TechNote (Archived)

Auto run for Flash Projectors

Flash itself cannot burn CDs or enable autorun features for projectors. This TechNote provides resources and information for achieving these goals.

CD burning

Projector files are platform specific, meaning a Macintosh projector cannnot play on a PC, and vice versa. You can, however, create a hybrid CD that contains both Macintosh and Windows projectors. This requires CD burning software which has the ability to create a hybrid CD. Roxio's Toast (formerly owned by Adaptec) has the ability to create hybrid CD's. Roxio's Web site has information on how to create a hybrid CD with Toast.

The Autorun feature

Autorun is a system-level feature that launches a designated application on a CD when the CD is inserted. This feature is implemented when the CD is burned. Note that the autorun feature can be disabled on each individual system, in which case an autorun-enabled CD will not automatically launch. On Macintosh, the autorun feature can be disabled/enabled through the QuickTime Settings control panel. For more information about disabling the autorun feature on Macintosh and Windows systems refer to the following articles on Microsoft's and Apple's Web sites:

Autorun on Windows

The autorun feature on Windows is implemented by putting an INF file in the parent directory of the CD. Create a text file (using a program such as Simple Text or Notepad) called "Autorun.inf". Include the following text, replacing whatever with the name of the application you wish to launch:

[Autorun] open=whatever.exe icon=whatever.ico

The third line (icon=whatever.ico) allows you to change the icon associated with the CD drive. For additional information on creating an autorun CD, refer to Microsoft's article on creating an AutoRun-enabled application.

Autorun on Macintosh

To create a Macintosh projector that uses the autorun feature you must have CD burning software that supports this option such asRoxio's Toast or other similar CD burning software.

Utilities

Some third-party utilities for creating autorun CDs are available, including GS Technologies line of tools and the Autostart Utility from UpdateStage.