What is an AutoRun?

AutoRun is a feature of the Microsoft Windows Operating System that was added to ease the use of CD/DVDs.

When a new CD/DVD, or any other removable media, is inserted into a disc drive the AutoRun feature of Windows reads information encoded on the disc that tells Microsoft Windows what to do.

If you are creating a CD/DVD for any purpose it is basic requirement that it include an AutoRun. The AutoRun will allow the user to access whatever you have put on the CD. Without an AutoRun the user will need to manually browse the disk and find the documents, pictures, music or other items that you have burned to the CD/DVD.

AutoRun was introduced in Windows 95, and has been included in all versions of Windows since then.

Some of the things that the AutoRun reads off the disc includes:

• The icon that appears for disc in Windows Explorer.
• The label used for the disc in Windows Explorer.
• Document to open or the program to run.

AutoRun Architect allows you to define this information and takes care of the technicalities involved in encoding the information on the disk. Utilizing the AutoRun feature AutoRun Architect also allows you to:

• Open a Menu Window.
• Show a license agreement.
• Secure the disc contents.
• Open a document.
• Print a document.
• Launch an application.
• Install an application.
• Open a web site.
• Display a message.
• Send an email.
• and more...