This article shows you how to view the contents of an image file, better known as an ISO file. Although normally in order to use this type of file you must first burn it to DVD or a USB stick, it is still possible to view its contents using a special free software. If you want to burn ISO file to DVD, please refer to this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Install WinRAR
It is a program that can be installed for free and that you can use to view the contents of a wide range of files, including ISO files. Once the trial period has expired, you can decline the invitation to purchase the full version of the program without running into any problems. Install it by following these instructions:
- Access the site https://www.rarlab.com/download.htm using your computer browser;
- Click the link WinRAR x64 (64 bit) 5.61 placed at the top of the page;
- Double-click the installation file icon you just downloaded;
- Push the button Yup when required;
- Push the button Install.
- At this point, press the buttons in succession OK And end.
Step 2. Locate the ISO file to be processed
Go to the folder on your computer where the file you want to view is stored.
Step 3. Select the ISO file with a single click of the left mouse button
Step 4. Select the ISO file with the right mouse button
A context menu will be displayed.
Step 5. Choose the Open With option
It is one of the items listed in the menu that appeared. A second menu will appear next to the first.
Step 6. Select the WinRAR archiver entry
It is visible in the appeared submenu. The contents of the ISO file will be displayed inside the WinRAR window.
It may take a few minutes before WinRAR is able to display the complete list of all the data in the ISO file
Step 7. Review the contents of the chosen ISO file
At this point you should be able to see all the files in the ISO archive.
If the ISO file in question refers to a program or game installation disc, it will most likely contain an installation file called "setup.exe" (or similar) that you will need to run in order to start installing the content
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Install The Unarchiver program
This is a free software that you can download directly from the Mac App Store:
- Access the Mac App Store;
- Select the search bar;
- Type in the keyword unarchiver and press the Enter key;
- Push the button Get placed next to The Unarchiver program;
- Push the button Install app when required.
Step 2. Locate the ISO file to be processed
Go to the folder on your computer where the file you want to view is stored.
Step 3. Select the ISO file with a single click of the left mouse button
Step 4. Access the File menu
It is located at the top of the Mac screen. A list of options will be displayed.
Step 5. Choose the Open with item
It is one of the options listed within the menu File. A submenu will appear next to the first one.
Step 6. Select The Unarchiver option
The Unarchiver program will be used to extract the contents of the selected ISO file, which will be stored in a folder that will have the same name as the original archive.
If prompted, press the button Extract in order to continue.
Step 7. Access the folder created by the data extraction procedure
Double-click the folder icon. It should have the same name as the ISO file.
Step 8. Review the contents of the ISO file
At this point you should be able to see the complete list of all the elements present within the selected ISO file.
Advice
- If you are having difficulty using an ISO file on a Windows computer, access the archive contents and double-click the icon setup (or similar) linked to an EXE file. This step should fix the problem.
- Consider purchasing the WinRAR program if you use it frequently. In addition to being ethically and morally correct, you will make a financial contribution to the developers who created the program.
