If you've recently downloaded an image file of an old program or game, you may have trouble opening it on your computer. The BIN format is an older file type that contains all the information from the original CD or DVD. You cannot open the BIN file directly; to open it, you need to burn it to a CD or insert it into a virtual drive. You can also convert the BIN file to an ISO file, which will allow you to use another program to open or burn it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Burn the BIN File
Step 1. Find your file
If you want to burn the BIN file to a CD or DVD, you'll also need the accompanying CUE file. If you have a BIN file without a CUE file, you can create your own CUE file.
Step 2. Create a CUE file if you don't have one
Open Notepad and enter the following line:
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FILE "filename.bin" BINARY
TRACK 01 MODE1/2352
INDEX 01 00:00:00
- Replace filename.bin with the name of the BIN file you want to burn. Don't remove the quotes.
Step 3. Save the file in the same folder as the BIN file
This file must be named with the same name as the BIN file, but with the CUE extension. Click File > Save As. Click "Save as type", then select "All Files". Give the file a.cue extension.
Step 4. Open your burning program
Since BIN is an old format, only older programs actually support this file, especially if your file is a double track BIN file. Programs that are widely used to burn BIN include CDRWIN, Alcohol 120%, and Nero.
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Load the image file. You may be prompted to load a CUE file or a BIN file, depending on the program you are using. Once the image file is loaded, you will see the size of the file on the CD/DVD.
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Step 5. Start burning
Once you are sure the image is loaded properly, insert a blank CD/DVD and start burning. The burning time will depend on the image size, burner speed, and the speed of your computer.
Step 6. Test the CD/DVD
When you're done burning, test your burn by inserting it into the burner. Make sure the CD/DVD is loaded perfectly and all the tracks are in the right places.
Method 2 of 3: Inserting an Image to a Virtual Drive
Step 1. Install a virtual drive that will mimic a physical optical drive on your computer, and will allow you to "load" image files onto it
The virtual drive will make your computer think that a CD/DVD has been inserted, and the image will load like a real CD/DVD.
- A variety of virtual drive options are available, and one of the most popular options is Daemon Tools. Be careful when installing it, because sometimes Daemon Tools also tries to install unnecessary browser toolbars and extra software.
- Images can only be entered if they are designed to run on a computer. For example, if you want to insert an image from an old console game, the image will not work because the original CD/DVD only works on that console.
- Windows 8 and OS X have virtual drives, but the BIN file needs to be converted to an ISO before it can be inserted.
Step 2. Insert the image
A program like Daemon Tools will place an icon on your system bar. Right-click this icon, hover over one of the fake drives, and select Mount Image.
Look for the CUE file on your storage media. Remember that BIN and CUE must be in the same folder. Once you find the CUE file, load it to insert the image
Step 3. Open the CD/DVD
Once the image is inserted, your computer will work as if a new CD/DVD has been inserted. This means that Autoplay may start, or you will be asked to choose what you want to do with the CD/DVD. The message you receive will differ depending on the contents of the CD/DVD and your system settings.
Step 4. Use the image as you would a CD/DVD inserted into a computer
Method 3 of 3: Converting BIN File To ISO
Step 1. Download the conversion program
You will need a conversion program to convert the BIN to ISO format. After you convert the BIN to ISO, you can insert it or burn it with various programs.
One of the most popular conversion programs is MagicISO
Step 2. Open the conversion tool
Start MagicISO and click "Tools" > "BIN to ISO".
Step 3. Locate your BIN file
Step 4. Name your new ISO file
Step 5. Perform file conversion
Click Convert to convert the file from BIN to ISO. This process may take a few minutes.
Step 6. Insert the ISO file
Once the file has finished converting, you can load it onto a virtual drive. If you are using Windows 8 or OS X, right-click the ISO file and select "Mount".
Step 7. Burn the ISO file
You can burn ISO files to CD/DVD with various burning programs. Read this guide for more information.
Step 8. Browse to the ISO file
You can use a program like MagicISO to explore the contents of an ISO file and copy files from an archive.
