R-Drive Image image files aren't just dead storage. The software allows you to mount an image file as a virtual disk (similar to mounting an ISO file). This allows you to browse the contents of a backup made months ago and copy a single specific file—like a lost Word document—without needing to restore the entire image.
The BootCD is not free. A single license for R-Drive Image (standard) costs approximately $49.95 USD. This license works for both the Windows application and the BootCD. A trial version exists, but it restricts restoration of files larger than 500MB. R-Tools R-Drive Image v7.1 Build 7110 BootCD