File Name: startup.exe
Accompanying Files: Autorun.inf, start.html, cdrom.ico, startup readme.txt
Please promote sharing by contributing. You may use this in your environment, or on your CD's, but you are requested not to distribute this file, or post it at other distribution sites. There are no written, expressed, or implied warranties with this tool. Use it at your own risk.
This is not a new idea or tool. There have been several iterations on this same theme, but I would like to think that this tool is slightly improved from previous versions that I have seen and used in the past. Startup.exe launches any URL, file, link, or application provided as the command line parameter. Simply launch the startup.exe from the app object "run" command (either locally or on a network location) with the appropriate argument to launch the desired item. It is also ideal for use with CD's for autorun sequences, or as a NAL application assistant to launch web links or other applications. If the filetype of the file provided as the argument is unassociated, the default Windows "Open-With" dialog is launched. If no argument is provided, then the startup application launches explorer.exe at the current path of the startup.exe program (or the assigned working directory).
Examples:
| startup.exe | -launches explorer in app.path or working directory if used in an app object |
| startup.exe http://www.intel.com | -launches the default browser to the designated URL |
| startup.exe c:\temp\readme.txt | -launches the readme.txt file with the default associated program |
| startup.exe c:\Windows\Logs\test.log | -launches the Windows "Open With" dialog if there is no app association to *.log files |
Special Arguments:
| startup.exe ::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} | -launches My Computer |
| startup.exe ::{450d8fba-ad25-11d0-98a8-0800361b1103} | -launches My Documents <of current user> |
| startup.exe %systemroot% | -launches Explorer Window @ system root |
| startup.exe %userprofile% | -launches Explorer Window @ root of <current user> profile directory |
| startup.exe <path>\<filename.lnk> | -launch the shortcut referred to by filename at the path |
Note: If the argument <command line parameter> is invalid, nothing happens. Any valid Zen recognized variables may be used. The application is very well behaved.
CD Use:
See the autorun.inf file provided along with the start.html page. Basically, you put your autorun.inf file, the startup.exe application, and the html menu page at the root of your custom CD. This will give it autorun capabilities with possibilities for easy navigation.
| http://www.intel.com | -default browser to Intel's home page |
| c:\documents and settings\all users\start menu\lock workstation.lnk | -link to lock the workstation |
| c:\winnt\dahotfix.log | -open with default application |
| %windir%\clock.avi | -default avi app ... media player |
| c:\winnt\media\windows logon sound.wav | -same as above |
| ::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} | -my computer |
| ::{450d8fba-ad25-11d0-98a8-0800361b1103} | -my documents of current user |
| %systemroot% | -explorer to system root |
| %userprofile% | -explorer to documents and settings\username |
| startup readme.txt | -default text app if the "startup readme" file is in the app path |
| <no argument> | -explorer at current app path |
| <invalid argument> | -app does nothing |
The suggested working directory should be set to the application's location. Be sure to assign any necessary rights to network locations so that users can execute the application (or any files listed as arguments).
I think you get the idea and I think this could be a very useful tool. I hope you enjoy it!
Support
Documentation
Learning Services
Partner Programs