How To Disable AutoPlay in Windows XP

For Windows XP, you can configure or disable AutoPlay in a couple of ways:

Before you insert a CD/DVD, hold down the Shift Key; put the CD/DVD in the drive and close the door. After about 10 seconds you can release the Shift Key. The CD/DVD will not start until you click on the drive and programs or files within it. This method is great if you just occasionally do not want to have AutoPlay start up a CD/DVD.

Download the Tweak UI program from Microsoft and install it on your XP computer. This is a PowerToy that will enable you to configure many different features in Windows (otherwise unavailable without going into the Registry).

After you install the Tweak UI program, open it (select Start Menu, Programs, PowerToys for Windows, XP, Tweak UI). Within the Tweak UI program, select My Computer, AutoPlay, Types. Uncheck “Enable AutoPlay …” for CD drives and removable drives if you wish. Alternatively, you can choose My Computer,>AutoPlay, Drives and uncheck a specific drive, if there is a certain drive that you never want to AutoPlay media. This method is great if you never want to have AutoPlay start up a CD/DVD.
Go into the Registry and disable AutoPlay – This is not a good option for most users and step two will achieve the same results, safely and easily.