Introduction
| Download the freeware development kit if you want to test the basic ShellRun features. There is no way to evaluate the extra features of the retail version before purchasing a licence. |
ShellRun lets you start your CD, DVD or USB-memory-stick professionally on a Windows computer:
- ShellRun lets your user know that the CD is starting
- ShellRun then displays a file or program of your choice.
- ShellRun will display a web page when a CD is inserted - or any other file type such as PDFs.
- Or use ShellRun's menu of command buttons to show available options
The AutoRun basics page explains why ShellRun is needed, and cautions that AutoRun may have been disabled so you should always provide instructions for viewing your CD/DVD/USB manually. (Also see the HTML CDs article.)
The freeware version of ShellRun displays a simple popup window and shows one file of your choice.
Using the retail version features
To use the many features in the retail version of ShellRun, follow the basic instructions. For full information on the advanced features, follow the links on this page or use the menu on the left. Also see the full list of parameters.
Configurable popup window
There are many screen options for the popup window:
- Maximise, move or resize the popup window.
- Change or move the icon image in the popup window.
- Change or move the text, including its size and colour.
- Specify a URL seen if the user clicks in the popup window.
- Remove the popup window.
- Add a splash image, centred on the user's screen.
Show a menu of command button options
- Provide a menu of buttons showing the available options.
- Optional sub-menu available for each main button.
- Configure the appearance of the buttons.
More options
- You can show up to 10 more files:
- File display can be conditional on file, registry and viewer tests,
eg make the slideshow displayed dependent on the user's version of PowerPoint.- You can run programs with parameters, including running Internet Explorer in kiosk mode.
- You can play audio on Enhanced CDs.
- The Do not show again option gives the user the option of not starting the CD in future.
- You can enable active content on CDs and DVDs for use with Windows XP SP2, Vista and equivalent.
Viewer checking
ShellRun helps you cope gracefully if a user does not have a suitable file viewer installed. For example, if you are trying to display a PDF file, then the user must have Adobe™ Acrobat Reader or equivalent installed.You can also check that the user has viewers for up to 10 other files (without having to display the files at startup).
- Display a warning message.
- Let the user go to web site to get an viewer, or run an installation program from CD.
- Insist that a certain viewer version is installed.
- Use the supplied Viewer Browser to find viewer information
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