How do I convert a .bin file into a .iso file for usb use

Question

I have a .bin file that I would like to convert to an iso to burn to a usb. The .bin file is clearly bootable; The output of

file os-image.bin

is

../os-image.bin: DOS/MBR boot sector

and I can boot it in qemu.

but when I convert it to iso:

genisoimage -o drip.iso os-image.bin

or bchunck or PowerISO or bin2iso

the output of the file command is:

drip.iso: ISO 9660 CD-ROM filesystem data 'CDROM'

and rufus won't write it to usb, and qemu won't boot.

Also, when I write the bin to the usb with rufus, it won't boot on a regular computer.

Solution

So I have figured out the issue.

My image that I was using for writing wasn't for UEFI so it didn't want to boot on newer PCs.

Comments

[Akeo]

Rufus developer here. If your .bin is bootable, then you don't need to convert it to an ISO. Rufus will happily open it and write it to USB. Make sure you use Rufus 3.3 though, as there was a regression in Rufus 3.2 with regards to opening uncompressed bootable disk images (that has since been fixed in 3.3).

[Thalys]

ehh, @Akeo - I think that can'should be an answer, especially since OP has explicitly mentioned your application. Normal disclosure rules apply of course but this feels like a case where you can probably talk about the process, and the fact that it'll only work on a newer version...

[Menotdan]

I also said in my answer at the end that it didnt work so any extra tips would be nice @JourneymanGeek

[Akeo]

Well, at this stage, there are still too many unknowns to figure out. Did OP try the .bin with Rufus or did they only try the .iso they got from the .bin with Rufus and not the .bin itself on the belief that Rufus can only open .iso (which has been my understanding). Also, I'm not sure at this stage if OP is trying to convert a bootable DD image to an ISO (pretty much do the reverse of what Rufus does, which I get asked about on regular basis) or if the .bin they are working with is some alternate form of ISO image, that isn't your run of the mill ISO-9660 or UDF 1:1 image.

[Menotdan]

i tried with .bn and .iso didnt work