I'm disappearing up my own fundamental trying to string together a number of different setups on a demo CD. A simple solution would be if I could chain together 2 open statements in autorun.inf - does anyone know where I can get info on valid syntax for autorun.inf files? Microsoft's knowledgebase was not helpful.
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Wow, quick response, tim! I tried
OPEN=PROG1.EXE;PROG2.EXE
ICON=PROG1.EXE;PROG2.EXE
but it only ran PROG1. When I tried
OPEN=PROG1.EXE PROG2.EXE
ICON=PROG1.EXE PROG2.EXE
I got a Windows "Program Not Found" message saying it couldn't find PROG1.EXE;PROG2.EXE (!?), so I think I'll try the batch file idea next.
The MS Autoroute CD has a autorun.inf that allows you to right-click the CD in explorer and have a few extra options. It uses this inf:
[autorun]
open = AutoGBR6.exe
icon = AutoGBR6.exe
shell\install = &Setup
shell\install\command = setup.exe
shell\readme = Read &Me
shell\readme\command = write ReadMe.wri
shell\gps = Install &GPS
shell\gps\command = gps\setup.exe
Which produces these extra choices on the shortcut menu:
Setup
Read Me
Install GPS
This obviously won't all run on insert. You should be able to do it fairly easily with a VB or VC++ front end, checking the registry for programs already installed and giving a choice for those that are not.
Well, we all want to make life easy for all those poor users out there, don't we?
Tried the batch file, and realised where my logic error was (deep breath) - I only want to open PROG2 *after* PROG1 has installed, in fact I want to launch an app after its setup has happened (no reboot needed).
So, sorry if this is off-topic - I've just asked this question in the VB5 group, cos PROG2 is a VB5 app which launches a frigged Adobe acrobat setup (thanks to blindcopy, the acrobat setup also installs quicktime and my demo .pdf file), and PROG1 is PROG2's setup program (see what I mean about disapperaing up my own?).
The only reason that PROG1 and PROG2 exist is so the user doesn't freak out when they see the Adobe & Quicktime installs when all they thought they were getting was a bunch of pretty pictures.
Still, points are available to anyone who can tell me what's valid in the [autorun] section of an .inf - I didn't know about shell\, bart, but I don't think it is what I'm after.
Thanks for ideas - there's no other developers where I work, and it helps heaps to have you guys out there.
Jaynee,
Go to http://www.wotsig.org and download the description for autorun.inf files. The site contains descriptions and file formats for thousands for widely known file types.
Another option is to get the description from the Windows 95 Resource Kit. The W95 Resource Kit book is sold in most bookstores, but an online version is included in the Windows 95 CD-ROM. If I recall correctly it's in a directory called RESKIT or something like that. Just look for .HLP files in the Win95 CD. If you do a search in the help file, you'll also find the description for autorun.inf file.
Yours,
Alex
Simonet - Could you please check URL http://www.wotsig.org - I get a site not found.
I've checked the Windows 95 resource kit, and it describes a few sections of a general inf file ([General], [Manufacturer], blah blah), but not an [autorun] section.
You're right about the URL... my mistake!
Try http://www.wotsit.org
Yours,
Alex
As of the Resource Kit, I can only suppose that the Online version is not as complete as the printed book (I have the book). The book contains full documentation on autorun.inf.
Another source of information is:
http://www.microsoft.com/m
This will take you to Microsoft Developer's Network. The autorun.inf file is also documented there. Once you register (for free), look for autorun.inf in the MSDN. Do not do a search on the knowledge base, since you've already covered that.
yours,
Alex
You can also try the link below:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/
By the way, the new link for MSDN is msdn.microsoft.com Once logged in, go the MSDN Library.
Yours,
Alex
Nice one, Alex. Well, wotsit wasn't too forthcoming on the autorun aspect of inf files, but its a bloody good site nonetheless - worth the points just for that one! I'll plough through the MSDN stuff tonight, but for the particular job I was trying to do, I think I'll download InstallShield and save myself some grief. Thanx for your time, folks.
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by: tim_holmanPosted on 1999-03-09 at 05:14:38ID: 1738408
[autorun]
OPEN=CDSAMPLE\AUTORUN\AUTO
ICON=CDSAMPLE\AUTORUN\WIN9
for example ?
I've never seen one open 2 executables, but you may be able to point it to a .BAT file which starts 2 executables itself ?
Or, OPEN=autorun.exe autorun2.exe may work ?
Also try a , or a ; in between.