Mount ISO Files in Windows 7 Media Center - Easy Guide

Playing ISO Movies in Windows Media Center

Do you possess a collection of movie files stored in the ISO format on your hard drive? Are you seeking a straightforward method to play these files within Windows Media Center? This guide details how to configure Windows Media Center for automatic viewing of ISOs directly from your Movie Library.

Software Installation

First, obtain and install Virtual Clone Drive. This is a complimentary application designed to mount ISO files, presenting them as standard CD/DVD drives to your system. The installation procedure is uncomplicated, and default settings are generally sufficient.

Next, download and install the Mikinho Mount Image add-in. This extension enables the automatic display and mounting of ISO image files within Windows Media Center. Like Virtual Clone Drive, the installation process is streamlined and available in both 32 & 64 bit versions.

Adding ISOs to Your Movie Library

Ensure your ISO files are either copied into your existing Windows Media Center Movie Library, or that the folder containing them is added to the library.

If you haven’t yet configured your movie library, a tutorial on adding folders to the movie library in Windows 7 Media Center is available for your reference.

Initiating Playback

When you are prepared to watch a movie, navigate to the Movie Library within Windows Media Center and select the desired ISO file.

Upon opening an ISO file, a "Please wait while mounting disc image..." message will appear. The mounting process will require a few seconds to complete.

Mounting time may be extended if another ISO file is currently mounted and needs to be unmounted first.

Enjoying Your Movie

Once the ISO is successfully mounted, your movie playback will commence. Simply relax and enjoy the viewing experience.

Ejecting the ISO

After the movie concludes, you can eject the ISO image, effectively unmounting it from the virtual drive, much like ejecting a physical DVD.

While not mandatory, ejecting the ISO can expedite the loading process when mounting the next ISO you wish to watch.

Seamless Integration

These two applications function seamlessly in the background, creating the impression that this functionality is natively integrated into Windows Media Center. No further configuration or adjustments are necessary; simply install the programs and you are ready to go.

Virtual CloneDrive also provides the added benefit of a virtual disc drive for running other disc images on your system.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a simple and hassle-free way to play your ISO files in Windows 7 Media Center, these applications represent a valuable addition to your Media Center setup.

Download Mikinho Mount Image here. Download Virtual Clone Drive here.