Authoran for disk. How to add a program to autorun
I decided to write this article for those who need advice when creating a USB autorun flash drive. Tell me, who does not have a flash drive now? Schoolboy and student, office worker and manager - all use USB flash devices to transfer files from home computer to work and back. USB flash drives can hold gigabytes of data. Compared to a laptop, they do not burden us with their size and weight. They are ideal for those who want to have audio, video and other computer files and applications always at hand.
As you know, when you connect a USB drive to a computer port, a dialog appears autorun usb device, which prompts you to select and perform certain actions: print images, launch Windows media player, or open a directory. But what if you have a specific application on a USB drive and you want to launch it from the autorun dialog of the USB device? This can be done in two ways. First, you can put the file autorun.inf to the root directory of the USB disk and edit its commands so that when the USB flash drive is connected, the desired application is loaded. Secondly, you can create a complete menu autorun usb device, which can be used to view presentations, portfolios, etc. Below I am going to tell you how to implement both of these solutions.
1. Basics of creating an autorun USB device
First, we need the following: the USB device itself, Notepad (other editors are not recommended as they add additional encoding characters) and an application that will be launched when the device is connected to the USB port.For example, to run the MyApp.exe application located in the root directory of a USB device, do the following:
1. Launch Notepad
2. Enter:
Open=MyApp.exe
Action=Start MyApp
Label=My Portable PC
Icon=MyApp.exe
3. Save the file as autorun.inf in the root directory of the USB flash drive.
In this example, the "Action" command will place the text "Start MyApp" in the USB autorun dialog box. This item will be selected by default. The icon for the specified program will be displayed next to the text. And, when the user selects the highlighted program item, the application file specified by the "Open" command is launched.
The next time you plug a USB device into a port on your computer, the specified program will start automatically.
2. How to create a USB device autorun menu
Sometimes we need to make our own USB drive autorun menu. For example, if you are an artist, you can put together a portfolio of your work from the right angle and show it to potential clients using . You can create business presentations or lectures that can automatically start when you connect a flash drive to your computer. Companies can distribute USB devices with autorun marketing research and materials among partners and clients.If you are looking for an application to create a complete menu autorun for USB flash drive, I recommend you pay attention to Autoplay Menu Designer. The program has an intuitive and beautiful interface, so even a beginner can make a great-looking presentation or portfolio on a USB flash drive. The program works on the principle step by step wizard(Wizard), allows you to use one of the existing professionally designed templates, thereby helping you create your own menu autorun usb device almost effortlessly. Just run the program and start creating!
Once the program has loaded, the New Project Wizard dialog box will open, allowing you to select a layout for the startup menu. Here you can also set the project properties: project location and output folders, window style, size, position on the screen, background, splash screen display and localization support, and you can also select an application that will be launched when a USB device is connected to the PC. Once everything is set up, the project template you have chosen opens in the program's editing window. This is where you can change the layout, embodying your ideas.
The program offers a wide range of editing functions. Some of them seemed very interesting to me and I want to tell you about them. You can add text blocks and write annotations, add buttons, shapes, lines and other objects by simply dragging and dropping them on the menu screens with your mouse. To make navigation through the menu simple and interactive, you need to add links and hotspots, as well as assign actions to objects. When hovering or clicking the mouse button on an object, they will automatically change, thereby prompting the user about interactivity. For example, you can set an image to show a tooltip when you move the mouse cursor over an object, set a sound to play, or set a document to open on mouse click. There are no restrictions when creating interactive objects. You can do whatever you imagine.
At any time, you can press the preview mode and see how the menu works. If you're not happy with the changes, you can always go back and continue editing until you get what you want.
At the end of the work, you pack the autorun menu files and copy them to a USB drive. The process of creating your own autorun usb device very simple. When the flash drive is connected to the computer, the menu autorun usb device will open automatically.
Creating an autorun file for CD-, DVD- or USB-drives does not require deep knowledge of programming languages and can be done using standard OC Windows tools without using an additional software.
Instruction
The CD-ROM autorun feature, provided in almost all operating systems, makes life much easier for the user. A simple text file autorun.inf is responsible for managing autorun, which can be created either using one of the many special utilities, or on your own - there would be a text editor and a minimum set of knowledge.
Method one
This idea was picked up on the forum http://www.cyberforum.ru/html/ : since the autorun.inf file of the basic configuration determines which program should be launched when a CD is inserted into the drive and which icon should be displayed when browsing the disk using Windows Explorer ( Windows Explorer) or any other file manager. Then the text file should be placed in the root directory of the disk and contain the following lines:
open=program_name.exe
icon=icon_name.ico
The icon file must also be stored in the root directory of the drive.
