file stored on your computer.
• Choose USB Drive: Once your USB memory is connected to your computer, press the ‘V’ key on your keyboard to select the connected USB drive, which will appear in the “Target device” field.
• Initiate Writing: Click “Write,” and if prompted, select “Yes” to confirm the writing of the ISO file to the USB memory.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

During the process of writing ISO files to USB memory, it’s not uncommon to encounter various issues. Here are some common errors and their respective troubleshooting steps:

1. ISO File Size Exceeds USB Capacity:

• Solution: Use a USB memory with a larger capacity or consider creating a custom ISO file that fits within the USB memory’s size.

2. Download Verification Prompt:

• Solution: If you receive a prompt requesting download verification, carefully review the message content, and if it is legitimate, click “Yes” to proceed.

3. Hybrid ISO Image Detected:

• Solution: Select “Write ISO Image Mode” and confirm by clicking “OK.”

4. Data Erasure Warning:

• Solution: If you encounter a warning that data will be erased from the USB memory, make sure to back up any important data, then click “OK” to continue.

In conclusion, ISO files, or disk image files, are unique in that they encapsulate an entire CD or DVD’s contents into a single file. To make these files accessible and bootable, they must be written to a storage device, such as a USB memory. This guide has introduced you to five popular software options for this purpose, along with step-by-step instructions for using each program.

Whether you’re looking for a free and user-friendly option, advanced features, or Japanese language support, you now have a range of software choices to create bootable USB drives from ISO files. These bootable USB drives can be indispensable for installing operating systems, running diagnostic tools, or creating backups.