What is the best way to make an ISO file out of a DVD?

Question

I downloaded the huge Windows 7 .iso file and burnt it to a DVD.

I then used that DVD to install Windows 7 on my machine and then realized that I the .iso file was on the Vista operating system that I replaced with Windows 7 (didn't upgrade).

So now I would like to get the .iso file back but with the same key, etc.

How can I convert the DVD I burned back into an .ISO file?

Answer 1

ImgBurn is a nice, free tool for creating disc images as well as burning them.

Be forwarned that the installer off the imgburn website contains the opencandy adware - so you may want to look for the alternate, adware-free mirrors

Answer 2

Most people will already have 7zip installed. I tried this and it works.

1. Run 7-Zip File Manager
2. Open top level folder (by clicking the upfolder button several times, or clear the address bar and hit enter)
3. Open "\\." item
4. Select DVD drive item, press F5 (Copy), and select the folder to write ISO image.

Answer 3

Another alternative for Windows is the open source project, WinCDEMU. You can find their source code here on GitHub.

Answer 4

Like @Joakim points out in the comments: you can also download the iso again. But if you want to save on bandwidth:

LC ISO Creator is very small, lightweight, free and portable!

Answer 5

ISORecorder will create ISOs from discs.

Answer 6

You can install Windows 7 on up to 3 computers with the same key (Win 7 FAQ) and the key is not tied to a particular ISO download.
An easy way to create an ISO from a disk is to use ImgBurn.

Answer 7

I like MagicISO ... not free, but well worth it.

Answer 8

MagicIso

it offers Virtual image creation, burning existing images, support different types ISO, UIF, NRG, BIN and CUE, mount Virtual CD/DVD drives and more.

[EDIT]

I didn't know it's not free, though it doesn't require any registration or anything like that!