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Thread: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

  1. #1

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    Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    So they've disabled AutoRun for USB Keys in Windows 7. Unfortunately it is a function I sort of need for map updates for our drives (we distribute bi-monthly updates with USB Keys and some of these guys are ridiculously un-computer savvy). Our new Laptops though are all Windows 7, so I was thinking of just writing a service that checks for a .bat file and tries to run it every 30 seconds or so on some common drive letters. Anybody have any thoughts on why this wouldn't work?
    Sean

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  2. #2
    VB Addict Pradeep1210's Avatar
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    Re: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    There could be workarounds to that, I don't know of.

    But what I would really suggest is educate your customers about clicking and launching the program manually instead of the autorun way. You may put this in an accompanying pamphlet, or some appropriately named text file in the USB root directory - e.g. Read-Me-First.txt etc.
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  3. #3
    PowerPoster gep13's Avatar
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    Re: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    Hello Sean,

    I am going to move this thread over to the General PC forum, as I don't really see the relevance to ASP.Net.

    Thanks

    Gary

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    Re: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    Quote Originally Posted by gep13 View Post
    Hello Sean,

    I am going to move this thread over to the General PC forum, as I don't really see the relevance to ASP.Net.

    Thanks

    Gary
    Lol yeah that's fine, just used to posting questions in this forum.
    Sean

    Some days when I think about the next 30 years or so of my life I am going to spend writing code, I happily contemplate stepping off a curb in front of a fast moving bus.

  5. #5
    Frenzied Member TheBigB's Avatar
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    Re: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    No, not that I know of, and there actually shouldn't exist a workaround.
    The whole point of disabling autorun was to prevent malware from spreading through usb, disk drives etc.
    So having a workaround for that would be bad.
    Delete it. They just clutter threads anyway.

  6. #6
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    Re: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    Why not just add a shortcut to the desktop that points to your app on the USB stick.

    When it is inserted into the computer the link is correct and they can run it, when it's not it will say invalid link (or something like that), but that is expected.

    Just tell your users to double-click on the shortcut after they insert the USB stick...

  7. #7
    PowerPoster Nightwalker83's Avatar
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    Re: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    Having auto run enabled can be dangerous in my opinion leave your computer open to unexpected threats.
    when you quote a post could you please do it via the "Reply With Quote" button or if it multiple post click the "''+" button then "Reply With Quote" button.
    If this thread is finished with please mark it "Resolved" by selecting "Mark thread resolved" from the "Thread tools" drop-down menu.
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  8. #8
    coder. Lord Orwell's Avatar
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    Re: Win7 USB Key AutoRun work around

    you can actually re-enable it, but i wouldn't. You can get around this if you use the correct usb key though. I have one that mounts as both a regular drive and a cd rom. This makes the system give the autorun options menu, even in windows 7. the user still needs to click "run" though.

    My key is a sandisk brand.
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