VCD is a disc image file that store an optical disc (CD or DVD) image. VCD files can be “mounted” using dedicated software tools as a virtual disc images. Mounted images are treated by the system as if they were physical discs inserted to a CD/DVD reader.
Virtual images can be used as backup copies for physical CD or DVD discs. VCD files may also be used as a form or data archives to preserve data stored on aging or exploited optical discs. VCD images can also be used to install software on multiple machines simultaneously, which would be impossible using a single disc (it could be achieved using physical copies but that would require burning additional discs which takes time and money). Disc images can be copied infinite times and mounted as shared resources. Also, users should take into account potential legal issues regarding disc copying.
The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support VCD files. Files with VCD extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.
Updated: 06/12/2022
Problems with accessing VCD may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Virtual CD files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.
The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening VCD files is that no program that can handle VCD files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Virtual CD or different compatible program, such as UltraISO, MagicISO, VirtualDrive. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Virtual CD installed is by going to developer’s website (H+H Software GmbH) and downloading the software using provided links.
If you already have Virtual CD installed on your systems and VCD files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Virtual CD installed, it may not support VCD format. The most recent version of Virtual CD is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.
If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate VCD files with latest version of Virtual CD you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.
The procedure to change the default program in Windows
The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS
Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the VCD file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.
If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the VCD file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the VCD file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the VCD file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
If the VCD file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with VCD extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.
Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.
If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with VCD extension. In this case close the other applications.
Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Virtual CD files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the VCD files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.
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