persistent memory key autoplay problems

[C.M.G.]

windows xp pro sp2

In a previous post, I reported how "autoplay" for a memory key did not work.
Going to explorer/properties/autoplay and either changing the setting or
selecting default did not fix the problem. However, uninstalling the driver
in device manager and the reinstalling it by inserting the memory key did
fix the problem, the only catch being that after re-booting, autoplay was
disabled again.

I also note that on another user account on the same machine, the autoplay
behavior is normal.

It therefore seems that something about the settings of the affected account
turns autoplay off (although explorer/properties/autoplay suggests that it
is turned on).

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks,

Clem.

 

[Sharon F]

windows xp pro sp2

In a previous post, I reported how "autoplay" for a memory key did not work.
Going to explorer/properties/autoplay and either changing the setting or
selecting default did not fix the problem. However, uninstalling the driver
in device manager and the reinstalling it by inserting the memory key did
fix the problem, the only catch being that after re-booting, autoplay was
disabled again.

I also note that on another user account on the same machine, the autoplay
behavior is normal.

It therefore seems that something about the settings of the affected account
turns autoplay off (although explorer/properties/autoplay suggests that it
is turned on).

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks,

Clem.

When you use Autoplay, do you remove the check from the "always use this
option" choice? Windows tends to remember previous choices in the oddest
places - checking this box or leaving it empty may be one of those places.

 

[C.M.G.]

Sharon,

Thank you for your response.

I tried it both ways: checking or unchecking the box. In either case,
windows "forgets" to autoplay after rebooting.

Clem.

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon,

Thank you for your response.

I tried it both ways: checking or unchecking the box. In either case,
windows "forgets" to autoplay after rebooting.

You're welcome. Sorry it didn't help.

One thing that stood out to me in your previous post... You said you
uninstalled the drivers for the device. Why were drivers installed in the
first place? Unless there is something special about this USB device, XP
should be able to handle it without any extra software. Are you sure the
drivers are completely gone? If they are not, reattaching the device could
possibly be hooking into those old drivers. And it may be the drivers
hindering the appearance of autoplay. Since the drive works on another
account without a problem this is a possible explanation.

MVP Kelly Theriot has a some AutoPlay checkpoints listed at her site on
this page:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_a.htm

(scroll down to the autoplay topics)

and she probably has something on this page:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Line 387 on the right hand side and line 234 also on the right hand side
look promising.

The first fix is a REG file. Marked as being especially for Removable
Devices. Double clicking the file merges the contents to the registry.
Before using the file, you can open it notepad to examine what changes will
be made. If autoplay continues to break, you could keep a copy of this
small text file handy to re-apply.

The second is an EXE file. A small program that will also make registry
changes. This one cannot be viewed in Notepad.

Microsoft also has an AutoPlay repair EXE file. You can search for that in
that XP download area at their support pages.

 

[C.M.G.]

Sharon,

Thanks for your post.

You asked "why were the drivers installed in the first place." Well, this
was not a deliberate install. Windows simply followed its "new hardware
wizard" and installed its own driver.

Regarding Kelly Theriot's AutoPlay checkpoints: by my reading, these apply
to CD and DVD drives, where I am not having any problems (yet...).

Regarding xp tweaks on Line 387 on the right hand side and line 234 on the
right: neither of these fixed the problem. The exe file, by the way, is the
same as that from Microsoft's web site.

That's were things currently stand.

Thanks again,

Clem.

 

[C.M.G.]

Sharon:

I've had another idea: since autoplay works properly on the other account on
my machine, could I simply copy the registry settings pertaining to autoplay
from that account to the one that is malfunctioning? If so, do you have any
ideas which entries I need to copy?

Thanks,

Clem.

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon:

I've had another idea: since autoplay works properly on the other account on
my machine, could I simply copy the registry settings pertaining to autoplay
from that account to the one that is malfunctioning? If so, do you have any
ideas which entries I need to copy?

You could try it. Just back up what you have now by exporting the relative
keys. Make your changes and test. If successful, toss the backed up
registry keys. If no luck, you have your backup to revert to where you
started.

 

[C.M.G.]

Sharon:

In regedit/hkey current user, I deleted all entries referring to autoplay. I
rebooted, all appears to be working properly...

Clem.

 

[Sharon F]

In regedit/hkey current user, I deleted all entries referring to autoplay. I
rebooted, all appears to be working properly...

Good to hear!

 

[zbshareware]

Removable Storage Guard is a very good software, which Block all the
threats via removable storage. It has
powerful functions:
1. Block all the threats via AutoRun of removable storage.
2. Use new technology to find threats and have no needs in database of
signature.
3. Show you all the programs running on your computer and tell you
which programs are safe or unknown.
4. Repair your registry destroyed by viruses.
5. Clean your system rubbish.
6. Shutdown windows by timer.
7. Occupancy rate of CPU and memory is very low.
8. List all the programs (except system programs) running with the
startup of windows in the registry.
9. Support and upgrade are free.

http://www.download.com/Removable-Storage-Guard/3000-2239_4-10708709.html?tag=lst-0-5
http://www.zbshareware.com