Microsoft to switch off AutoPlay in Windows 7

[raj11650]

Microsoft has announced that it will close off a component in Windows which is notorious for allowing covert malware attacks.
The company will modify the AutoPlay feature in Windows 7 to prevent external components such as USB drives automatically executing code when plugged into a PC.

The new operating system will no longer present the option to install or run programs installed on the drive, instead allowing the user to open them within Windows Explorer.
Microsoft's decision follows a string of malicious applications that exploited the component to install malware automatically.
The malware was disguised with a common name and icon option, such as 'Open folder to view files', which could then be selected by the user to run as AutoPlay, thereby launching the malware attacks.
Microsoft said that several malicious applications, including Conficker, had been exploiting the component. The attacks stem from similar techniques used by some of the earliest computer viruses to infect floppy disks.

The AutoPlay change will only apply to removable drives. Optical media, such as CDs and DVDs, will still be able to access the feature for operations such as launching game files.

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[swarfega]

I can see why, but itl just be inconvenient.

 

[kensiko]

At least newbies will now need to learn that "My computer" exists.

 

[LinktoInsanity]

Doesn't really bother me one way or another. A bit inconvinient maybe, but they're right in that it makes it more secure I suppose.

 

[Adamd]

At least newbies will now need to learn that "My computer" exists.

Yep now you will get all those people who are pissed because of there device is "not working" lol...

They will have to be told to click on "computer".

 

[Lebon14]

Good thing ano no. As some said, the n00bs will be the first to cry about it. BUT! I'm pretty sure there is a way to still help people with it.

1. Still do the plug in/plug off sound
2. Create a shortcut on the desktop and Start Menu.
3. Once step 1 and 2 are done, just show an informative message box that will say "Your device has been succesfully detected by Windows. A shortcut has been placed on the desktop and in the Start Menu - (checkbox) Never show this again - (OK button)"

Like that, no code will be run on the USB drive.

 

[SqdnGuns]

With the release of 7, M$ seems to be finally getting things right.

 

[Jacee]

You still get the choice

 

[nechan]

I don't care about autoplay but what would be good if Microsoft would start to activate more default desktop items.

 

[raj11650]

You still get the choice

Microsoft changed Windows 7 so that the AutoPlay dialog no longer lets users run programs -- except when the device is a nonremovable optical drive, in other words, a CD or DVD drive. A flash drive connected to a Windows 7 PC, for instance, will only let the user open a folder to browser a list of files. "The new changes will no longer expose the AutoRun entries in the dialog unless it is removable optical media (CD/DVDs)," said Jimmy Kuo and Huzefa Mogri, two security researchers at Microsoft's malware protection center. "So, if a USB drive is inserted into a machine, the AutoRun choice will no longer be shown."

Source:

 

[turbomcp]

im so disapointed how will people survive?
man,it was state of the art feature
i love it, too bad, ill stay with the rc forever
oh well
now its 100% secure
good call

 

[csupinski]

You can always re-enable/disable it in the group policy editor, I've already disabled it on my computer for the same reason Microsoft is.

FYI, if you want to get to the group policy editor just type in "gpedit.msc" in a the "Run" command box.

 

[nechan]

I checked my settings for autoplay in the control panel but i don't get any autoplay windows for CD or DVDs? I havent changed anything in the group policy editor either.
Any solution for this? I'm using a clean RC1 install.

 

[csupinski]

I checked my settings for autoplay in the control panel but i don't get any autoplay windows for CD or DVDs? I havent changed anything in the group policy editor either.
Any solution for this? I'm using a clean RC1 install.

In the start menu there is a link for "Default Programs". If you click on that you'll see a list of four different setting you can customize including the autoplay feature, I believe you'll find what your looking for in that section.

 

[nechan]

that's what i meant with control panel. every item is checked on: ask every time

but as I said, no pop up appears with cd or dvds