Way to run .bat file from autoplay CD

[ND]

I need to upgrade multiple PCs in a lab using a batch file (.bat). How can
I place that on a CD to autorun when I put it into the PC?

Thanks.

 

[Charles Dye]

I need to upgrade multiple PCs in a lab using a batch file (.bat). How can
I place that on a CD to autorun when I put it into the PC?

This is, I think, the same problem as autostarting an HTML file from
a CD-ROM. The Windows autorun mechanism was designed only to launch
*programs*, not batch files or HTML files or any other kind of data
files.

What's needed is a utility program, to be started via AUTORUN.INF,
which in turn will start the desired data file in its associated
application. I have not tested, but believe that the AUTORUN.EXE
from here: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulifetv/freezip/freeware/
should serve the purpose. (Note that the .BAT will be handled by
whatever program happens to be associated with that extension on
a given machine. Most likely CMD.EXE on Windows NT/2000/XP and
COMMAND.COM on Windows 95/98/Me, but other associations are
certainly possible.)