Custom USB Flash Drives supplied by Flashbay support a function know as 'AutoRun', something which many 'off-the-shelf ' Flash Drives don't allow. This feature allows your preloaded data, such as a presentation, to launch automatically when the user plugs the custom USB Flash Drive it into a computer.

AutoRun works by the addition of an extra file to the root of the USB Flash Drive called AutoRun.inf. If you require Flashbay to preload your data, then we are happy to set the AutoRun function up for you.

Why use AutoRun?

When using custom USB Flash Drives as a marketing tool to distribute your company presentation, consider using AutoRun to ensure the most important document loads instantly when your customer plugs in the Flash Drive. Some companies like to AutoRun a Flash or HTML menu to structure navigation of documents stored on the Flash Drive.

With what Operating Systems will Autorun work?

The latest operating systems have reduced their support for Autorun to tighten user security, so not all users will enjoy the benefits of this feature. The compatibility table below illustrates this.

Autorun Compatibility of Flash Drive with Common Operating Systems

Command	Windows 2000	Windows XP SP3	Windows Vista	Windows 7	Mac	Command
AutoRun file on the Flash Drive						Open=xxx.exe or AutoRun
AutoRun External URL						Shellexecute=http://xxx.com
AutoRun to External URL with launch helper program						Open=helper.exe http://xxx.com

Autorun Compatibility of Read Only Partition from Dual Zone Flash Drive On Common Operating Systems

Command	Windows 2000	Windows XP SP3	Windows Vista	Windows 7	Mac	Command
AutoRun on the Flash Drive						Open=xxx.exe or AutoRun
AutoRun External URL						Shellexecute=http://xxx.com
AutoRun to External URL with launch helper program						Open=helper.exe http://xxx.com

AutoRun supported

AutoRun supported, however operating system will prompt user with dialog box before Autorun can happen.

AutoRun will not work

Notes: Some companies prevent Flash Drives and CDs from AutoRunning on company computers by making changes to each computer's registry or network environment as a security precaution. However, our experience is that this is quite rare.