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Q181474: SAMPLE: Cdplyr.exe Demonstrates Using the mciSendString Function

Article: Q181474
Product(s): Microsoft Visual Basic for Windows
Version(s): WINDOWS:5.0,6.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbfile kbSample kbsound kbVBp500 kbVBp600 kbGrpDSVB
Last Modified: 21-DEC-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Visual Basic Learning Edition for Windows, version 5.0 
- Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition for Windows, version 5.0 
- Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition for Windows, version 5.0 
- Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition for Windows, version 6.0 
- Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition for Windows, version 6.0 
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SUMMARY
=======

Cdplyr.exe is a self-extracting executable file that contains a Visual Basic
project demonstrating how to use the mciSendString API function to add
multimedia capabilities to your Visual Basic program. The sample project is an
audio CD player.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download
Center:

  Cdplyr.exe

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click
the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

  Q119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services

Microsoft used the most current virus detection software available on the date of
posting to scan this file for viruses. Once posted, the file is housed on secure
servers that prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

When you run the self-extracting file, the following files are expanded into the
mciSendString Sample Project directory.

- CDPlyr.vbp

- CDPlyr.vbw

- Form1.frm

- Module1.bas

- Readme.txt -you are currently reading this file.

The API function mciSendString allows you to send a command string to an MCI
device. You can send commands to detect an audio CD, determine the number of
tracks on the disc, and play the disc at any track or time. This project shows
you how to use this function in Visual Basic.

When you run the program, you must have the AutoPlay feature of the operating
system disabled. Otherwise, unexpected behavior may occur.

You can disable AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key when inserting an audio CD or
by completing the following steps.

To Disable AutoPlay
-------------------

1. Double-click the My Computer icon.

2. On the View menu, click Options, and then click the File Types tab.

3. Click the AudioCD type, and then click Edit.

4. In the Actions list, click Play, and then click Set Default.

To Run the Project
------------------

These instructions assume you have disabled AutoPlay.

1. Open the project in Visual Basic.

2. On the Run menu, click Start or press the F5 key to start the program. Note
  that all the command buttons are disabled.

3. Put an audio CD into the CD player of your computer and note that the
  programs starts playing the first track in your audio CD.

Additional query words: cdplyr

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbfile kbSample kbsound kbVBp500 kbVBp600 kbGrpDSVB 
Technology        : kbVBSearch kbAudDeveloper kbZNotKeyword6 kbZNotKeyword2 kbVB500Search kbVB600Search kbVB500 kbVB600
Version           : WINDOWS:5.0,6.0
Issue type        : kbhowto

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