BIN-CUE

Once you've downloaded and extracted the files from the files you downloaded, you usually will have a .bin & .cue file. The .bin file has the data that will be burned to the CD. The .cue file has the instructions for your CD Writing application.

There are several programs that you can use to test the integrity of the .bin file (data file). This will let you know before hand that the file isn't corrupt or damaged. I use CDmage, but BinChunker works just as well. Simply drag the .cue file into the CDmage/BinChunker window and the program will test the .bin file. If you receive errors, then the release is damaged, and you will have to wait for a Repack. If you don't get any errors, then its OK to proceed.

There are also several programs that you can use for Writing the CD. Fireburner and CDRWIN are the 2 most common. If you are using CDRWIN, open the program, press the button that says "Record Disc", then press "Load Cuesheet". You will then have to locate the .cue file. Then press "Start Recording". If you are using Fireburner its much simpler. Fireburner automatically associates itself with the .cue extension, so all you have to do is double-click the .cue file. Then Right-Click and choose "Burn/Test Burn" from the menu.

Sometimes you will receive a "BIN not found error". In this case, usually the releaser left the path information for his computer. Simply open the .cue file in any Text Editing Application and remove all path information before the .bin file.

ISO

If you have extracted a .iso file from the archives, use CDRWIN or Nero Burning ROM to write the CD.