How to Use Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro to Create Bootable USBs

Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro Review — Features, Pros, and TipsSpeedo AutoRun Maker Pro is a Windows utility designed to simplify the process of creating AutoRun-enabled media and bootable USB drives. It targets a range of users — from IT technicians who prepare installation media and recovery drives to casual users who want to make a USB stick launch a setup program automatically. This review covers the main features, pros and cons, real-world use cases, installation and setup guidance, troubleshooting tips, and best practices for safe and effective use.

What Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro Does

Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro creates autorun menus and bootable media that run chosen programs automatically when the media is inserted into a Windows PC (subject to OS autorun/security settings). The tool helps generate the required autorun.inf file, package files in a user-friendly menu, and optionally create bootable USB drives with Windows PE or installer environments.

Key Features

• Simple autorun menu designer: drag-and-drop interface to add executable files, icons, and menu entries.
• Autorun configuration: automatically generates autorun.inf and associated resource files.
• Bootable USB creation: supports making USB drives bootable with standard Windows installer files or custom WinPE images.
• Customizable menus and branding: change background images, button styles, and labels to create a polished autorun experience.
• Multi-language support: interface and menu templates for several languages.
• File packaging and compression: optional compression to reduce file size on the media.
• Validation tools: checks for missing files and common autorun errors before finalizing the media.
• Compatibility mode options: compatibility settings for various Windows versions (XP through Windows ⁄₁₀).
• Portable mode: create autorun packages that work from removable media without installing software on the host PC.
• Preset templates: ready-made menu templates for installers, multimedia discs, and recovery tools.

Installation and First Run

1. Download the installer from the official site or a reputable distributor. Verify the file hash if available.
2. Run the installer as an administrator; the setup wizard will guide you through license agreement and installation folder selection.
3. Launch the program using an administrator account to ensure USB and system access for bootable media creation.
4. On first run, choose whether to use default templates or start from a blank project. It’s recommended to test with a small USB stick first.

How to Create an AutoRun USB (Basic Steps)

1. Open Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro and start a new project.
2. Add the files and executables you want on the USB (drag-and-drop).
3. Choose a menu template and customize icons, button labels, and background.
4. Configure autorun behavior (e.g., run installer.exe, open a menu, or show a readme).
5. If making a bootable USB, select the source ISO or WinPE files and enable “Make bootable.”
6. Preview the autorun menu, run validation, then click “Build” and select the target USB drive.
7. Safely eject and test on a PC that allows autorun (note modern Windows often disables autorun for security).

Pros

• User-friendly interface that speeds up autorun package creation.
• Good selection of templates and customization options.
• Integrated bootable USB creation for installers and recovery environments.
• Validation tools reduce the chance of broken autorun menus.
• Portable mode is useful for distributing tools without installing software on the client PC.

Cons

• Autorun behavior is limited by modern Windows security policies; many systems ignore autorun.inf for removable drives.
• Some advanced boot scenarios (UEFI Secure Boot + GPT) may require manual steps outside the tool.
• Compression and packaging can sometimes interfere with certain installers that expect exact file paths.
• Licensing cost for the Pro version may be a consideration for casual users.

Compatibility and Security Notes

• Modern versions of Windows (Windows 7 onward, and especially Windows ⁄₁₁) have restricted or disabled autorun for removable media to prevent malware spread. Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro can still produce authoring files and menus, but whether they auto-execute depends on the target system settings.
• Creating bootable media for UEFI systems may require preparing the USB with GPT/EFI structure; Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro’s bootable feature may handle common cases but check for Secure Boot requirements.
• Always scan created media with up-to-date antivirus before distribution. Do not use autorun for untrusted executables.

Tips and Best Practices

• Test on multiple Windows versions and on systems with autorun disabled to see how fallback behavior looks (e.g., the menu opening when manually explored).
• Keep installers and large files in root or short paths to avoid path length issues.
• If targeting UEFI systems, ensure the USB is formatted FAT32 for better compatibility, or use dual-partition setups for larger ISOs.
• Use descriptive button labels and an obvious “Run Installer” option for non-technical recipients.
• When distributing recovery tools, include a plain-text README explaining how to boot from USB if autorun doesn’t work.
• Backup original USB contents before making it bootable; the tool may reformat drives during the process.
• For corporate deployment, combine autorun packaging with documentation and a signed installer to improve trust and reduce antivirus false positives.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Autorun not working: check Windows AutoPlay/AutoRun settings, group policies, and antivirus restrictions. Manually open the drive to see the generated menu executable or autorun.inf.
• Bootable USB fails on some machines: verify UEFI/Legacy boot settings, format type (FAT32 vs NTFS), and whether Secure Boot blocks unsigned bootloaders.
• Menu icons not showing: ensure the referenced icon files are packaged on the drive and paths in autorun.inf are correct.
• Installer won’t run from compressed package: rebuild without compression or keep the installer extracted in the root.

Alternatives to Consider

• Rufus — widely used for creating bootable USBs with strong UEFI and ISO handling.
• Ventoy — allows multiple ISOs on a single USB and boots them via a menu without rewriting the drive each time.
• Custom scripting with PowerShell and diskpart — for advanced, repeatable corporate deployment scenarios.

Comparison table:

Verdict

Speedo AutoRun Maker Pro is a convenient tool if you need to create branded autorun menus and straightforward bootable USBs quickly. Its strength lies in easy menu design, validation tools, and templates. However, modern Windows security restrictions limit autorun effectiveness on removable media, so rely on clear instructions and robust bootable options when distributing media. For heavy-duty ISO management or multi-ISO drives, consider Ventoy or Rufus alongside Speedo for different needs.