How do I automatically start MediaMatrix and compile a view file on powerup?

In certain applications, a View file must remain running all the time. In the event of a power failure causing the computer to reset itself (shame on you for not putting an uninterruptable power supply on the MediaMatrix mainframe!!!!), you may want to have the machine boot NT automatically, then load and compile a specific view file.

Normally, Windows NT requires user input to complete the boot cycle, such as a user log on. This can be automated however, by using a free download add on to NT available from Microsoft, called "TweakUI" (UI meaning user interface). This program automatically logs on a particular user, entering their user name and password during the NT boot/log on process. See the link at the bottom of this page to download Tweak UI from Microsoft.

Once you have downloaded and installed TweakUI in your startup folder in Windows NT, you must copy a shortcut for MediaMatrix, and also place it in the start up folder of NT.

The next step is to set up MediaMatrix to automatically load and compile a particular view file upon start up. To do this, click on "Tools | Options", and click on the "Startup" tab of the dialog box. Select the radio button that says "Load and Compile this view file, and then enter the complete path and file name of the View file you wish to launch. The path must be complete and accurate, or the view file will not load properly. When you are finished, click "OK".

After you have finished this, test the system by rebooting it to insure proper operation.

To download TweakUI, click on the following link.

http://www.microsoft.com/NTWorkstation/downloads/PowerToys/Networking/NTTweakUI.asp