If for some reason you want to prevent the use of USB drives (memory sticks) on your Windows computer then follow the simple steps outlined below:

Note: You need to be logged on to Windows Administrative or a member of the Administrators group

- Cick Start > Run (This brings up the Run dialog box)

- In the command prompt window type regedit (This will open the registry editor)

- Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

- Select the USBSTOR folder

- In the right hand window pane locate the Start DWORD [See pic below]

- Double-click Start and change its value to 4 [See pic below]

- Click OK

- Now close the registry editor and restart your computer

This will block all USB storage devices being detected by Windows. If you want to enable USB devices at a later date simple change the the string’s DWORD value back to 3