Disable AutoPlay in Windows Vista
The default behavior of AutoPlay in Windows Vista is to automatically enable AutoRun for all sorts of removable media. Perhaps a more in-depth explanation is in order so that you do not confuse AutoPlay with AutoRun (and the other way around). AutoRun is the feature that automatically starts programs when you insert a CD/DVD/other media storage device; it is the software’s way of responding to hardware actions. AutoPlay on the other hand is a Windows-specific feature that lets you choose which program will start when you insert a CD/DVD or connect a media storage device; like for example when you choose Media Player to launch automatically when you insert a music CD.
Turning AutoPlay off is a good idea from a security point of view. As a matter of fact Microsoft has decided to change AutoPlay’s default behavior in Windows 7 - AutoPlay will no longer support the AutoRun functionality for non-optical removable media; AutoPlay will work with CDs/DVDs but not with USB devices.
Here is what you have to do to turn off AutoPlay in Windows Vista via Control Panel:
Step 1. Access the Control Panel.
Step 2. Locate and click Play CDs or other media automatically. This will launch the AutoPlay dialog.
Step 3. Uncheck the box next to Use AutoPlay for all media devices.
Tips and warnings
If you want to disable AutoPlay for certain types of media and devices, you can do so. When you get to step 3 in the tutorial presented above, do not uncheck the box next to Use AutoPlay for all media devices. A list of media types is displayed: Audio CD, Enhanced audio CD, DVD movies, and so on. Next to each media type there’s a dropdown menu -> click it -> select Take no action. This will disable AutoPlay only for that media type.
You can also disable AutoPlay via Group Policy, but this will only work if you have Vista Business or Ultimate. Click Start -> in the search box type in gpedit.msc -> browse to Windows components -> AutoPlay Policies -> change the state of Turn off AutoPlay to Enabled.
Tags: Microsoft, Windows, Vista, AutoPlay
Turning AutoPlay off is a good idea from a security point of view. As a matter of fact Microsoft has decided to change AutoPlay’s default behavior in Windows 7 - AutoPlay will no longer support the AutoRun functionality for non-optical removable media; AutoPlay will work with CDs/DVDs but not with USB devices.
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Here is what you have to do to turn off AutoPlay in Windows Vista via Control Panel:
Step 1. Access the Control Panel.
Step 2. Locate and click Play CDs or other media automatically. This will launch the AutoPlay dialog.
Step 3. Uncheck the box next to Use AutoPlay for all media devices.
Tips and warnings
If you want to disable AutoPlay for certain types of media and devices, you can do so. When you get to step 3 in the tutorial presented above, do not uncheck the box next to Use AutoPlay for all media devices. A list of media types is displayed: Audio CD, Enhanced audio CD, DVD movies, and so on. Next to each media type there’s a dropdown menu -> click it -> select Take no action. This will disable AutoPlay only for that media type.
You can also disable AutoPlay via Group Policy, but this will only work if you have Vista Business or Ultimate. Click Start -> in the search box type in gpedit.msc -> browse to Windows components -> AutoPlay Policies -> change the state of Turn off AutoPlay to Enabled.
Tags: Microsoft, Windows, Vista, AutoPlay
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