Tiny AutoRun

Specialized media CDs and DVDs usually come with a small tool which launches when the disc is inserted, serving as a main menu for content. Creating such a tool doesn’t require a lot of effort, but there’s some code writing involved. As such, Tiny AutoRun helps you build a neat menu for programs you want to install from your discs.

A cool advantage here is that the application doesn’t need to be installed. In fact, the content needs to be burned on the target disc along with the programs you want to install from it. The package contains both the EXE file which represents the actual menu, as well as the necessary INI files which need to be edited to make the whole thing work.

On the bright side of things, there’s also a rich documentation file which shows most commands you can use in this regard. No particular text editor is required, and you can just as well modify the Autorun.ini file with Notepad. There’s some default content to give you an example of what can be accomplished, and you’re free to modify everything.

Needless to say that it’s a good idea to create a backup copy of the original content, and not burn it directly. Note that once these files end up on the target disc, you’re not able to edit them anymore, so you need to be sure everything is in order before starting the burning session.

As far as the menu is concerned, it’s not really fitted with a particular visual design to make it stand out from the crowd, but it is intuitive enough to not cause any problems. The app list is shown in a tree list, with an additional details panel which shows related info you add inside the INI file. Be extra careful when providing the target installer path to prevent any issues from occurring.

To end with, Tiny AutoRun is a lightweight, straightforward tool with which to create menus for executable files on media discs. Although some effort and a great deal of attention are required to properly write the necessary code, you’re sure to create a slim, simple menu for most types of content you wish to write on discs.