GetUSB.info Logo

Clean Windows Registry of USB Drives

Matt Laboff Security, Software, USB News

Here is a great tool for cleaning Windows Registry of USB drive entries. The program runs in the Windows console and removes all devices that are not currently connected.

To clean up the Windows registry of a USB flash drive, or other USB devices can make your system boot faster and run faster.

For example, each time you connect a USB printer to a different USB port on your PC there are registry entries made which associate the device with the drivers. Windows is trying to be smart and log this information so the next time you connect the device, Windows will know exactly what to do. Meaning when you connect the printer a second time, you don’t see the balloon from Windows saying “Installing Brother driver” or something, it’s just connected and ready to go.

But, for example, lets say you connect your Nikon camera to your PC and you use a different USB port each time, now you have a bunch of registry entries that can make your PC boot slower, run slower or possible give you trouble with that external device.

With all this said, if you are having trouble with a USB drive, or a USB camera, printer or scanner, the first thing you’ll probably want to do is run this Windows registry cleaner utility. Good chance it will solve your problems.

Download Now

System Requirements:
WinXP / Vista / Win7
Writes settings to:
Does not write files to host computer
Dependencies:
Administrator rights
License:
Freeware
How to extract:
Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch drivecleanup.exe either in the ‘Win32’ folder or ‘x64’ folder.

Continue Reading

IronKey Workspace Windows 8 PC on a Stick

Matt Laboff Security, Software

ComputerWorld did a nice write up about the IronKey Workspace product for Windows 8 operating system. Read the full article here.
“IronKey storage devices have also been validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to meet the stringent Level 3 criteria of FIPS 140-2. Combined with the cloud -based IronKey Enterprise Management Service, data security can be managed and audited from anywhere in the world. The IronKey Workspace flash drive, however, is not FIPS-certified.”
The IronKey will boot from any PC or Mac computer.  Boots in about 35 seconds but has an initial configuration time of about 4 minutes. Continue Reading

USB Copy Protection by Nexcopy

Matt Laboff Nexcopy Inc., Security, Software, USB Duplicator

USB Copy Protection by Nexcopy

Nexcopy has released a USB Copy Protection solution for those who need to share files, but without giving the “receiver” full ability to copy and re-distribute.

The great thing about a USB flash drive is file sharing.  They are great for copying, saving, and taking files on the road.  This same convenience factor also makes it very difficult to have Digital Rights Management as well.  With Nexcopy’s USB Copy Protection, it’s not difficult any longer!

USB Copy Protection Example by Nexcopy

How USB Copy Protection Works

First, let’s explain the difference between write protection and USB copy protection.  Some think it’s the same, but it’s not.

USB write protection (also called data lock) means the files cannot be deleted off the drive… it also means files cannot be added to the drive.  But you can still copy the files off the drive to your desktop or hard drive.

USB copy protection provides the same functionality as write protection, but in addition, does not allow the files to be copied off the drive.  This means even the most honest person couldn’t save a file to their desktop or hard drive.

So what type of customer would be looking for USB copy protection?  Think of a college lesson plan where the administration doesn’t want the lesson going out for free.  Or how about artists with very large, high-resolution photos they don’t want a customer to print unlimited numbers? Or an oil company with confidential information that should not be uploaded to the internet or sent to competitors… these are examples of companies who could use USB copy protection.

The Nexcopy solution restricts the ability to print a file.  You cannot share, copy, or paste the files from the USB stick to the desktop or hard drive.  You can set passwords to further control the content, and of course, none of these files can be deleted off the drive.

*We’ve seen some solutions where they claim copy protection, but they are just encrypted files… format the drive and everything is gone.  Well, that’s not good… if it’s important enough to copy protect, then it shouldn’t be deletable either.

Several other key factors about the Nexcopy USB Copy Protection:

  • PC and Mac compatible (Windows XP+ and macOS 10.6+)
  • No Admin rights required on the user’s computer
  • No software installed on the host machine
  • No internet connection required
  • Standalone solution (hardware + software)

Nexcopy doesn’t support every file known to man, but they do cover the big ones:

  • Documents: PDF, TXT, HTML, CSS
  • Images: JPEG, GIF, PNG
  • Audio: MP3, WAV
  • Video: WMV, MOV

Visit Nexcopy’s site for pricing and additional details.

Source:  EverythingUSB.

