Introduction

AutoRun and the companion feature AutoPlay are components of the Microsoft Windows operating system that dictate what actions the system takes when a USB Flash Drive drive is mounted.

Windows AutoRun was introduced in Windows 95 to ease application installation for non-technical users and reduce the cost of software support calls. When an appropriately configured USB Flash Drive is inserted into a USB port, Windows detects the arrival and checks the contents for a special file containing a set of instructions. For a commercial application, these instructions normally initiate installation of the software from the Memory Stick. To maximize the likelihood of installation success, AutoRun also acts when the drive is accessed ("double-clicked") in Windows Explorer (or "My Computer").

Until the introduction of Windows XP, the terms AutoRun and AutoPlay were used interchangeably, developers often using the former term and end users the latter. This tendency is reflected in Windows Policy settings named AutoPlay that change Windows Registry entries named AutoRun, and in the autorun.inf file which causes "AutoPlay" to be added to drives’ context menus. The terminology was of little importance until the arrival of Windows XP and its addition of a new feature to assist users in selecting appropriate actions when new media and devices were detected. This new feature was called AutoPlay and a differentiation between the two terms was created.

Autorun is also know as: auto run, autorun usb, windows autorun, autorun xp, autoruns windows 7, windows xp autorun, windows 7 autorun.

Autorun File

The basic autorun file is a simple text-based series of code describing operations to be completed when the USB Drives is inserted into a Windows compatible computer.  The 'autorun.inf' is the file that your computer will look for, to determine actions to be taken when the USB Drive is inserted.This file is located in the root directory of the USB Stick.

 A simple autorun.inf example:
    [autorun]
      open=autorun.exe
      icon=autorun.ico

When an USB Drive containing an 'autorun.inf' is inserted into your computer, your computer will search for the Presence of the autorun file.  If fit exists, your computer will read the file and complete the instructions.

• The above example will display in the 'my computer' window with the icon selected with the 'icon' parameter. 
• When the USB Drive is inserted or the drive icon is clicked, the application defined by the 'open' parameter will be launched.  In this case 'autorun.exe'. The file type must be an executable file, and not the name of an image (jpg) or website (www.promokeychain.com, html).

Autorun XP and Autoruns Windows 7

Since the introduction of Windows 2000, the autorun feature has been enhanced a bit to include an series of options and a pop-up window. The feature was implemented to protect computers from the malicious autorun virus, which could attach itself to USB Drives from infected computers. This new feature put more control and responsibility into the hands of the end user and created an expanded command set for programmers and developers.

 A simple autorun.inf example for Windows 2000 and newer:
    [autorun]
      shellexecute="Readme.txt"
      icon=autorun.ico
      label=My Drive Label

• The new 'shellexecute' command allows you to specify files types native to the windows operating system. Using programs already installed on your computer, Windows will launch the file you specify (in this case the Readme.txt file will open with notepad).
• The new 'label' command defines the name that will be displayed next to the drive letter in Windows Explorer and as the title in the AutoPlay dialog box. This allows you to overcome the eight character limitation of volume labeling.

make autorun

for more information on autorun commands, it's parameters, and how to use it, visit the Microsoft website: click here.

disable autorun xp

Windows XP allows you the control to disable the AutoRun function for your computer. Many people and offices fearing virus attacks, turn this function off to ensure system security. When a computer has the AutoRun feature disabled, none of these functions will work.

Some virus scanners will also offer protection against autorun USB Drives.

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