How to test AutoPlay CD

AutoPlay CD is useful, as it automatically execute the demo or installation program when you insert this CD into CD drive. It is a powerful marketing/IT tool.

The autoplay.inf file at the root folder of the CD ROM tells the System what to do when the CD is inserted.If the content of autoplay.inf is like:

[autorun] open=Filename.exe
icon=Filename.exe,1

Then the system will execute Filename.exe at the root of the CD. The iconized image of this drive will become the icon of FileName.exe too.

Below is the link of how to make Autoplay.inf file:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/?url=/library/en-us/shellcc/platform/shell/programmersguide/shell_basics/shell_basics_extending/autorun/autoplay_works.asp

Now, how do we test Autoplay CD ? Burn the CD time and test ? If something goes run then burn again ? That is terrible experience.

How about using USB drive to simulate the Insert action ? Well, Microsoft does not support USB Drive, as the Media Type declared by USB drive is not Removable Drive, which is supported, but is Removable Media, which is not supported.

Well, how about Network Drive ? Yes, you can create a folder called, say C:\AUTOPLAY and then share this folder to the network as, say, AUTOPLAY. When you map a drive, say K: from other machine, or even your own machine to AUTOPLAY, Autoplay.inf will be triggered. This approach saves time and money to burn CD again and again.

Please note that Windows has a registry to record what types of drives can run AutoPlay. You may need to make sure the network drive on your machihne does support AutoPlay by checking/modifying the registry:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/shellcc/platform/shell/programmersguide/shell_basics/shell_basics_extending/autorun/autoplay_reg.asp