Disable AutoRun within Windows

This procedure should disable the AutoRun feature within Windows.

Launch gpedit.msc with local administrative authority.

Under Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand Windows Components, and then click Autoplay Policies.

In the Details pane, double-click Turn off Autoplay.

Click Enabled, and then select All drives in the Turn off Autoplay box to disable Autorun on all drives.

Reboot the computer.

Certain versions of Windows (such as XP Home) will not have the local Group Policy editor by default.  So AutoRun can be disabled via the Registry.

Access HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer\NoDriveTypeAutorun.  Set the value to FF (Hexadecimal) to disable all drives.  Reboot the computer.