In windows xp, its easy to disable the floppy or cdrom from the Bios. Disabling USB is also possible, however it disables all the USB ports and this become difficult if you are using a USB mouse or keyboard.
There is a simple registry change that will keep the USB storage drivers from starting when the system boots. Keeps people from walking up to a PC and copying data off with a USB key, but allows you to keep your scanner, keyboard, and mouse working.
Just open regedit and browse to this key:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor
- Notice the value ‘Start’
- Switch this value to 4, and USB storage devices are disabled.
- Switch this value to 3, and USB storage devices are enabled.
For those of you that don’t feel like messing around in the registry – There is a app written for you(Freeware)
Disclaimer:
If your system crashes, don’t blame me. As always – back your registry before messing around with it.