Another variant
If the autorun program is not stored in the root directory of the disk, you should specify the path to it in the autorun.inf file:
open=folder1\folder1A\program_name.exe
icon=icon_name.ico
Sometimes it is necessary to specify an argument to automatically start a program:
open=program_name.exe /argument
icon=icon_name.ico
Autorun without program
If there are presentations on the disc, PDF files or HTML documents for clients, investors, and employees, the autorun.inf file should look slightly different, and the DOS batch file should be stored in the root directory of the drive. In this configuration, the autorun.inf file runs a batch file, which opens the files written to disk using the default application selected for the file type. For example:
open=autorun.bat index.htm
icon=icon_name.ico
And the autorun.bat file should contain the following code:
echo off
@start %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
@exit
Another version of the same scenario involves using the ShellExecute command:
ShellExecute=index.htm
icon=training.ico
Using the autorun.inf file to autorun self-burned CDs will save users unnecessary headaches and increase the likelihood that important information will reach the recipients. And since this is a simple text file, you can create it with any text editor and simply burn it to disk.
Method two
The autorun.inf file created in the first way will work on any computers - with the exception of those in which the autorun function does not work in principle for one reason or another. The batch file used in the first case does not provide for the possibility of errors, and therefore simply does not work if errors do occur.
In this case, a shell utility from one of the third-party manufacturers will come in handy. These utilities contain mechanisms for resolving common errors, which allows you to complete the autorun process even if a failure occurs. In our example, the autorun.exe utility is used, which can be downloaded from the Tarma Software Research website. The Tarma utility can be used freely and free of charge for both individual and commercial purposes without any licenses or user agreements.
To use the utility, you just need to replace autorun.bat with autorun.exe in the autorun.inf file. Then a simple autorun.inf file would look like this.
Hello boys and girls, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen. Today I took a day off from work on my personal business. And as soon as I did everything, I decided to write an article for you. The topic came to my mind as soon as I came across one of the articles on my own blog.
The fact is that I wrote about. Yes, this is definitely a necessary thing, but I forgot something. Namely, I forgot to tell you how to add a program to startup. This function is no less useful, since it often happens that I need some program to immediately start with windows, or open a file.
Previously, when I didn’t know about the desktop, I refined myself in such a way that I loaded a text document with a list of reminders and tasks into autorun. Thus, every time windows was loaded, this document automatically opened for me.
I don't know why you want to do this, but let me show you the process:
Using the "Run" line
The second way to get into the startup folder, as for me, is much faster, since you don’t have to look for long paths, but just type the magic word into the “Run” line.
As you can see, a completely different folder has opened for you, which is located along the path C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp. By the way, you can also go into this folder without calling "Run", but as I said earlier, using the line is more convenient and faster. 
In addition to the above items, you can add files to autorun using the registry editor or third-party programs. But you need it when there is an easier and more reliable way? Standard Tools let you get it done quickly.
In general, it is convenient to use any chips that will allow you to work much faster at the computer and optimize the work process. That's why I recommend you watch video course on productive work at the computer. Everything is put on the shelves, told in an accessible language for any user, and most importantly, that the information is very necessary and useful. Highly recommend.
Well, that concludes my post today. I hope that you will draw on the information that I have given you here, or at least simply find it necessary and interesting. In any case, do not forget to subscribe to my blog and tell your friends in in social networks. All the best and good luck. Bye Bye!
Sincerely, Dmitry Kostin
We create a start shell for a CD / DVD-disk for autorun programs. We figure out how to add a program to autorun or remove the autorun function
There are countless files, we not only view, run and download them, but also create them. And there is always such a rule - to back up important data on CD / DVD. The only problem is how to subsequently find something you need in an ever-growing collection of discs.
After all, if you often burn CD / DVD, then you are familiar with this moment: everything is there, but finding something in this “everything” is extremely difficult. Even if the files are carefully sorted into folders, you have to look through each disk in search of what you need. Or, as one example, you handed a DVD-R disc with various programs to your friend. If you have not explained in advance what and where a particular program is stored, not every such acquaintance will be able to determine its purpose by the name and size of the file. In the case of a collection of audio and video, there is a need to create a media library. A competent disk structure is one of the secrets of success in this matter.
No one else will have to “rake up the rubble”, but, of course, you. It is very important to take care of the proper arrangement of files and folders. But the main thing is to create an autorun shell for autorun programs from a storage medium.
What Autorun Programs Look Like in Windows 7
Autorun is a possibility operating system perform automatic action when media is inserted. This action may mean launching a program or disk shell. Whenever you buy a new disc and insert it into your disc drive, you can view its contents through the contents menu. Autorun shells are very different: beautiful, "light", intuitive ... or vice versa. Sometimes the authors-compilers of the disc will spoil the design or be so tricky with its content that there is a desire to open the disc in the file manager.
