Windows 7 Stop CD-ROM from Spinning Up When Opening Programs in Windows 7

Method 1: Disable Autoplay for the CD-ROM Drive​

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Click on the Start button and select "Control Panel."
   []Navigate to Autoplay Settings:
   • In Control Panel, search for "Autoplay" in the search bar at the top right corner.
   • Click on "Autoplay" in the search results.
   []Configure Autoplay Setting:
   • Scroll down to find the CD-ROM option in the Autoplay settings.
   • Set the action to "Take no Action" for all media types in the drop-down list.

     Method 2: Device Manager​

   []Open Device Manager:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type "devmgmt.msc" and press Enter to open Device Manager.
   []Disable the CD-ROM Drive:
   • Locate the CD-ROM drive in the Device Manager list.
   • Right-click on the CD-ROM drive and select "Disable."

     Method 3: Registry Editor (Advanced - Be Cautious)​

   []Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   []Navigate to the CD-ROM Drive Key:
   • Navigate to the following key:
     Code:

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\cdrom

2. Edit the Start Value:
   • Double-click on the "Start" value on the right pane.
   • Change the value data to 4. This will disable the CD-ROM drive.

     Note:​

     • Registry editing can be risky: Make sure to back up your registry before making any changes.
     • Disabling the CD-ROM drive: Disabling the CD-ROM drive using Device Manager or the Registry Editor will prevent it from spinning up, but it will also prevent you from using the CD drive until you re-enable it.
     By following these methods, you should be able to prevent the CD-ROM drive from spinning up each time you open programs like Windows Explorer in Windows 7.