In Windows NT 4.0, 2000, or XP, why won't my CD-ROM play automatically?

CD-ROMs may not run automatically when you insert them into the CD-ROM drive under Windows NT 4.0, 2000 or XP. AutoRun requires that you log in with either Power User or Administrator rights.

This is a security feature, designed to prevent users without Administrator rights from installing software. The Autorun.inf file, as well as all files with the .inf extension, are considered setup information files and require a Power User or Administrator login to run.

For additional information, see article 173584 (Windows NT and 2000) or 314855 (Windows XP) in Microsoft's knowledge base.

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Also see:

• In Windows 95, 98, and Me, how do I disable or enable the autoplay function of my CD-ROM?
• Why did my CD or DVD fail?
• In Windows NT 4.0, 2000, or XP, how do I disable or enable the autoplay function of my CD-ROM?