Today we will talk about creating a convenient, correct shell for autorun Windows programs 7 from CD or DVD disc. Such a disc is not ashamed to present to any friend or stranger.
Of course, there are a fair number of programs for creating autoloadable shells. Our article is divided into two parts. In the first, using Autoplay Media Studio as an example, we will show you how to create autorun shells for various types data. Another part of Guaranteed Launch will review alternative programs in this category.
Creating an autorun menu for programs from a disk using Autoplay Media Studio. Package features
Program: Autoplay Media Studio
License: Shareware (30 days trial)
Developer: Indigo Rose Software Corporation
If you set out to find a program to autorun programs, the first thing that a search engine gave you was Autoplay Media Studio. This is not surprising: the program is professional and proven. In its 30 MB, it contains almost everything you need to edit the autorun menu. The price of the whole package is $395. To pay or not to pay - decide for yourself. We only note that within 30 days all functions are provided, without restrictions. This is a definite plus of the trial version of Autoplay Media Studio.
Let's list what can be created using this package:
- presentation disks,
- educational CDs,
- installation discs with the autorun function of Windows 7 programs
- video discs
- audio CDs,
- slide show and more.
We'll consider general principles working with the program: how to add a program to autorun without going into specialized settings.
Create an autorun project. Program presets
To get started, in the window that opens at startup, select the item Create a new project.
A template selection menu will appear, of which there are surprisingly many. However, if you want to start from scratch, select Blank page.
In fact, it will not be difficult to figure out the templates on your own, so for the sake of interest, we will create a project “from scratch”.
The main window of Autoplay Media Studio has the following structure: at the top is the toolbar, at the bottom is the status bar, on the left is the sidebar, and in the center is the project canvas. The main settings are concentrated in the sidebar, in the section Properties.
First, let's change the background of our autorun menu. For this in Properties go to option background image and click on the button on the side 5. Select an image - and it is desirable that the background resolution matches the size of the project. You can check this in the general settings dialog: Project-Settings, option Page Size. Here you can also choose a fixed size using presets.
We continue to deal with the general settings ( Project-Settings).
Tab Appearance:
Page size: as already mentioned, the dimensions of the menu window are determined here: width - width, height - height. All dimensions are in pixels.
Windows title: the title of the Autorun window. Additional options:
- Always on top: the window is displayed on top of others;
- Movable: the window can be freely moved around the screen;
- Style: style for displaying window elements. It is divided into the following types:
- Standard: default element style;
- Bordered: embossed elements;
- Float: flat elements;
- Kiosk - Color: the specified color of the elements (configured from the color palette).
- Custom mask - here you can choose a custom window view. To do this, check this option and click the “Browse” button. Now, if you close the settings dialog and double-click on the project blank window, you can specify the type and color of the window - gradient or background (wallpaper). At the same time, stretching options can be assigned to the image: fit to page - (the quality may deteriorate); actual size (the size of the window corresponds to the size of the background).
custom icon: application icon. It must be in ico format.
taskbar: autorun window state:
- Standard: display in the taskbar;
- System tray: the application icon is located in the tray, i.e., in the notification area;
- Hidden: The window is not visible except on the desktop.
- resize- the ability to change the size of the window by the user. Works only with Standard- and Bordered-styled windows.
Navigation: adding pages to the project and placing buttons
We coped with the basic settings, now we need to make page navigation and, in fact, add the pages themselves. The developers of Autoplay Media Studio included in the package a library of elements (in other words, templates) that can be used in the menu.
Let's add a button to go to other sections. Go to Object -Button(or keyboard shortcut ctrl+1). In the dialog that opens, select any button you like and use the button OK_ close the dialog. To add some text to the button, double-click on the object (or select the _Properties in the context menu). In field Text enter button text. If subsequently Russian-language letters are displayed incorrectly, try changing the font and encoding. The following settings help - the Arial font, the encoding is Cyrillic, and not Western at all. Other settings in this dialog:
Alignment: text alignment on the left (Left), right (Right) sides and in the center (Center).
Style: button display style. If you activate the Toggle option, you can select one of two types: Up - pressed button; Down - released button.
State Colors: an interesting section of settings responsible for displaying the text in the button in its various “states”:
- Normal: the color of the button text in the “calm”, non-activated state;
- Disabled: color when the button is disabled;
- Highlight: color when hovering over the button;
- Click: The text of the button in the pressed state.
If you pressed the button Match Normal, the program will adjust the colors according to colors project window. When you need to add several buttons to the page - in the context menu of the button, check the option Duplicate (Ctrl+D) and drag the element to the desired area.
