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The AutoRun feature of Windows can be controlled through the Registry by tweaking these values:
Current User: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoDriveTypeAutorun
Local Computer: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoDriveTypeAutorun
By tweaking individual bits (see explanation) we can control different types of drives:
- Disk that can be removed from the drive (such as a floppy disk or USB flash drive)
- Disk that cannot be removed from drive (usually a hard disk)
- Network drive
- CD/DVD drive
- RAM disk
I have been setting this to zero to avoid infections by malwares, from whatever source. This simple setting can have a tremendous impact on the number of infections people contract on their computers.
My question is: if I do this in friends' computers (or co-workers), what positive functionality could they be missing?
- Plugging mobile network cards might not work until they ran their setup manually;
- CD-ROMs with digital content might not work until they ran their setup manually;
- ...?
I think most people would be able to get their work done without Autorun, but I would like to hear your facts / informed opinions / real-world stories that could help me reach a recommended value for this setting.
pgr
Posted 2015-01-20T17:11:08.570
Reputation: 861
2What version of Windows are you using?
AutoRunis disabled fromWindows 7and greater by default. The feature speaks for itself. By default Windows won't do something chosen by the user automatically ifAutoRunis disabled. – Ramhound – 2015-01-20T17:17:47.020I'm running Vista, I didn't mention it because I was looking for a generic answer. I didn't know what you wrote in your comment regarding Windows 7 (and newer), so that's at least part of the answer... thanks – pgr – 2015-01-20T17:28:17.147
A generic answer for Windows registry hack that is a horrible idea. Update your question. – Ramhound – 2015-01-20T17:44:29.250