Gen2ISO

Gen2ISO is a software utility that creates ISO 9660 and UDF image files intended for Generation 2 virtual machine environments. The tool is designed to package bootable content—such as operating system installers, live CDs, or recovery media—into standard ISO images that can be booted by Gen2 VMs. By providing a streamlined workflow for building boot media, Gen2ISO supports reproducible deployments and easy distribution of OS installations within virtualized infrastructures.

Key features include a command-line interface, cross-platform support, recursive directory packaging, and options to set the ISO volume label. It supports common boot loaders and boot catalogs to ensure compatibility with both BIOS and UEFI firmware, and can preserve file permissions and metadata from the source tree.

Typical usage involves specifying an input path, which points to a directory containing the installer or bootstrap media, and an output path for the resulting ISO. Optional boot parameters, such as bootloader type or architecture, can be supplied to tailor the image. The generated ISO can then be attached to a Generation 2 VM to perform installation or boot operations. Gen2ISO is commonly used in automated workflows, virtualization labs, and CI pipelines to create standardized boot media.

Notes: The feasibility of converting certain installers depends on their structure, and some sources require pre-processing to produce a fully bootable ISO. See also ISO image, ISO 9660, UDF, and Gen2 virtualization.