What is Autorun.inf?
Autorun.inf is a file that is utilized by AutoRun and AutoPlay within the Windows operating system. Consequently this file is an official operating system component that you should not be worried of. However, sometimes computer infections make use of legitimate file names to infiltrate into the target system and cause chaos in your system or steal your confidential data. If you suspect that the Autorun.inf in your system is related to malware, scan your PC with SpyHunter free scanner and then remove Autorun.inf from your computer as soon as possible, making sure that you secure your system against other potential threats.
When is Autorun.inf legitimate?
The legitimate Autorun.inf file is located in a root directory of each component that makes use of it (either AutoRun or AutoPlay). Due to the fact that the filenames view in Windows is not case-sensitive, the legitimate file can be stored under such names as Autorun.inf, Autorun.INF, AutoRun.inf and so on. Also, Autorun.inf is a text file based on the ASCII coding standard, and since it is responsible for the auto-run operations it is generally located in the root folder of a CD-ROM or any other medium/device that is classified as an AutoPlay type. If the Autorun.inf that you are inspecting is not located in the root folder of a particular device, chances are you are dealing with a malware infection.
When is Autorun.inf malicious?
The malicious Autorun.inf file is usually created by Worms, and they are dropped on the root directories in USB drives. Although both – legitimate and malicious Autorun.inf files are found at root directories they are not the same thing. The malicious Autorun.inf file is there to launch Worm infections in removable drives once they are plugged into the target computer. If you see an Autorun.inf file in your root drive, you can check whether the file is legitimate or corrupt by opening it with Notepad. The legitimate file usually has similar content:
[autorun]
shellexecute=”recycled\boot.com”
shell\open\command=”recycled\boot.com”
However, a malicious file usually is full of binary icons that look like a ton of gibberish and it does not make any sense. In the midst of all the illegible text you can also find an auto-run command for a malicious worm file that is hiding in your USB.
How to remove Autorun.inf?
Just as it has been mentioned above, you need to run a full system scan with SpyHunter free scanner. Also, scan your removable drives for any malicious files, and disable the autorun feature, so that you would not get infected with malware. Invest in a legitimate computer safeguard application to protect you from worms and other serious infections, and remove Autorun.inf automatically.
100% FREE spyware scan and
tested removal of Autorun.inf*
0 Comments.