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Brand New Flash Drive with Built-in software - How to avoid the autoinstall from kicking in

I purchased a new flash drive and I want to format it so that it is a plain blank drive. Problem is, when I plug it in, the autoinstaller kicks in and starts loading a bunch of stuff I do not want.

QUESTION: I just want to format this thing. I do not want any software on my flash drive. I just want a plain flash drive. What do I need to do so that when plug this in, the autoinstaller doesn't kick in.

pjam

Autorun was stopped long ago with a Windows Security patch.
If you do not have it, you can find it here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967715

Lee Ingalls

If the security patch has not been applied for Windows 7 & 8 AutoRun can be disabled via Local Group Policy Edit or editing the Registry.

Run gpedit.msc
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > AutoPlay Policies... Double click "Set the default behavior for AutoRun" and ENABLE "Turn Off Autoplay".

CompProbSolv

What brand is the USB stick? Some have utilities you can download to get rid of their software.

☠ MASQ ☠

You could hold down the left shift key while the drive is being detected. The comment above is true though some drives have locked system partitions that cannot be erased without using the manufacturers' tools.

brothertruffle880

ASKER

Lee: What is the registry change? I don't have gpedit.msc

Lee Ingalls

What OS are you using?

CompProbSolv

If the autoinstaller is the only issue, then you should be able to format the drive after it is done or you have cancelled it.

It may be very useful here to know the brand of the flash drive.

brothertruffle880

ASKER

I'm on Windows 7.

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Lee Ingalls

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nobus

what brand is this flash drive? some (like U3) need a special spoftware to disable their soft

brothertruffle880

ASKER

PERFECT Thanks!