 |
|
|
|
Autorun USB in Windows 7
AutoRun-related Changes in Windows 7
Windows developers have come to rely on AutoRun and AutoPlay functionality to deliver snazzy software that makes a good first impression. AutoRun technology automatically starts a program when an external disk, such as a CD or USB drive, is connected to a computer. AutoPlay lets users pick from a menu of actions, instead of hunting through folders on a disk. Together, these complementary features in Windows XP and Vista give one-click access to new applications on USB drives.
In Windows 7, however, this situation has changed. The double-edged sword of easy installation created security risks, which is why Microsoft blocked AutoRun on USB drives (but not CDs/DVDs) in Windows 7 (more details : AutoRun changes in Windows 7). Unfortunately, this move – intended to stop the spread of viruses – hurts legitimate developers as well. To automatically run a program when a USB drive is connected, developers of software for Windows 7 have to resort to workarounds.
How to Use AutoRun with Programs on USB Flash Drives in Windows 7
Developers have two options to work around autorun limitations:
1. Use of special USB drives that present themselves as CD drives to the computer (for example, U3 flash drives). These USB sticks can take advantage of autorun functionality like any other CD: they can copy files, install programs, and more. Flashbay is one vendor of such drives:
http://www.flashbay.com/services/file-lock-flash-drive.html
How do they work? These USB drives contain a CD partition. An ISO disk image can be written to this partition; the ISO can contain an AutoStart menu, just like any normal CD. So the USB drive contains two partitions: one CD partition with your menu, and a second partition for user data.
To design the menu on the ISO (CD) partition, we recommend that you look at AutoPlay Menu Designer. The AutoPlay Visual Designer software builds engaging, professional-looking menus with graphics, links, and interactivity. Try it out!
2. The other option for autorun functionality is to preinstall a program that scans for USB sticks in USB ports. USB Safely Remove (
http://safelyremove.com/en/index.html ) is one such program. Along with hotkeys, hiding, and handy menus, USB Safely Remove allows configuring program autorun on device connection/disconnection. If you tell the program to start your menu automatically on USB drive insertion, you can then – once again – enjoy automatic menu display on your computer.
There are two main steps to reaching this most favorable state of affairs: first use AutoPlay Menu Designer to publish your desired menu to the USB flash drive, and then configure USB Safely Remove to display the menu automatically on insertion.
In AutoPlay Menu Designer, put the finishing touches on your menu (for instructions, see http://visualdesigning.com/autorunmenu/tutorials/ ). Then publish the menu to the USB drive:
- Select Build project.
- In the wizard that appears, click the Test button to make sure that everything is in place.
- Select the Publish to USB Flash drive radio button.
- In the drop-down menu of removable devices, select your USB drive.
Your menu can now be opened through the Windows AutoPlay dialog whenever the USB drive is connected to a computer running on Windows XP. For computers running on Windows 7, you will need to use USB Safely Remove to enable automatic menu display.
USB Safely Remove can set up autorun rules for one device or for all devices (as detailed at
http://safelyremove.com/help/ht_useAutoRun.htm ). In the instructions that follow, we’ll be setting a rule for a specific drive only.
- In the system tray (in the taskbar notification area in the lower-right corner), move the cursor to the USB Safely Remove icon
- Right-click a USB disk. In the context menu that appears, select Properties
- In USB Safely Remove, in the device properties window for your USB drive, select the Auto Run tab
- Double-click the After device plugging node for your device
- At the root level of the device, select the menu that you created in AutoPlay Menu Designer. By default, the name of the menu is start.exe
- Click OK
Now the menu is configured to open every time when the USB device is connected. This process must be repeated on every client computer. When considering USB Safely Remove, please remember that the process above works for only one computer at a time. USB Safely Remove must be installed and configured individually on each and every computer in order for menus to display automatically; there is no “set and forget” option to enable autorun on the computers of all users.
Mission Successful
As shown above, developers have a more difficult task in incorporating autorun functionality for their Windows 7 consumers, but the barriers are easily overcome with a bit of planning. U3-based solutions can be complicated: they require suitable hardware, preloading an ISO image, and cannot be changed by the user. However, they solve the problem of AutoPlay for Windows 7 users. Programs such as USB Safely Remove offer affordable and easy-to-use solution that you can install on your computer for the best automatic menu display.
You can get a 30% discount on purchase of USB Safely Remove! To receive a coupon code, just write to
sales@visualdesigning.com.
This special offer combines some of the slickest, most effective tools available for delivering a consistent user experience. So to the question, "Can AutoRun work on USB drives in Windows 7?" our answer is still a resounding "Yes!" Your users will thank you as well.
Good luck, and happy developing!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
General |
| |
|
General information about AutoPlay Menu Designer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Templates |
| |
|
Built-in and additional templates packs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Plug-ins |
| |
|
Visual components that extends the functionality of your menu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Help & Tutorials |
| |
|
An array of resources to enable you to start work with program quickly |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Order |
| |
|
Learn how to order software |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Languages |
| |
|
Search your native language for software |
|
|
|
|
|