Just like it is implemented in various graphic editors, the Autoplay Media Studio package has a ruler and a grid. Thus, the elements can be aligned to the guide at any time. To add a new guide, click on the ruler (horizontal or vertical) and drag the line to the free side - to the right or down. If you want to set a guide in a given area, right-click on the ruler and select Add guideline. Specify the position of the line in points in the opened dialog.
The second important action that you have to do is to assign the necessary actions to the buttons. Luckily, Autoplay Media Studio makes this task easy and organized in a very logical, intuitive language.
So, double-click on the button image and in the dialog that appears, select the tab Quick Action. Under the inscription Action to Run select one of the actions from the list. What can be noted here? Depending on the specifics, some actions will not be needed, while others, on the contrary, are in demand. So, for example, if you create a catalog with descriptions, then a button with an action Show Page (show page) will definitely be needed.
For a multimedia disk, a button will not be superfluous Play Multimedia. Buttons Explore Folder(view catalog) Run program (run the program), View Website (visit website) more suitable for a detailed description of programs. For the button to go to a specific page in the options Show Page select Specific Page and below - the page to go to.
Thus, everything depends on the theme of a single disc. Unfortunately, we can't take a closer look at the “Script” tab, which is of the greatest interest, where a wide variety of system events can be assigned to a mouse button. And the possibilities of the buttons are not limited to this.
Now - briefly about adding pages. You will agree that a convenient disk shell should be multi-paged. It is simply impossible to get by with a single title page. Therefore, our task is to add several pages to the project so that the buttons always lead to the desired section and back to the main content.
So, to create one or more pages, you need in the left side window, in the section Project Explorer, place the cursor on the link project and press the Insert key (or select the option in the context menu Add Page). There is a similar (but not similar) option in the context menu − Duplicate Page). The page created in this way will be similar to the original one, but without any graphic elements. If you need to transfer any objects from one page to another, you can do this using the commands Copy/Paste in the context menu or through keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C/ Ctrl+V respectively. Just do not forget that if you transfer buttons to another page, you must change the transition address in the properties. For example, for a page below the navigation level, it is desirable to add buttons Back and On the home page . The transition between pages is carried out in the sidebar.
Adding files, descriptions to startup programs
Now that the navigation at startup programs is more thought out (you can always refine it in the process), let's take care of the more detailed text content of the project. Therefore, let's add a description of conditional programs to the project. To insert a text field, in the top bar of the Autoplay Media Studio menu, run the command Object - Paragraph. After placing the field in a certain place and aligning it with the grid, double-click on it. Select the parameters in the object's properties dialog. They are in many ways similar to adding a button, with the difference that there is a group of settings Scrollbars. As you know, a scrollbar (in other words, a slider) can be of two types - horizontal or vertical.
In the settings you can control the inclusion ( On) and shutdown ( Off) sliders. Auto - with this option, it is automatically determined whether a scrollbar is needed at all. If there are several lines, then On, no - then Off. The form is responsible for the text content of the field Text.
Close the window and add data. In properties (item Properties in the context menu) Action to Run choose open document and below - in the field Document to Open specify the location of the file.
run mode- method of opening the document window: Normal, Minimized or Maximized. It is worth noting that when creating a project disk, you do not need to worry about the correct placement of files. When compiled, the Autoplay Media Studio package will take care of this. Depending on the file type, it will open in the application to which it is “pinned” (associated).
Checking and compiling the project
Of course, we cannot describe all the stages of creating a shell in such a functional package. In any case, the result depends on your imagination and the amount of time spent on the project.
It would be a shame if you burned the project to disk, and it turned out to be inoperative or with errors. The project preview option is intended especially for safety net. On command Publish-Preview(function key F5) will display the result of your efforts. In the event of an error, it is easy to find and fix it. Instead of doing it all over again or rewriting the disc.
The compilation process is also easy. Click F7 and choose the most suitable option.
Burn data CD/DVD: writing the project directly to disk.
hard drive folder: copy to a specific folder. This option is required if you want to add to disk any files not included in the project, etc.
Web/Email executable: creation of an “all in one” project, conceived for distribution via the Internet or by e-mail.
ISO image: writing to a disk image. In principle, the option differs little from the first one, with the difference that you will have to burn a disc in a third-party disc burning program.
Conclusion
You could see that the Autoplay Media Studio package deserves special attention. A description of all its capabilities would hardly fit in the size of this article. Rich functionality, templates, clear interface - the package is really professional. Yes, the price may seem too high, but you have to pay for a quality product ...
Next time we will review alternative autorun shell programs.
Good to know. How to enable or disable disk autoplay?
In Windows, a special service is assigned to autorun - “Shell Hardware Detection”. You can enable or disable it through the "System Settings" dialog ( Start - Run - ”msconfig”). The second way is to go to the properties of the drive in Explorer and in the tab autorun select item Take no action for each type of disc.
