To boot an ISO file, you'll typically burn it to a USB drive or DVD and then configure your computer to boot from that device. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Choose Your Method: USB Drive or DVD
While DVDs are an option, using a USB drive is generally faster and more convenient. This guide focuses primarily on using a USB drive.
2. Select an ISO Burning Tool
Several tools are available for burning ISO files to USB drives. Popular options include:
- Rufus: A free, open-source, and portable tool known for its speed and simplicity.
- UNetbootin: Another free and open-source option, particularly useful for Linux distributions.
- Etcher: A cross-platform tool that's known for its user-friendly interface.
- UltraISO: A commercial tool (with a trial version) offering a wide range of features, including ISO editing.
- YUMI (Your Universal Multiboot Installer): Allows you to create a multiboot USB drive containing multiple ISO files.
3. Download and Install Your Chosen Tool
Download your selected tool from its official website and install it if necessary. Rufus and Etcher are often used as portable applications and don't require installation.
4. Prepare Your USB Drive
- Important: Back up any data on the USB drive, as the burning process will erase all existing content.
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
5. Burn the ISO File to the USB Drive
The process varies slightly depending on the tool you choose, but the basic steps are similar:
- Launch the ISO burning tool.
- Select your USB drive: The tool should automatically detect the connected USB drive. Verify that you've selected the correct drive to avoid accidental data loss on other drives.
- Select the ISO file: Browse to the location of your ISO file and select it.
- Choose the Burning Mode: Rufus, for example, typically defaults to "ISO Image Mode," which is usually the correct option. Some tools might offer options like "DD Image Mode" – if in doubt, refer to the tool's documentation.
- Start the burning process: Click the "Start" button (or equivalent) to begin burning the ISO file to the USB drive. The tool will display a progress bar during the process.
- Wait for completion: The burning process may take several minutes, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.
- Close the tool: Once the process is complete, you can safely close the burning tool.
6. Configure Your Computer to Boot from USB
- Restart your computer.
- Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup: As your computer starts, press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. This key varies depending on your computer manufacturer but is often one of the following:
Del,F2,F12,Esc. The boot screen usually indicates which key to press. - Change the boot order: Within the BIOS/UEFI setup, locate the boot order settings. Change the boot order so that the USB drive is listed before your hard drive. This ensures that your computer will attempt to boot from the USB drive first.
- Save the changes and exit: Save the changes you made to the boot order and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will restart.
7. Boot from the USB Drive
If you've configured the boot order correctly, your computer should now boot from the USB drive. You'll see the boot menu or setup screen for the operating system or utility contained within the ISO file.
Troubleshooting
- USB drive not detected: Ensure the USB drive is properly inserted and that your BIOS/UEFI supports booting from USB. Try a different USB port.
- Incorrect boot order: Double-check the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI setup to ensure the USB drive is listed first.
- Corrupted ISO file: Download the ISO file again to ensure it's not corrupted.
- Incompatible burning tool: Try a different ISO burning tool.
