I recently copied a CD in my harddrive.
Firstly, I copied it using Nero, but it gave me some errors, so I decided to delete that file (errors were due to some scratches on CD surface I guess).
Then I tried to make its image (.ISO format this time) using MagicIso Maker, and it created an image of 690,622 KB. This time I got no error messages due to scratches.
Then I decided to try copying it again using Nero, and this time its .NRG image was 690,923 KB, and I got no error messages (it was only the first time that I got an error message and never again got it).
so what's the difference b/w the two image formats???
Why there is a difference between the sizes???
Its a game CD image (3 CD game) and both images seem to work just fine, and I dont know which one to keep.

And, in general, which is the best way to make images? .NRG format by Nero or .ISO format by other softwares? Which one do you prefer?

thanx in advance
vipin

difference in size can be caused by the different compression type. just as ZIP or RAR or ARJ will give you each different filesize in the end when you compress the files.

well have you tried copying it back on CD (making a CD out of the image)? if that works with no problem then it's ok. if both work you can keep just one.

i don't really see any big difference between except that certain file types might need certain programmes to run. like .nrg is more suited to nero, but iso will do just fine there as well.

I suggest you keep the ISO, since more programs support the ISO format.

I agree with Horseman. I create and use ISOs with Nero.

ISO format doesn't usually support audio tracks. So if the disc has them, use BIN/CUE or CloneCD or Nero.
I personally use the first two. For BIN/CUE I like CDRWin from Goldenhawk.

I would personally use ISO since its a standard CD image format. Problem with nrg is its only compatible with Nero, and maybe a few select programs. With ISO you can count on anything being able to read it.