Disable and Enable Auto run in Windows XP & later

Currently many of the viruses are using Autoplay  feature provided in Windows XP and later to infect the computer.

All these viruses do create Aurorun.inf file in the root directory of our flash drives and USB HDD and when we insert these infected drives on to a clean computer running Windows XP or later,the Autoplay feature check these drives for any information in these autorun.inf files(these files are basically used by software manufacturers to run there program when inserting CD/DVD drives in the computer to provide a good interface for a novice user to work on) and there they find the command to execute the virus and system got infected and the process goes on from one computer to other.Some will not be able to see these files because these files are generally have system and hidden attributes.

Although many antivirus and spyware software’s are having the feature to disable such potential viruses but having Autoplay feature disable is like taking a step further towards safety.But Only disabling this feature doesn't prevent us from executing the virus by our own hand if we double click on the drive icon.A better way to open a drive is by navigating through the address bar in Windows Explorer .

You can use this method to disable auto play in Windows XP

• Type gpedit.msc in the Start -> Run dialog box and then press ENTER to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Under Computer Configuration,expand Administrative Templates,select System.
• In the RHS Details pane ,scroll down to find Turn Off Autoplay and double-click to open the Properties box.
• Click Enabled, and then select All drives in the Turn off Autoplay on box to disable Autorun on all drives.
• Restart.
• To re-enable Autoplay Click Disabled,and then Apply >OK.

Vista or 7 Users can use this method  

• Type gpedit.msc in the Start Search box  and then press ENTER to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Under Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand Windows Components > click Autoplay Policies.
• In the RHS Details pane, double-click Turn off Autoplay to open the Properties box.
• Click Enabled, and then select All drives in the Turn off Autoplay on box to disable Autorun on all drives.
• Restart.
• To re-enable Autoplay Click Disabled,and then Apply >OK.

 

Hope you all find it useful.