How do I find out if my USB has software that auto runs when the USB is plugged in
Usually there is a file called "autorun.inf" in the root of the USB. Check Autorun.inf @Wikipedia.
Wikipedia didn't tell me how to get there.I was wondering if you could tell me how to find the file.
It's probably a hidden file and in the root of the USB as mentioned before.
how would I get to the root of the usb
what is your OS, usually vista and newer ignore autoruns by default (or force) on Hard Drives/Flash Drives (anything that's not cd/dvd/blu-ray)
I have windows 7 (not sure what service pack though)
See http://www.samlogic.net/articles/autorun-usb-flash-drive-windows-7.htm
Also if your motherboard does support Charge while off (by the way I failed to mention this option is found in the computers BIOS settings usually) that may also be the cause of your PC's buzzing.
I've seen many freeware softwares on download sites such as Softpedia.com that will automatically delete any autorun.inf files on your USB thumb drives. I haven't personally used any of that software.
Also some antivirus software automatically disables/stops autorun.inf from running off of any USB devices, and some antivirus will flag any autorun.inf file regardless of where it's located (hard disk, CD/DVD, USB) as a sort of virus to be blocked/removed - even if they aren't an actual virus.
Would MSE(Microsoft Security essentials) block autorun.inf and also How can I check out if my USB drive has an autorun.inf file.
Also no one has told me HOW to check If I have an autorun.inf file on my computer
go into windows explorer
turn off hiding of both hidden and system files
search your computer without Windows built in search.
However as my above link says autorun.inf will only work from cd/DVD/blu-ray, so no need from mse to block it, windows already does
the only item which works in vista and newer is icon
If you want to turn autorun off, just to be on the safe side, do this:
go to Control Panel -> Autorun
Disable the first tick box.
Also, set the software and games tab to -> Don't do any action
Save changes.
Also no one has told me HOW to check If I have an autorun.inf file on my computer
Launch Defraggler - BUT DO NOT DEFRAG
Select the drive you wish to test
Click the "Search" TAB
Tick the boxes "Filename Contains" and "Include non-fragmented files"
Type the name "Autorun.inf" in the filename box
Click search and you will be shown.
That will show you with needing to alter any hidden and system file restrictions that affect Windows Explorer.
Would MSE(Microsoft Security essentials) block autorun.inf and also How can I check out if my USB drive has an autorun.inf file.
MSE would block an infected one if it was detected.
Some other ways to see if an autorun.inf is on your USB drive(s):
* Open Notepad, and then have it open ?:\autorun.inf
Replace ?:\ with your actual USB drive letter
* If you use 7-Zip open the 7-Zip File Manager which by default shows hidden and system files, and then use it to browse the USB drive,
can you guide me through the steps on how to do it in Notepad
can you guide me through the steps on how to do it in Notepad
Open notepad
go to file menu
choose open
type
?:\autorun.inf
replacing ? With the drive letter (i.e e:\, m:\, d:\)