Choose the Workflow That Matches the Delivery
| Need | Recommended approach | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Need to review an ISO before burning | Mount in virtual drive | Inspect the image without consuming a disc |
| Need to confirm the password | Open the secure area after mounting | Validates access before delivery |
| Need to compare image revisions | Mount one approved image at a time | Avoids confusing drive letters and release versions |
| Need a permanent physical copy | Verify, then burn the ISO | Virtual mounting does not create a physical disc |
Prepare the Files, Media, and Access Plan
Confirm the source
Open representative files, remove unintended copies, and keep a verified backup before authoring.
Match capacity and hardware
Check image or project size against compatible media, recorder, and recipient drive support.
Protect the password
Use a long unique credential, retain it securely, and deliver it separately from the disc or ISO.
Plan verification
Test access, structure, and sample files on a separate compatible Windows computer.
Mount an Encrypted ISO: 6 Steps
Confirm the ISO file and revision
Use the intended image, verify its name and location, and avoid testing an obsolete or partially copied version.
Open the Virtual Disc workspace
Start Secure Disc Creator and select Virtual Disc rather than SecureDisc Maker or ISO Burner.
Choose the encrypted ISO
Browse to the image file and confirm that it is stored on a reliable local drive.
Assign an available drive letter
Select a letter not already used by local, network, removable, or other virtual drives.
Mount and test access
Mount the image, browse its public area, enter the password for secure content, and open representative files.
Close files and unmount cleanly
Exit documents and media opened from the image, return to Virtual Disc, select the mounted drive, and unmount it.
Build Verification into the Workflow
Use a clear drive letter
Avoid collisions with network shares, removable drives, and other mounted images.
Test more than the root
Open representative files from different folders rather than checking only that the drive appears.
Verify both access areas
Public and secure content have different access expectations and both require review.
Unmount after testing
Close open files first so the virtual drive can detach cleanly.
Use GiliSoft Secure Disc Creator for the Protected Workflow
Secure Disc Creator provides a virtual-drive workspace alongside encrypted ISO creation and ISO burning. You can create the image, mount it for review, correct the source project when necessary, and burn only after approval.
- Create password-protected CD, DVD, and ISO projects on Windows.
- Separate public files from secure files when the delivery needs both access levels.
- Mount encrypted images for validation and burn approved ISOs to compatible media.
Troubleshooting
- Mount fails: confirm the ISO creation completed and the file is available on a reliable local path.
- The drive letter is unavailable: choose another letter not used by a local, network, or removable drive.
- The drive mounts but looks empty: verify that the correct ISO revision was selected.
- The password is rejected: check capitalization, keyboard layout, and the credential retained at creation.
- A file will not open: test the source file and recreate the image if the embedded copy is damaged.
- Unmount fails: close Explorer windows and files opened from the virtual drive, then try again.
Protect the Password and the Production Source
Optical media can be lost, copied, damaged, or delivered to the wrong person. Encrypt only authorized content, keep a backup before authoring, store passwords or recovery information in an approved location, transmit credentials separately, and preserve the verified ISO or source files under appropriate access control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mounting an ISO do?
It makes the image appear as a virtual disc drive so its content can be accessed without physical media.
Does mounting burn or change the ISO?
No. Mounting provides access for review; it does not create a physical disc.
Why mount an encrypted ISO before burning?
It lets you verify the password, folder structure, and files before using blank media.
Which drive letter should I choose?
Use any available letter that does not conflict with local, network, removable, or other virtual drives.
Can I test public and secure areas?
Yes. Confirm public files open normally and protected files require the correct password.
How do I remove the virtual drive?
Close files opened from it, select the mounted drive in Virtual Disc, and use Unmount.