AutoRun starts Windows programs automatically
Every recent version of Windows has features known as AutoPlay and AutoRun. These functions are designed to launch applications automatically from a external device containing the necessary AutoRun information. This is what causes an installer window to pop up when you insert a software disc into your CD or DVD drive, for example, or makes a pop-up menu icon appear in the taskbar tray when you insert a USB flash drive. (In some cases, the action doesn’t occur until you double-click the flash drive icon in Windows Explorer.)

When a disc is inserted or a drive is connected to your system, Windows looks in the root directory of the new disc or drive for a file named autorun.inf. If found, Windows executes the instructions in that file. (more…)

autoplay, autorun inf, computer, disk partition, Drivers, dvd drive, Hardware, inf file, installer window, launch, network users, setup exe, software disc, taskbar tray, usb flash drive, usb flash drives, windows explorer, windows programs

It’s important to note that there is no reason to remove or roll back the updated support files that Windows Update may have installed on a PC. There’s no evidence that these files are harmful or cause any software conflicts.

Furthermore, if you use a corporate patch management solution, such as Microsoft’s WSUS (Windows Server Update Services), you circumvent Windows Update and no files will be installed by WU.

But if you’re an individual or a small business using Windows Update (or its enhanced sibling, Microsoft Update), you may be concerned about Microsoft installing patches before you’ve had a chance to research their reliability. In that case, you can completely turn off the Automatic Updates Agent, thereby preventing updates or even notifications from occurring. (more…)

automatic updates, balloons, cause windows, computer, launch windows, microsoft patches, microsoft update, software conflicts, support files, taskbar tray, vista, Windows, windows update, wsus, xp