In Windows 7, the Media Center can play ISO files that have been created by the Windows Imaging and Sound Architecture (WISA) software. This software is used to create images of CDs and DVDs. To play an ISO file that has been created by WISA, you first need to create a Mount Point. A Mount Point is a location on your hard drive where you can store files that you want to play back later. You can create a Mount Point named “MyMount” or any other name you like. Next, you need to add the ISO file to the Mount Point. To do this, open the Properties of the Mount Point and click on the Add button. In the Add File dialog box, type in the path to the ISO file you want to play back. For example, if you are adding an ISO file named “C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player 11\wmplayer11.iso”, type in C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player 11\wmplayer11.exe in the Add File dialog box. When you have added the ISO file to your Mount Point, click on OK to close it and return to Windows 7’s media center properties screen. On this screen, you will see a list of all of your media center devices connected to your computer including your TV or monitor. The first item in this list is your media center device called “Media Center”. The second item in this list is called “Player”. The third item in this list is called “System”. The fourth item in this list is called “Computer”. The fifth item in this list is called “Mount Points”. If there are no mount points listed for your computer or if one of them has been removed, then your computer does not support playing back ISO files from WISA-created mount points! To add a mount point for your computer, click on Add and select MyMount from the resulting drop-down menu as shown below:
First, download and install Virtual Clone Drive. It’s a free application that allows you to mount an ISO file so that it appears as a CD/DVD drive. The install process is very simple and you can just take the defaults.
Next, download and install Mikinho Mount Image. This add-in allows for the ISO image files to be displayed and mounted automatically in Windows Media Center. This is also a very basic install and is available in 32 & 64 bit versions.
If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to either copy your ISO files into your Media Center Movie Library, or add the folder containing your ISOs to the Movie Library. If you haven’t set up your movie library yet, make sure and check out our tutorial on adding folders to the movie library in Windows 7 Media Center.
When you are ready to watch a movie, simply browse to the Movie Library and click on the ISO you wish to view.
When you open an ISO file, you are presented with a “Please wait while mounting disc image…” message. The process will take several seconds. It may take a bit longer if another ISO file needs to be unmounted before mounting the new one.
After the ISO is mounted, your movie will begin to play. Now just relax and enjoy the movie.
When the movie is over you can eject the ISO image (which actually unmounts it from the virtual drive) just as you would with an actual physical DVD. You don’t have to, but it makes mounting the next ISO you want to watch load faster.
These two apps work behind the scenes and it feels like the feature was built into Windows Media Center to begin with. There is nothing you need to setup or tweak, just install the two programs and you’re done. Of course with Virtual CloneDrive, you’ll get the extra benefit of having a virtual disc drive on your system for running other disc images.
If you are looking for a simple, no hassle way to enjoy those ISOs in Windows 7 Media Center, then these simple apps will be a welcome addition to your Media Center setup.
Download Mikinho Mount Image
Download Virtual Clone Drive
