Is it possible to create a DVD that can boot CD ISOs stored on it?

Question

I have a whole slew of "recovery" CDs, and I would like to put a bunch of them on a DVD and possibly boot to whichever one I need from a menu. Is this possible?

I am looking for a relatively painless way to "boot" ISOs from a DVD. I thought about extracting them all to directories, but I think it will end up being more work than it is worth.

Answer 1

Absolutely. It will take some computer knowledge on your part. Since I don't know your level of expertise I'm going to assume you are somewhat savvy and give you an overview.

Roxio Easy Media Creator can accomplish this task as it can burn ISOs and created a bootable CD

You would also use something like WinISO to extract all the ISOs into directories, use another tool to create a bootable CD, as well as create menus to say "start xyz recovery program 1, or click here to start xyz recovery program 2".

A good CD creation tool is Autoplay Media Studio.

Good luck.

Ohh, or you could just scrap all these recovery CD's and use the best on out there. The Ultimate Boot CD

and get yourself a copy of Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery and excellent hot imaging backup software application. With an awesome bootable recovery CD that let's you restore your images from CD, DVD, Tape, External USB drives, and more! It's all I use!

Answer 2

You can create a DVD that is bootable. Check http://bootdisk.com for a program that will allow you to do that. You would then need to have the software you need to open the ISO files on the DVD so you can load the program (assuming that it will run outside of Windows). Then you would also have to have the ISO files on the DVD. The software should allow you to "browse" to the ISO you want to open, so there should be no need for a menu. You simply select the ISO from within the software.

So it should (at least in theory) be possible.