In the computer world today there are so many file formats that can not be counted. Users very often have to deal with formats such as MDF and MDS. How to open such objects, not everyone knows. Meanwhile, the solution is very simple and affordable for anyone. But unfortunately, most ordinary users do not think about this. Consider several issues related to the format itself, and the choice of program to open files of this type.
What is the MDS format?
To begin with, what kind of format is it and what program does it correspond to. According to the official description, objects of this type are information files that store data on the contents of image files in MDF format.
The main image format is the default preservation standard when working in the Alcohol 120% application. Thus, it is not difficult to conclude that the opening of both types of files is initially better done in this program.
Format Features
How to open MDS, sorted out. But when working with objects of this type, some features and nuances should be taken into account. The fact is that both formats are very closely interconnected. The MDF file contains the main contents of the image (files and folders). This is a kind of container with packed content. The MDS file contains information about organizing the contents of the main container. It can include the names of tracks, movies, the order in which they are played, timecode information, etc.
Thus, if you try to open the MDS file without a companion MDF, nothing will work. But when opening MDF without MDS, ordering data will be absent, although you can extract the main files and folders from the image. Sometimes when you lose MDS and open MDF, you can get not solid objects, but only some of them. In other words, as already clear, you can open files only in pairs.
How to open MDS and MDF on Windows?
Now a few words about the means of Windows operating systems. How to open MDS files in their environment? Unfortunately, in systems of versions below the tenth of their own means of mounting virtual drives from the images do not. But in the tenth modification, it is enough to double-click on the main object (MDF) or related information component (MDS), after which the virtual drive with the supposedly inserted CD / DVD-ROM will be mounted automatically. But how to open the MDS format in systems of a lower rank? Many experts recommend using the built-in disc burning tool, but I think this is not the most ideal solution, and it’s only suitable if you don’t have any image software installed on your computer.
How to open MDF and MDS: additional utilities
As for programs that perform all kinds of operations with images, in addition to the main utility (Alcohol 120%), you can use packages such as UltraISO, Daemon Tools, ISO Buster, MagicISO, Power ISO and others.
In principle, any utility that can work with images is suitable, since this format is supported by all known programs in this category. This is something like a tacit agreement between developers of different software, when the "native" formats of some programs are supported by other applications as additional ones. But, again, keep in mind that MDS objects are purely information files, and without the presence of the main container of the MDF format, you can not even dream about opening MDS.
What method to use? Ideally, of course, it is better to install a "native" program, although without any problems you can use any other of the presented list. Windows tools could also be recommended, but, unfortunately, they do not always work and are suitable only for quick mounting of an image, and not for editing its main and information content.