This article descries what a .MDF is and how you can download and open DVD or CD image files on your computer using free or cheap software such as Magic ISO.
What are .MDF Files?
.MDF files can mean several things. The .MDF file extension can often mean a type of Microsoft MS SQL file. In this article, we are instead talking about the .MDF image file extension. .MDF is similar to .MDS files and are often image copies of DVDs or CDs (popular among pirating enthusiasts and torrent networks).
How do I open .MDF files on my computer?
If you download torrents or are involved in pirating, or if you simply utilize this sort of imaging technology, you will come across a .mdf file sooner or later. Such a file is an "image" of a CD or DVD, meaning your computer will treat it as if the CD or DVD were in your computer's CD drive.
Specific, special software are required to open .mdf files, making them harder to examine. However, there are several free and paid software that can help you open a .mdf file on a Mac or a Windows PC easily!
- Instructions to open a .mdf file on a Windows PC
Alocohol Software makes a program called Alcohol 120%, which it dubs as a "powerful Windows CD and DVD burning software." You can download it at http://www.alcohol-soft.com/. Keep in mind that this is trial-ware. This means that, after the trial period, you will be asked to pay for Alcohol 120%. If it serves its purpose, you might as well buy it.
However, if you're looking for a free alternative to open the .mdf or .mds file on your computer, keep reading! Daemon Tools is a freeware program, meaning it is completely free. Daemon Tools can open .mdf files as well as open .mds image files. It dubs itself as "an advanced application for Microsoft Windows which provides THE best optical media emulation in the industry." You can download Daemon Tools for free at http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/download.php.
Finally, you can try Magic ISO at http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-features.htm. It promises to be able to create ISO files, edit ISO files, and extract, mount and burn any ISO file you may have (including .mdf ISO image files).
What are .MDF Files?
.MDF files can mean several things. The .MDF file extension can often mean a type of Microsoft MS SQL file. In this article, we are instead talking about the .MDF image file extension. .MDF is similar to .MDS files and are often image copies of DVDs or CDs (popular among pirating enthusiasts and torrent networks).
How do I open .MDF files on my computer?
If you download torrents or are involved in pirating, or if you simply utilize this sort of imaging technology, you will come across a .mdf file sooner or later. Such a file is an "image" of a CD or DVD, meaning your computer will treat it as if the CD or DVD were in your computer's CD drive.
Specific, special software are required to open .mdf files, making them harder to examine. However, there are several free and paid software that can help you open a .mdf file on a Mac or a Windows PC easily!
- Instructions to open a .mdf file on a Windows PC
Alocohol Software makes a program called Alcohol 120%, which it dubs as a "powerful Windows CD and DVD burning software." You can download it at http://www.alcohol-soft.com/. Keep in mind that this is trial-ware. This means that, after the trial period, you will be asked to pay for Alcohol 120%. If it serves its purpose, you might as well buy it.
However, if you're looking for a free alternative to open the .mdf or .mds file on your computer, keep reading! Daemon Tools is a freeware program, meaning it is completely free. Daemon Tools can open .mdf files as well as open .mds image files. It dubs itself as "an advanced application for Microsoft Windows which provides THE best optical media emulation in the industry." You can download Daemon Tools for free at http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/download.php.
Finally, you can try Magic ISO at http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-features.htm. It promises to be able to create ISO files, edit ISO files, and extract, mount and burn any ISO file you may have (including .mdf ISO image files).
Comments
ellemint
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/25/2010
thank you for your comment 'me'.
I fooled around with all the iso software with no luck mounting or extracting etc, until I saw your comment. VLC opens a MDF file on Windows as well,--just as you said!
me
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/06/2009
On a Mac and OSX, the free application VLC will open a MDF file. Probably works on Windows and Linux, but I can't test it there.
www.arifsaha.com
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/27/2009
If you are not afraid of command line, then this software is purely free (not only as free of charge but also free of restrictions):
http://iat.berlios.de/
krishnadevaraya
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/12/2008
hey guys and girls read carefully. this magic iso software suggested by this website is a trial version. trial version can mount image file such as .mdf, .mds only upto 300 mb. if you have a image file which exceeds 300 mb then magic iso wont support but you will be asked to buy it online. here is a solution type freeware power iso software in google search box and download it. follow the same procedure as it is said for the magis iso software. it is a freeware but still a trial versiion but can mount huge image files. moreover it supportes around 20 types of image files. if you dont find this software in the net send me a request mail to kkrishnadevaraya@gmail.com i'll send you the setup file.
Pooh Bor Kia
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/31/2008
Pooh Bor Kia
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