Autorun Eater

Autorun Eater is a freeware Windows application that monitors removable storage devices in real time and addresses suspicious 'autorun.inf' files. These files can be dropped by malware to trigger execution when a drive is accessed, and leftover files can also make a drive inaccessible after antivirus removal. The application warns users, removes suspicious files based on user settings, and can remove leftover files blocking drive access.

Key features include real-time monitoring of all drives except A:, B:, and CD/DVD drives, manual scanning of drives A: and B:, and the ability to pause monitoring. Deleted suspicious files are automatically backed up, events are logged, and the application can fix three common critical registry changes made by malware. Version 2.6 adds a 'Malware Scan' option that uses Microsoft Security Essentials' command line scanner to scan an infected device after removing a suspicious 'autorun.inf' file, along with an 'MSE Scan Log' option to view the scan log. Version 2.4 adds a 'Close Autoplay' option to prevent execution via the AutoPlay window.

Autorun Eater is intended for Windows users who want to prevent malware infections from removable storage devices such as flash drives and external hard disks. It is described as a prevention tool rather than a malware removal tool, and users are advised to install it on a clean system. The application is freeware with no charge for use; donations are voluntary and do not affect functionality.