Continue Reading

Old School Wax Seal for USB FlashDrive

Matt Laboff Security

The original wax seals were simply melted beeswax poured over the flap of a letter. The wax would range in color from nearly transparent to brown, depending on the quality of the wax. In the 11th century, artisans began adding colors to the waxes, such as red and black. These first seals were not tamper-proof, however, as the letter could be opened and then resealed with similar wax. For this reason, stamps or seals were created so people could impress their personal design or crest into the warm wax, making forgery difficult. Today you can apply the same tradition to technology.  The Top Secret USB drive with wax seal is that device.  The USB flashdrive is made of high quality porcelain, finished off with a beautifull wax stamp containing the logo. Besides the original white porcelain version there is also a black variant. Either one is available with red, orange, pink, blue or green wax seal. We also make Top Secret USB flashdrive for special occasions, like for a wedding: white with a silver wax seal. The top secret USB flashdrive in light blue or pink are designed as a gift for a newborn. All usb sticks are sealed standard with the original Top Secret ‘TS’ logo. There is the possibility of choosing your own design, letters or images. The Top Secret USB flashdrive are available with either 2, 4 or 8 gigabytes of memory. Continue Reading

Microsoft With USB Anti-Malware RootKit

Matt Laboff Security, Software, Test Equipment

Microsoft has made available a new version of “Defender” to ride infected computers of malware, including rootkits which highjack your boot process and corrupt your computer. The “Defender Offline Beta” is available from Microsoft for free [here] and does require updates as virus definitions are always changing. Definitions are files that provide an encyclopedia of potential software threats. Because new threats appear daily, it’s important to always have the most up-to-date definitions installed in Windows Defender Offline Beta. Armed with definition files, Windows Defender Offline Beta can detect malicious and potentially unwanted software, and then notify you of the risks. The Redmond company suggests you make a USB drive with the Defender Offline Beta software from a PC which is not infected.  Doing so on a corrupted computer could interfere with the USB and yield the Microsoft tool useless. To use Windows Defender Offline Beta, you need to follow four basic steps: Continue Reading

Never Forget Your USB With USB Guard

Matt Laboff Security, Software

In a mad rush, I’ve logged off my computer, shut down the PC and ran out the door.  All the while with my USB stick still connected.  The USB stick with all my photo’s, portable applications and the exe file I promised to give my neighbor.  Getting home, I reach for my flash drive in pocket, and oh Sh1t it isn’t there. Or some of you may be using USB’s to boot from so there is boot strap code on the device.  If the USB is connected during bootup of your PC, you can get an error message…and for a non-tech person [wife or girlfriend] they may think their computer has crashed. The only way around all this stuff is making sure to pull the USB out of your computer. With USB Guard this is exactly what it does, reminds you a USB flashdrive is connected before you log off, or power down the PC. You can also flag USB hard drives so they too are never forgotten. Continue Reading

Imation Acquires IronKey Hardware Security Solution

Matt Laboff Security, Software

IronKey has long been known as the ultimate in data storage and security for content loaded on a flash drive.  With hardware encryption, self destruct safety protocols for incorrect passwords and AES 256 data encryption it’s no wonder those who need the ultimate in data security go to IronKey.  Well no longer says Imation. Under the agreement, Imation will receive exclusive license rights from IronKey for the secure storage management software and service along with licensing to use the IronKey brand for its secure storage products. While Imation is bringing the IronKey brand to a global distribution channel, IronKey will accelerate their focus on cloud-based security tools and features.  IronKey will support Continue Reading

