Disabling Autorun
Autorun (or autoplay) is one of those features of Microsoft Windows that probably seemed like a good idea when it was being implemented, but in reality has caused more problems than it has solved.
Autorun is designed to allow an appropriately configured CD to automatically execute any executable file when inserted into your computer.
While this may simplify the procedure for installing new software for beginners, the facility poses a security risk, allowing a CD to covertly install programs on your computer without your express permission.
From Wikipedia:
For instance, an attacker with brief and casual physical access to a computer can surreptitiously insert a disc and cause software to run. Alternately, malicious software can be distributed with a disc that the user doesn’t expect to contain software at all — such as an audio compact disc. Even music CD’s from well known name-brand labels have not always been safe.
The easiest way to rid yourself of this security risk is to disable autorun completely.
Windows XP users : Right-click on the drive icon for your CD drive, CD recorder, or DVD drive, and select Properties. Choose the AutoPlay tab, and choose the desired action for each type of CD. For example, choose Music CD, then click Select an action to perform, then select Take no action.
Alternatively, obtain and install TweakUI. After running it, expand the My Computer branch, then the AutoPlay branch, and then select Drives, then turn off the checkbox next to each drive letter for which you want AutoPlay disabled.
For a list of methods to fix other versions of Windows, see Annoyances.org