Windows XP - Disable CD / DVD autorun

By default, Windows XP, when you insert a CD or DVD in the drive, Windows automatically launches the program specified in the "autorun.inf" file on the CD / DVD. But the problem is that some hackers use this flaw to automatically launch their virus on your computer.
Note : In Windows 7 and 8, Microsoft has decided to disable this feature by default that this a security risk.

To disable this feature in Windows XP, go to Start Menu -> Run. And type "regedit".

Then, go to the following key : "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CDRom" and set value "Autorun" to 0.
Note : 0 = Disable and 1 = Enable.

IMPORTANT : A reboot is required to save the changes.

To disable autorun CD / DVD player as well as USB keys, follow our tutorial "Preventing the spread of viruses via USB media".