Description:

Use the Raw files build method to create all files into a special folder for CD/DVD use. This method creates all files into a directory of your choice. Since this plain method does not offer an installation routine, it is the method to use if you want to burn your project on a CD or DVD, create a setup with a third party installer, or to integrate your application into an existing application structure. All generated files are necessary for executing the application. Launch the "ApplicationName.exe" to run it.
Details about the Raw Method

Important note: In case you create your application as a single selfextracting executable, all files needed will be extracted to a temporary directory on the users computer when the exe is launched.

This is the reason why you would not use the exe method for huge data amounts or for launch of an application from CD.

Working directory of the application is on the CD only with a Raw files creation
The working directory of the application will be on the harddrive, if a single exe is launched from a CD. Therefore, no files that are not included in the exe can be relatively linked in case of single exe programs launched from CD - as the working directory of the application will be in a temporary folder on the harddrive.

In case of raw files, you may easily link to all files on your CD, even if they are not included in the additional files. Just enter the relative path to your files in the parameter (do not forget the placeholder for the working directory: <_CurrentDir_>\ and create the path from there. You may move one folder up by entering <_CurrentDir_>\..\

TIP: open the CD/DVD Menu template for ideas on creating a CD project.

Autoplay/Autorun enabling your CD/DVD:

If you want to create autoplay/autorun CD/DVD's, you need to create an autorun.inf file ( a textfile that specifies, which application should be launched at startup:

Example of the most simple possible Autorun.inf file.

It specifies YourCdmenu.exe as the startup application:

[autorun]

open=YourCdmenu.exe

Just open your text editor, enter the information above and save it as "autorun.inf". Copy the file to the folder, which you burn to the CD. Make sure the file is placed in the root of the CD. If the application is placed in a subfolder on your CD, you need to specify the full path.

External reference on creating autorun.inf files with more options, please visit the Microsoft support center: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;818804

Related topics:
Raw files method

CD/DVD Menu template