Some CD-ROMs launch a program automatically when you load them. If you often use one of these-the Windows CD-ROM, for example-to get data, you have to wait for the program to start and then close it. To avoid this, hold down the <Shift> key as you insert the CD-ROM. Another option is to open Device Manager (to find its tab, hold down <Alt> and double-click My Computer), double-click CDROM, double-click the drive name, click the Settings tab, and uncheck the Auto insert notification box.

By Kirk Steers