Registry Tip #28: CD Rom Autorun

Hits: Failed to execute CGI : Win32 Error Code = 3


NT supports autorun when you put a CD in the CDROM. To disable, set Autorun=0 to enable, set Autorun=1. If Autorun is enabled, you can disable the feature for any particular CD by holding down the shift key as you close the CDRom drawer. AutoRun should be disabled for kiosk PCs and other environments where you are restricting ability to install new software. Cut and paste the following Windows NT / Windows 2000 Registry script text into autocdrom.reg file and run it:

REGEDIT4
BLANK LINE GOES HERE
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CDRom]
"Autorun"="0"

BLANK LINE GOES HERE

See .REG files for background information on .REG files.

There is a potential downside to Autorun. In the background, NT / W2K / XP are constantly querying the CD / DVD drive whether anything new has been inserted. For high performance games, this can cause hiccups, unexplained pauses. Just turn it off if you suspect this is your problem.

Related tip: How to Test Autorun.inf Files



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