USB Dongle Lockbox from Lucas

Matt Laboff Press Releases, Security, USB Cables

Press Release

Lucas Distribution, LLC a worldwide distributor of office equipment and security hardware, announces Dongle Lockbox to secure USB dongle keys. Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) June 09, 2011 Lucas Distribution, LLC, an Atlanta-based worldwide distributor of office products and equipment, recently launched the Dongle Lockbox to keep USB dongle keys secure. “Dongle keys are used by software developers to protect their software from piracy. Today, virtually all dongle keys are USB type and must be plugged into an available USB port on your PC or Laptop computer to run the software program,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Dave Lucas. “If you misplace your dongle key or if it is stolen, your software is now unusable. At the very least you will have to purchase a new dongle key and worst case you will have to purchase the software again.” In addition to the cost of replacing software, areas of business that need this software cannot function until the replacement package is received and reinstalled on the computer. Now there is a solution available to alleviate concerns and mitigate risks – the USB Dongle Lockbox. The Dongle Lockbox Kit consists of a secure ABS plastic enclosure, 6 foot USB Extender, combination lock with steel locking cable, and Flex Foot & Cable Nut to use as an anchor point. Dongle Lockboxes are available in 2 styles:
  • Single lockbox – secures 1 dongle key
  • Double lockbox – secures 2 dongle keys
The combination lock is user-changeable and as an added free service, Lucas Distribution will maintain a record of new combinations when USB Dongle Lockboxes are registered with them. If a combination is misplaced or forgotten, Lucas Distribution will provide the registered combination after verifying proper identity. Continue Reading

Can USB Flash Drives Autorun From Windows?

Matt Laboff Security, Software, USB News

Why Doesn’t Microsoft Allow USB Flash Drives to Autorun Programs?

Can USB Flash Drives Autorun From Windows? The short answer is NO. Microsoft disabled USB autorun functionality on standard USB flash drives primarily for security reasons, following several high-profile malware outbreaks that exploited this feature. Here’s why this change was necessary:

Autorun Was a Major Malware Vector

Before 2011, when a USB drive was inserted, Windows’ autorun feature could automatically execute files (like autorun.inf) stored on the drive. Malware creators exploited this by placing malicious executables on USB drives that would launch automatically when inserted into a computer. This made it easy for viruses and worms, such as the infamous Conficker worm, to spread rapidly between systems without user interaction.

USB Drives Are Easily Shared and Untrusted

Unlike CDs or DVDs, which are typically read-only and distributed from trusted sources, USB flash drives are read-write devices. They are frequently passed between multiple users and computers, making them a prime target for malware. Any infected computer could unknowingly weaponize a USB stick, allowing malicious code to spread instantly upon insertion.

Security Patch KB971029 Disabled Autorun

In 2011, Microsoft released security patch KB971029, which permanently disabled autorun for USB flash drives on Windows XP, Vista, and later versions to match Windows 7’s safer behavior. After this patch:

  • USB sticks no longer autorun programs automatically.
  • The system only shows a menu to “Open folder to view files” or “Play media.”
  • Autorun for CDs and DVDs was not changed because these media types are generally considered safer and are typically read-only.

CD-ROM Emulation Still Allows Autorun

USB drives that emulate a CD-ROM device can still trigger autorun because Windows treats them like optical media. This is useful for software distribution, marketing content, or protected applications that need an autorun experience.

A professional solution for this is the Nexcopy Disc License USB drive. These drives feature a permanent, hardware-based CD-ROM partition that allows autorun to function exactly like a traditional CD, while maintaining a second partition for standard flash storage. Because the CD-ROM portion is read-only, it is safe from malware infections and trusted by the Windows autorun process.

So what does this all mean?

Microsoft removed autorun from standard USB flash drives to stop self-spreading malware and worms that thrived on this feature. If you need legitimate autorun capabilities for distributing software or presentations, using a Nexcopy Disc License USB drive is a secure and reliable solution.

Why Does Windows Allow Autorun from a USB CD-ROM Device?

Windows allows autorun from a USB CD-ROM device because the hardware identifies itself as an optical disc drive, and Windows is designed to trust read-only media. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this behavior exists and how it works:

1) Windows Trusts Optical Media by Default

The autorun feature was originally created for CDs and DVDs, which are read-only media. Because the content on a physical disc cannot be modified by malware, it was considered safe for Windows to execute instructions from the autorun.inf file automatically. This design choice made software installations seamless and secure for optical discs.

2) USB CD-ROM Devices Use a Different USB Descriptor

All USB devices report their device type to the operating system through a descriptor. A USB stick configured as a CD-ROM device reports itself as a Mass Storage Device ? Subclass: SCSI Transparent ? Protocol: CD-ROM (0x05). To Windows, this looks identical to plugging in a real optical disc drive.

Because Windows cannot tell the difference, it applies the same rules for autorun as it would for a physical CD or DVD drive. The firmware of the USB device essentially “masks” its true nature and convinces the OS it is optical media.

