How to Get Autoplay Settings to Stick???

[BasketCase]

The problem: When you stick a CD in the drive, the PC is supposed to play it. When you stick a USB flash drive in a USB slot, the PC is supposed to open that in an Explorer window. Fine and dandy, until for some reason my computer stopped Autoplaying altogether--sometimes.

I reopen the Autoplay settings for a device, it asks me what I want the system to do when this or that disk or drive is plugged in. I select an action, click Apply....and the computer develops a sudden case of amnesia.

Ideas?

 

[cidknee]

ummmm on my Xp it allows me to xlick a lil box that says always do this action when i plug in my flash drive and such, auto play i have no idea

 

[bhsup]

You might try installing Windows XP TweakUI powertoy and resetting your autoplay options. Funnily enough, I use it to disable all autoplay because it drives me nuts. I don't want windows opening or apps starting unless I specifically request it. Actually, you should look at the whole slew of powertoys. They're quite convenient. Oh, and be sure to get the right TweakUI! They have a standard one and one for Italium processor systems.


Anyway, if it is already showing as enabled, try disabling it, saving the settings, then re-enabling it.

Microsoft Windows XP powertoys

NON-XP system TweakUI

 

[Speedo]

XP's autoplay has always been a bit flaky about selecting the right actions IMO. That, along with the security risk, is why I have autoplay disabled all together.

 

[bhsup]

I just thought of another possible, though unlikely, culprit. Check your services and ensure that "Shell Hardware Detection" is set to automatic and is started. Easiest way to view your services is "Start > Run" and type "services.msc" into the run box then hit enter.

 

[FriendlyFire]

I used to use regedit to disable autoplay.

 

[BasketCase]

Completely random update posted for a lark (since this seems to be one of those problems that has no visible cause):

I ran through the registry and checked the relevant settings to make sure Autoplay is actually enabled. It is. That Shell Hardware Detection service VRWC mentioned is up and running.

Probably the best fix will be the next time I upgrade the rig and shove in a whole new hard drive......