Have you ever noticed a file on your hard drive with the extension .iso? If you have, then you may have had questions as to why it was there or if it was important. The answer will vary based upon your computer’s history and the programs that you use as well as the actual ISO file you are questioning. Most ISO files are not needed, but may be beneficial to keep on hand for future reference.

ISO files on personal computers are related to CD burning software. Each time the CD burning software is used to create a new CD, the software creates an ISO file of the CD that is going to be created. All files on the CD are compiled into one larger file and saved as the ISO file. This ISO file is then copied from the hard drive onto the new CD. If the CD burning software saves a copy of the ISO file onto your hard drive, you will be able to reuse the ISO file to burn multiple copies of the same CD.

These ISO files could be kept or deleted without causing any problems to your computer. If there is a chance that the CD may need to be burned again, it is advisable to save the file into a designated folder. However, if the CD is a one-time burn, there is no need to waste the space on your hard drive keeping the useless file. Certain computers may have ISO files without ever using a CD burner program.

These ISO files may be significantly more important than ISO files created by CD burning software. Many ISO files are created when loading software onto multiple computers on a network. If your computer has ever been repaired by a computer repair shop or used on a business network, much of the software may have been loaded via ISO files. Operating Systems, productivity software, antivirus software and many other popular types of software are installed from one CD onto a network and then forwarded to individual computers on the network. This is done in a business atmosphere and even in some computer repair shops as a quick way to complete a task.

The files are usually not needed after installation, but may hold certain portions of the software if it was only partially installed. Before deleting any of these ISO files, verify that there is no hidden reason behind keeping them. If the files were installed when you first obtained the computer and are not taking up vast amounts of disk space, just leave the files as they are. There is no harm in having any of these ISO files on your computer, as they are generally legitimate files. As with every other file stored on a computer’s hard drive, do not delete ISO files unless you are 100% sure that you do not need them.