Disambiguation "autorun" in this context refers to a feature or property of Microsoft Windows and other operating systems, in general, that exhibit the behavior of automatically executing software on an inserted cdrom or media.
Some terminology relating to or sometimes used synonymously are Autoplay, Autorn, and Auto-insert notification.
Whenever inserting DVD's or CD's into a Windows computer you are usually prompted with a message asking what to do with the disc. This happens because of the AutoPlay/Auto Insert Notification functionality built into Windows. This can cause problems when burning discs using DVD/CD duplicators.
There are security implications involved with this behavior, such as the well known Sandisk U3 Flash Drive Virus and the more notorious Sony DRM Rootkit.
The autorun behavior can launch software without your consent and furthermore, actually install malware on your computer without your knowledge with full stealth proficiency.
Temporarily Disable Behavior
Hold down the SHIFT KEY when inserting a thumbdrive, cdrom disc, or other related media to prevent autorun.inf from launching. You can temporarily disable the AutoPlay feature in Windows 2000, XP, 2003 by holding down the left Shift key as the CD begins to run. In addition if you wish to browse the contents of the CD open My Computer, right-click the CD-ROM drive and choose explore.
Permanently Disable Behavior
Disabling AutoPlay in Windows XP through Windows Explorer
- Open My Computer or Explorer
- Right-click the CD-ROM drive or other drive and click Properties.
- Click the AutoPlay tab. Within this section you will be able to specify all Windows AutoPlay features.
Key Words: spyware , malware , trojan , crash , aries.sys , XCP technology