CNET Editors' review
Unlike zipping files, creating compressed ISO archives isn't as easy as a simple right click. Free ISO Creator is a solid tool to help you turn multiple files into a writable ISO image file. The program does exactly what it says it will. However, it's not the easiest or most customizable creation software you'll ever use.
The program gains major points just for being free. There aren't many similar programs that can say the same. However, there are a good deal of things missing that might be available in a paid program. Free ISO Creator is far from the most attractive program to use. Its layout is quite intuitive to work with, though. You won't have any trouble finding any of the program's settings or getting your ISO image started. There are a few options like choosing the maximum size of your file. It doesn't take long for the program to finish converting your file once it has started. The program doesn't do a lot of hand-holding, so first-time users might feel left out in the cold.
Free ISO Creator lacks features and style, but it absolutely gets the job done. If you need to make ISO files and don't have cash to spend, you need this program. Whether you're trying to burn a CD or DVD, the program will give you premium results quickly and smoothly. Just don't expect any premium features to come along for the ride.
Publisher's Description
From MiniDVDSoft:
Free ISO Creator can create ISO image from folders or data CD/DVD. With Free ISO Creator, you can easily create ISO image from any files and folders (with the subfolders), or backup data CD/DVD to your hard disk and directly create ISO files. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
Note:After a number of uses this program requires a free one-use code that can be obtained from publisher's Web site by solving complex mathematical equations. This limitation will be removed after purchase.
What's new in this version: This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
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All versions:
1.4 starsout of 20 votes
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Current version:
1.4 starsout of 20 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Too slow and less attractive for modern windows"
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
This product has a good and simple user interface..
Consumes less memory and report statusCons
Cons seem to overpower the pros...
i) This product is not free...despite it is labelled as free ISO creator...Hence it is almost a scam
ii) This is very very slow...Even gathering files takes more than 15 minutes (a 4 GB file) plus a plenty of time is taken for the conversion
iii) Awful icons
iv) Seems a lot outdated
v) Does not provide helps
vi) Drag and drop not availableSummary
The worst of its kind
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"Uninstalled it after first use."
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
Free. At least I didn't waste any money on this piece of software.
Cons
Sloooooooooooooow! When it finally finished creating the image, it was unreadable.
Summary
I have no idea what software the editors were reviewing, but I would not recommend this software to anyone. I went back to a different application that I've used successfully in the past. This one's a waste.
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"Decent product, lousy publishers"
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
The product is OK. It's easy, it's fast, it's reliable.
Cons
The people who published it are scammers. The product is not free. It's free to try. After a few tries you're going to be prompted to insert a "one-time code", one time meaning that you can only use it one time, after which the application crashes and you have to get a new one etc. Mind you, in order to get the code you have to a. register in their website b. select the right product and c. answer a rather complex math question (calculator required). The publishers probably thought the user will think "what the hell, I'm better off spending $19,95 for the life-time code instead". What the user actually thinks is "what the hell, are they pulling my leg? I'm better off downloading one of the other free ISO creators available on cnet and beyond, one that doesn't treat me like a milching cow but with the respect a customer deserves".
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"Not "free" at all."
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
It worked for a time. Made .isos pretty fast.
Cons
Let me say this in caps so it sinks in, "IT IS NOT FREE AND IT IS A SCAM!" After a while it'll ask for either money or a "free" code. To get this code you have to create an account on their site and solve equations, which you can only do every 10 hours.
Summary
For what I needed to do (back-up physical discs into .iso files) for the price I want (free) CDBurnerXP works worders. It's available here on c|net AND also has a 64-bit version as well as a portable version too.
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"Use to be good..."
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
Works easily enough for creating simple ISO's. Interface is a bit kindergarden'ish.
Cons
Must login and solve a math problem to get a code that only works for 2 minutes. Then you have to wait 10 hours to get another one. THAT IS NOT FREE!!! Come on, C-Net.
Summary
If you're like me and simply need to create ISO's every once in a while, this might work. But make sure you can do your work in less than 2 minutes. I'm going to look for something else!!!
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"this is not a free software. it is cheat"
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
no pros to mention
Cons
not easy to use. iso content is not editable. you can't add a large folder with many fileds and sub folders. THERE IS NO DRAG'N DROP. so, this software is no good
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"Hmmmmmmmmm"
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
Ok for 1 use
Cons
No good for more, It is not completely free if there are conditions!
Summary
I thought CNet only had legitimate software which is spyware, or malware tested. Come on CNet don't join the rest of the crappy download comminity! If we can't trust you who can we trust? If it is free say it is free if there are conditions, then say so, it is not free if there are conditions!!
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"NOT SO FREE"
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
it works great if you can create more ISO.
Cons
there isn't anything free about this software. you have to register to get a one time code which only allows for one trial.
Summary
CNET needs to change the status of free trial (one time) and BUY NOW.
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"Awful Software, Awful Site!"
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
not bad in use
Cons
The final is bad.
Summary
Even do not try to enter this site. Symantec will warn you not to enter there.
The software is not bad, but soon or later this software querys you a crazy question, to force you to buy it! -
"Get FlashCrest ISO Maker, because this one sucks!"
Version: Free ISO Creator 2.8
Pros
At least they tell you that it contains SpyWare...
Cons
-Stops working after a few attempts.
-It's not free, dispite what they tell you.
-The security question and registration process involved to use the limited features of the free version is asinine.Summary
Bottom line is that FlashCrest ISO maker is the same software without the adware or spyware elements.




