Converting old bootable DVDs to ISO or directly to bootable USB

So I have decided to finally, finally get rid of all my CDs and DVDs. For non-bootable program installs or data, I simply copied all the files to a folder on a very large HDD.

But I also have these bootable CDs for Win XP and Windows 7. I don't want to simply pitch them. You never know ...

What is the best way to make these disks into bootable ISO files? or convert directly to bootable USB drives?

Is there a USB boot utility like Rufus that can create multiple bootable partitions on one drive? 32 and 64 GB thumb drives cost almost nothing these days.

x509 said:

.. I also have these bootable CDs for Win XP and Windows 7. ... What is the best way to make these disks into bootable ISO files? or convert directly to bootable USB drives?

There are plenty of tools available to make an ISO image of a CD/DVD. The whole point of an ISO is that you can burn it to a disk to make an exact copy so yes, the ISO will be bootable too if the CD/DVD was.

How-To Geek | How to Create ISO Files From Discs on Windows, Mac, and Linux


The Windows 7 DVD uses the same boot structure as MS used for all subsequent versions of Windows. You should be able to make a bootable usb from the ISO or direct from the DVD with Option Four in this tutorial.

Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10

The XP CD boots by a different mechanism. The ISO will be bootable (I've made an ISO of mine and booted a virtual machine from it to install XP) but you'll have to find another tool to make a bootable usb from it (Rufus, perhaps). Option Four above won't work (I've just tested it).

They may have other bootable discs that do not have ISO's available for download.
Download IMGBurn. Choose to make an Image file from Discs, Or Files/Folders

mrgeek said:

Why bother ? Just download the UPDATED ISO's from one of these sources. Then use Rufus or use bootable command prompts (option 4, this tute - Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10 ) to create a bootable usb, when necessary -

Windows XP ISO 32/64-bit Free Download Full Version [2019] - OneSoftwares

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...nload/windows7 (requires key entry)

Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool

Because MY Win 7 install disk is already highly customized to my preferences. But otherwise, sure I would take your suggestion.