Security

A virus can spread from a USB device to your computer by taking advantage of a Windows feature called autorun. Disabling autorun helps to prevent infections that spread via USB devices.

Note: When autorun is disabled, software on a CD or DVD will no longer automatically start when you insert the disk. You will need to open the disk and double-click on the program you want to start. However, the protection you gain by disabling autorun should make up for this minor inconvenience.

Disable Windows Autorun

Note: Use an account that has administrative privileges.

1. Download the disable_autorun.reg file and save it to disk. (In Firefox, hold down the Alt key while you click the link.)
2. Locate the file on your computer and double-click disable_autorun.reg. This creates the appropriate entry in the Windows Registry.
3. Restart your computer.

To re-enable the autorun feature, download and run the enable_autorun.reg file. Because autorun leaves your computer vulnerable to some serious threats, we strongly suggest keeping it disabled.