How to Autoplay a CD

Though compact discs (CDs) are popular for storing all kinds of media such as pictures and text, they are more commonly used to distribute music and sound. A music CD automatically plays when inserted into a CD player. PCs emulate this function by using the Autoplay feature on their CD drives. Note that though these procedures apply specifically to Windows XP, they generally work for all operating systems.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open your CD tray and insert the CD.

2. Close the tray. The CD automatically plays. If it does not, proceed to the next step.

3. Click the "Start" button and then select "My Computer." The "My Computer" window appears.

4. 
    
   "CD Drive Properties" dialog box

   Right-click on your CD drive, and select "Properties" from the menu popup. The "CD Drive Properties" dialog box appears.

5. Click the "Autoplay" tab.

6. Select "Music CD" from the drop down.

7. Click "Select an action to perform" under "Actions."

8. Scroll through the actions to choose which one to perform when a CD is inserted. This example uses "Play Audio CD Using Windows Media Player."

9. Click the "OK" button save your options.

10. Re-insert the CD into your CD tray for automatic play. If it still does not work, you may need to use the Autoplay Repair Wizard.

Resources

• Autoplay Repair Wizard