Windows 95/98 forum: AutoRun.inf Function for USB Pen Drives, if active on Win-98

AutoRun.inf Function for USB Pen Drives, if active on Win-98 / SE
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Whether it was Win 95, 98 or XP, I have always Disabled
this functionality for CD-ROM and CD-RW drives. I have
been using Tweak UI, a Microsoft software to save my computers
from 'Attack of Killer Tomatoes'


I am not sure, if for Windows 98 / SE this functionality
is there for Pen Drives and Card Readers, which are hooked
to USB ports. I have few different items and for all of
them, I had to install the accompanied software (generally
3 files, one of which is *inf file).


My understanding is that a 'Mad Hatter' can create an
AutoRun.Inf file and be able to Delete folders on
Hard Disk. For example:

[AutoRun]
Open=Deltree.exe /Y C:\Windows\System


If this AutoRun.inf plus the associated DelTree.exe
(Win 98/SE) files are on a Pen Drive, the on pluging the
infected device to a USB port, can run the DELTREE
command and Erase Windows\System folder. (The Deltree.exe
file can be disguised as: CDViewer.exe, by re-naming it so


I would like to know, if AutoRun.inf file get activated
for storage devices when plugged to USB ports on Windows 98
/ SE operating systems ? If so, is there a way to get rid
of this monkey ?


For Win-XP, Microsoft has released an update on August 11, 2008,
which will disable 'AutoRun Registery Key' (KB article number
950582)



Thanks.


Frank Gatta


Feb 23, 2009