Compact Disc Autolauncher

Content on removable storage devices, and even CDs can be automatically launched when connected to your PC. However, it can be the case where you might need to choose from more items, and this is where applications like Compact Disc Autolauncher come in handy, giving you the possibility to design menus for CDs.

A neat advantage is that it doesn’t take you through an installation process to make things work, meaning you can carry it around on a thumb drive, or even the target CD. Another consequence of portability is that system registries remain intact, so you don’t have to worry about any damage done to the computer you use it on.

The main window is both the preview, and edit area. This makes accommodation incredibly easy, with all elements you can create and appear in the end product visible, and editable on the spot. What’s more, a simple switch of modes lets you test out the functionality of the menu, without any other prompts.

Even though the visual design may seem a little outdated, using classic window elements, it lets you create a thorough menu, and even add a custom picture to give it a bit of personality. Moreover, audio layers can be included to play before, during, and after using the menu, but also for menu interaction.

There is a total of 14 configurable buttons. However, the amount of items you can add is far greater, since buttons can be used as menus, which don’t have a limit to elements you add. You’re free to include any kind of file or application to be run on click. When importing, you’re asked whether to leave the original file in the source directory, or copy it where needed.

General info on programs you run can be included, as well as CD details. Creating your project is not a great task, and only requires you to save to file. This creates the corresponding Autorun.INI document responsible for automatically launching your new menu, which you need to burn to CD.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that Compact Disc Autolauncher is a practical application with which to create complex menus for CDs, DVDs, and other types of removable storage devices supporting autorun. Even though the style can seem a little old, complexity, and variety of options make up for this minor inconvenience.