The age of physical carriers is rapidly coming to an end. And we are talking not only about archaic vinyl, which has long found a place only on collectors' shelves, but also about familiar CDs and DVDs. It's time to think about backing up your optical discs. One of the most common formats of the so-called "images" of discs is mdf.
Necessary
- • Computer with optical CD / DVD drive
- • Disk for translation to mdf
- • Program for creating images (Daemon Tools)
Instructions
Step 1
To create an mdf file with a disk image, use one of the most popular programs Daemon Tools. The program is compatible with all modern versions of Windows (XP, Vista and 7) and is easy to use. You can download the installation file on the official website at https://www.daemon-tools.cc/rus/products/dtproStd by clicking on the "Download" button
Step 2
Run the downloaded installation file and go through the standard procedure for installing the program (choosing a directory, accepting a license agreement, etc.). Since the program is also an image emulator (in the same mdf format), a reboot is required to create a virtual drive.
Step 3
After reboot, the program will automatically start. The upper control panel contains large icons with the main functions of the program. Insert the disc you want to create in mdf format into the optical drive of your computer and click on the Make Disc Image button in the program panel. By default, this is the third icon from the left.
Step 4
A window with a choice of properties for creating an image will open. Make sure that the drive in which the disc is located is selected in the top Device dropdown, as the virtual drive just created by the program will also be available for selection.
Step 5
In the Device tab, select the type of disk in the Profile selector, the mdf file of which you will create. If it's just a disc with several files (both a set of photos and a game in terms of structure) choose Data Disc. Other common options would be a music disc - then choose Audio Disc, or DVD with a movie - then choose DVD-Video. You do not need to change other parameters in this tab.
Step 6
In the Image Сatalog tab, you must enter the name of your mdf-file and select the path to the folder where it will be created. The most important thing is to select the file type under the Output format heading - since you need to create the mdf file, check the MDS / MDF image box. However, the program can create other types of images - MDX and ISO. Click the Start button and the imaging will begin. This is a rather lengthy process that can take several tens of minutes, be patient and your mdf file is ready!
