My AutoRun is not working on my computer, why? (Windows XP, Windows 2003)
This answer is for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. On Windows 10 or 11, see My AutoRun CD does not launch on Windows 10 or 11.
On Windows XP and Server 2003, autorun is controlled by a registry value called NoDriveTypeAutoRun. It is a bit mask: each bit turns autorun off for one type of drive. The bit for CD and DVD drives is 0x20.
| Value | What it means |
|---|---|
0x91 | The usual Windows XP default. CDs autorun; network and unknown drives do not. |
0x95 | Also lets CDs autorun, and turns it off for removable drives. |
0xB5, 0xFF or any value that includes 0x20 | CD autorun is turned off. |
Check and fix it
- Click Start > Run, type
regeditand click OK. - Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. Check the same path underHKEY_CURRENT_USERtoo; either one can turn autorun off. - Double-click NoDriveTypeAutoRun. If it includes the CD bit (for example
0xFFor0xB5), change it to0x91. If the value is not there, CD autorun is already on. - Log off and back on, or restart.
On a company PC this value is often set by Group Policy and changes back at the next sign-in; ask your IT department. Back up the registry before you change it.
If the CD still does not start, double-click the CD drive in My Computer. If your project starts that way, it is built correctly. See the full troubleshooting steps.
Try it yourself. AutoRun Studio is free to download and fully functional - see how it handles this on your own USB drive or CD.
Download & Try Free