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Disabling AutoPlay in Windows Vista
What is AutoPlay and Why Should I Disable it?
AutoPlay is a feature available in Microsoft Windows that allows you to automatically launch a program when a CD, DVD, jump drive, or other external device is inserted into your computer. This mechanism is commonly used to start the installation of software, such as Microsoft Office, automatically when you insert the installation disk.
While AutoPlay is a convenient feature for users, it is also a significantly high security risk for your computer. If the AutoPlay files found on the device, such as a jump drive, were infected with a virus, the infection could be automatically transferred into your computer once the device was inserted, even if you do not open any of the files on the jump drive. However, you can protect your computer from this threat by making the adjustments listed in our guide below.
Step 1:
Open the Start Menu and type gpedit.msc into the search field.
Step 2:
Right-click the gpedit link.
Then, left-click the Run as administrator link.
Step 3:
The User Account Control window will appear and ask you for permission to run the application. Click the Continue button.
Step 4:
Double-click the Administrative Templates folder in the left pane.
Step 5:
Double-click the Windows Components folder.
Step 6:
Double-click the AutoPlay Policies folder.
Step 7:
Double-click the Turn off Autoplay button.
Step 8:
Make sure the Enabled radio button is marked.
Then, select All Drives from the Turn off Autoplay on: drop-down menu.
Finally, click the Next Setting button.
Step 9:
Make sure the Not Configured button is checked.
Then, click the Next Setting button.
Step 10
Make sure the Enabled radio button is marked.
Then, select Do not execute any autorun commands in the the Default AutoRun Behavior drop-down menu.
Finally, click the OK button.
Congratulations! You have successfully disabled AutoPlay in Windows Vista. If you have an questions or concerns, please contact the Helpdesk at helpdesk@valdosta.edu or 229-245-HELP (4357). Please note that our work request system can only accept emails sent from a VSU email address.