A while ago I wrote about using VBScript to create a bootable USB flash drive which made me think about using VBScript to create a bootable CD. Well, it turns out that Microsoft provides similar support for creating bootable CDs too!
BootableCD.vbs is a VBScript that makes it relatively easy to create a boot CD provided that you have a CDROM drive and a blank CD. Yes, starting your computer from a boot CD is less common now that most newer computers can boot from a USB drive. Still, there are those rare instances where only a boot CD will work.
BootableCD.vbs system requirements and prerequisites…
- Windows 8, 7, Vista, 2012 and 2008.
- CDROM or DVD drive
- Blank CD media
On startup the script displays all CDROM drives on the current computer system, and displays a dialog.
BootableCD – Listing all CDROM drives
So, you can select a CDROM or DVD drive from the list. After you type the drive letter and confirm you selection the script will prompt you for an ISO file.
If there is anything frustrating for anyone creating a VBScript today is Microsoft’s decision to remove all file open dialogs options. Because there isn’t a reliable way (that I know of) to displays a file open dialog; the script displays another inputbox where you can type the full path to the ISO file.
Once you select the CDROM/DVD device and specify the path to the ISO file- the script displays a summary dialog. The summary dialog displays the selected Disc drive and the path to the ISO file. After you confirm your selections the script starts writing the ISO file to the CD. When the ISO write data is complete and boot CD is created – the CDROM tray ejects and the script displays a status message.
If you want to create your own bootable CD now- download PCWin Recovery and BootableCD.vbs, and get started creating your own bootable CD.