3) Autorun Works Because the Partition is Read-Only

Windows checks whether the device is read-only before permitting autorun. A properly configured USB CD-ROM emulation device has a hardware-protected, non-writable partition that mimics a pressed CD. This read-only characteristic assures Windows that the autorun.inf file has not been altered or infected by malware, making autorun safe to execute.

4) Using a Nexcopy Disc License USB Drive for Safe Autorun

A professional solution for creating a USB with autorun capabilities is the Nexcopy Disc License USB drive. These drives feature:

  • A permanent, hardware-based CD-ROM partition that is read-only and recognized by Windows as an optical disc.
  • A second, writable flash partition for storing additional files and content.
  • Reliable autorun behavior identical to that of a physical CD or DVD, without malware risks.

Conclusion

Windows allows autorun from USB CD-ROM devices because their firmware tells Windows they are optical discs, and optical media is inherently safer due to its read-only nature. Standard USB flash drives are blocked because they are writable and could easily carry self-propagating malware. If legitimate autorun functionality is required, using a Nexcopy Disc License USB provides a secure and professional solution.

Continue Reading

USB Locker Is Bunker For USB Ports

Matt Laboff Security, USB News

With USB flash drives becoming a big threat to companies for spreading viruses and data slerping it’s smart to take some precautions about how employees use USB ports. I think NZXT Bunker understands that. NZXT introduced the Bunker which is a 5.25 inch bay with 4 USB ports neatly placed behind a locking front door. Now you’ve got physical security against USB abuse. Granted it still wont stop those with access to spread a virus, intentionally or not, or perform some IP data slerping, but at least it’s a strong deturant. EverythingUSB made a great quote about this:
As anyone who has ever gone to a LAN party knows, you need to watch your stuff or else something is just as likely to go missing! It really is a sad state of affairs, but the truth of the matter is you don’t bring any expensive peripherals to a LAN party unless you are willing to keep them on your person at ALL times.
Too funny. The NZXT Bunker sells for $25 and can be purchased right off their site. Continue Reading

USB Key Safe – The SplashID

Matt Laboff Security, Software

How many times have you registered for a service or product on the web, only to be required to enter a user name and password?  How many times has that website required some 6 or 8 character password which includes numbers, capital letter and lower case letters – basically some abstract combination of characters?  Or you enter a user name only to find it’s already been used or you’re required to enter your email address as your user name.  With most people having mulitple email address its difficult to remember which one, the password or combination there of.  You need a system. That system could very well be the SplashID from SplashData.

SplashID, USB password

Consider some of the following – would they help you?
  • Never forget a username or password again – ever
  • Secure and backup your passwords, credit card numbers, registration codes, PINs, and more
  • Generate truly random passwords hackers cannot guess
  • Protect yourself from identity theft, keyloggers, and phishing
The SplashID uses a autorun function which automatically opens up the SplashID user interface upon connection to a PC or Mac computer.  Pull the key out, and not a trace of SplashID stays on the system or any of your sensitive data you just gone done using.  So clearly a big value add for passwords, data base of private content and  password generator. Currently you get the SplashID for $30 with free shipping…although the free shipping is for a limited time.  Here is the link for more info. Continue Reading

How To: Use Physical Lock To Enable / Disable USB Ports

Matt Laboff Security, USB Tutorials

I came across this very interesting USB hack from TechOat the other day.  The concept of this modification is taking the key of a power box in your computer and turning that into the physical on/off switch for USB communication. The premise is disassembling the wires of the USB cable and port and weaving that into the circuit of a locking switch on your PC.  I think this illustration shows it best:

USB lock on off

What I particularly like about this USB hack, is the physical requirement to have the key in order to work the USB port.  This type of security [more fun then practical] for USB devices in general is much better than a Truecrypt type solution as that only protects the device, not the system. So what you need includes: Small USB thumb drive USB extension cable or USB socket and plug with cable Locking switch DPST Plastic box The rest is just elbow grease to get it working, for the specific details and tutorial, jump here.

USB lock enable disable

Continue Reading

Copyright

Copyright © 2006 +

USB Powered Gadgets and more...

All Rights Reserved

Advertise with us

GetUSB Advertising

This is a high value website providing great exposure to your product and brand. Visit our advertising page to learn specifics.

For more information
Visit our advertising page.

Nexcopy Ad

Nexcopy Provides

USB copy protection with digital rights management for data loaded on USB flash drives.

Contact us learn more

Resources and References Page

Resources and References Page