FILE: Cdplyr.exe Demonstrates Using the mciSendString Function

 Last reviewed: February 20, 1998
Article ID: Q181474
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Learning, Professional, and Enterprise Editions for Windows, version 5.0

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 Software Library: 

 ~ Cdplyr.exe (size: 26720 bytes)
For more information about downloading files from the Microsoft Software Library, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 

   ARTICLE-ID: Q119591
   TITLE     : How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services
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. 
Keywords          : vb5all VBKBWinAPI kbsample
Version           : WINDOWS:5.0
Platform          : WINDOWS
Solution Type     : kbfile

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Last reviewed: February 20, 1998
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