How to Make an Auto Run CD/DVD - Flash Tutorial

 
Making a Flash Movie that will Auto Run when you create a CD/DVD is remarkably easy. AutoRun is a feature that enables CD/DVD to start a program automatically. If you want to create a Flash Movie that runs automatically from a CD/DVD you would use the AutoRun feature. You simply have to add a small file to the CD/DVD at the time when you burn your CD/DVD. On Windows is made by putting an INF file in the parent directory of the CD/DVD. This tutorial explains the few simple steps you need to achieve this.
Note: The AutoRun feature can be disabled on each individual computer and these machines an AutoRun-enabled CD/DVD will not automatically launch.
This tutorial describes how to do this on a PC.

Step 1: Full Screen Option

1. If you want your Flash Movie to run in full screen mode place this Action Script in frame 1 of you Flash Movie:

fscommand("fullscreen", true);

Note: This full screen mode will only work when you are running the Flash Moviefrom your local computer (like from a CD/DVD) and will not work if the Movie is viewed on the Internet.
 
Step 2: Publishing your Flash Movie


1.  Create a Flash Movie or open the Flash Movie that you want to use place on the CD/DVD.
2.  If your file name has spaces in it re-save it so the spaces are removed: File > Save As
3. Go to: File > Publish Settings (Short Cut Key: Ctrl + Shift + F12)
4. Select: Windows Projector (.exe) nothing else needs to be selected.
5. Click: Publish 
Note: This will create a file with the same name as the original Flash Movie except it will be called OriginalName.exe It will also be in the same location or folder as your original Flash Movie such as the Desktop or Documents etc. You need to know the location of this file.
The exe file it creates contains the Flash Movie and the Flash Player. This file is executable. That means that Windows can start the file like a program. All the instructionsare included in the exe file. This does not mean that it will Auto Start - only that if you ask itto start Windows will do.

Step 3: Creating the AutoRun CD

1. Open your favourite Text Editor such as Windows Notepad. It is normally located at:Windows Logo > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad 
2.  Type the following:

[autorun] 
open=myFlashFile.exe 
icon=myIcon.ico

Note: Replace myFlashFile with the name of your file!! Do not use spaces in the file name. Windows is not normally case sensitive - but why take the risk - stick to the same case as your Flash Movie. The line icon=myIcon.ico is to display an icon that you might have. 
3.    Save the file with the name: autorun.inf

4.    Burn your CD/DVD with the following files in the root directory (NOT in a folder):

autorun.inf 
myFlashFile.exe 
myIcon.ico

Now all that is left to do is test your CD/DVD! And testing is important. In my experience homemade CD/DVD are not reliable. Always test it before giving it to a client or showing offin front of your friends!!