Thread: CD\DVD\Pendrive problem

Hi Every one..

I have a problem with windows XP(SP3). Whenever I insert a cd or dvd or pen drive, It doesn't prompt me to take action. Like normally, if I put a cd in, a window should pop-up and ask me what to do, like play music/ see pics or open to folder. But mine doesn't do that ever since I changed my DVD writer.
Please Help!

My Computer > Select the drive > Right click > Properties > Enable Autoplay

for protection against virus, it is better that autoplay is disabled.

Select: Prompt me each time to choose the option

@ panchabhut

does this one too considered as autoplay

Autoplay does not compromise secuirty. If you play manually, the same threat applies.

The virus guard will (as it should) check any file on access and execute.

So go ahead and enable autoplay.

Originally Posted by just4kix

Autoplay does not compromise secuirty. If you play manually, the same threat applies.

The virus guard will (as it should) check any file on access and execute.

So go ahead and enable autoplay.

Actually it contributes to it. Many of the USB viruses spread this way. If autorun absent, we have a chance to delete the virus file,manually, since its not automatically loaded into the memory.

i like to disable autorun so that i can analyse the autorun.inf virus file & some other virus files if they are not already detected by AV.sometimes annoying file is not detected at first by an AV(case in point the infamous orkut blocker which will also produce a laughing sound whenever you try to open orkut).i analysed it & it was a very simple but efficient piece of programming.

Originally Posted by just4kix

Autoplay does not compromise secuirty. If you play manually, the same threat applies.

The virus guard will (as it should) check any file on access and execute.

So go ahead and enable autoplay.

:no: Autoplay(autorun.inf) triggers 99% of the viruses/spyware which spread via pen drives and other removable drives. Same is the case with CD/Dvd if the system on which the CD/Dvd was burnt was infected with such viruses.

Completely disabling the Autoplay is the best Safe-Guard against the irritating Viruses.

Best way to disable Autoplay is to do it from Group Policy Editor.

Originally Posted by newprouser

Actually it contributes to it. Many of the USB viruses spread this way. If autorun absent, we have a chance to delete the virus file,manually, since its not automatically loaded into the memory.

Yes. Such viruses can be even deleted manually if autorun is disabled. or if a good anti-virus is monitoring the system, it will automatically delete the viruses when you open the pen drive.

Originally Posted by whitestar_999

i like to disable autorun so that i can analyse the autorun.inf virus file & some other virus files if they are not already detected by AV.sometimes annoying file is not detected at first by an AV(case in point the infamous orkut blocker which will also produce a laughing sound whenever you try to open orkut).i analysed it & it was a very simple but efficient piece of programming.

as far as i know, autorun.inf itself isnt a virus file. It is modified by other viruses/spywares to trigger the virus present in that drive.

autorun.inf is the file which the OS looks into when a drive is autoplayed. autorun.inf can trigger any file in that drive as the Autoplay action. Most viruses get loaded in the memory this way only.

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There are some viruses/spywares which override your Disable Autorun settings and Re-enable it if Autorun has been disabled using My Computer > Select the drive > Right click > Properties > Uncheck Enable Autoplay.

The best way to Disable Autoplay is:

Start Menu>Run> gpedit.msc>User Configuration>Administrative Templates>System... Then Double Click-> Turn off Autoplay from the right panel ... and choose Enabled and click OK.

This is the best way to stay safe from most pen drive viruses.

In folder options just uncheck the 2 options under "Hide files and folders" option .... u ll be able to see the virus files .... tho some viruses do disable this option

as far as i know, autorun.inf itself isnt a virus file

correct but a good AV will quarantine this file along with actual infected file/files.anyway all such inf files simply replace windows default explorer shell commands with their own files opening actions.very basic process which can be done by anyone.in fact you can get a virus file & then create your own inf autorun file to launch the virus in many innovative ways.

Originally Posted by chetan11

Hi Every one..

I have a problem with windows XP(SP3). Whenever I insert a cd or dvd or pen drive, It doesn't prompt me to take action. Like normally, if I put a cd in, a window should pop-up and ask me what to do, like play music/ see pics or open to folder. But mine doesn't do that ever since I changed my DVD writer.
Please Help!

If nothing works...try this as the last resort.

you will need to edit some registry settings. In case thigns go wrong it may screw up your Windows big time!!

So be careful when you attempt. I have done this many times in windows XP.

Autorun can be enabled or disabled for all Removable media types, such as a floppy or Zip disk. Windows systems are configured to enable CD Notification, other removable media are by default disabled.

The System Properties User interface only exposes the CD Enable or Disable selection. The setting reflected in this dialogue makes an entry in the System Registry. It is in this same location that other media types are configured.


Notes:
To Modify these Registry Settings, Use Regedit and navigate to the following Key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER
>Software
>Microsoft
>Windows
>CurrentVersion
>Policies
>Explorer
>"NoDriveTypeAutoRun"

The default value for the setting is 95 0 0 0. Change the first byte to 91. Restart the computer to make the new setting take effect. You may have to right-click on the floppy and choose AutoPlay from the menu to see the AutoPlay behaviour.

This method has worked for me without fail.

I would recommend gpedit method to turn off Autoplay.

Originally Posted by saurav_k

The best way to Disable Autoplay is:

Start Menu>Run> gpedit.msc>User Configuration>Administrative Templates>System... Then Double Click-> Turn off Autoplay from the right panel ... and choose Enabled and click OK.

I can post the stepwise Screenshots also, in case the ^ process is not clear.

Originally Posted by saurav_k

I can post the stepwise Screenshots also, in case the ^ process is not clear.

Successfully disabled Auto Play. Thanks for the tips.

Originally Posted by saurav_k

I can post the stepwise Screenshots also, in case the ^ process is not clear.

I tried gpedit.msc method but there is no System option available there.
Its upto this path only:
Start Menu>Run> gpedit.msc>User Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Components...
No System option available. What shud i do?

The method suggested by 18lama is also confusing as its not exactly same in my O.S.

my dvd writer cannot read some specific types of cds..

some cds it can play some it cant...

it plays all dvds..

i have uninstalled driver, restarted comp. but no help.. upgraded LG driver, still no help..


feels like some hardware prob. but why is it opening specific cds and not opening some is not known.

Yeah it seems some Hardware related issue. Try to clean the Optical Drive.

As far as protection from viruses which use Autorun.inf file is concerned, making a folder with the name of autorun.inf in each partition of the Hard Drive has given me peace of mind.. It can't be overwritten by any virus...