Startup Applications List
If you're frustrated with the time it takes your Windows PC to boot and then it seems to be running slowly you may have too many programs running at start-up - and have come to the right place to identify them. This is the original startup programs (as opposed to processes/tasks) list - one of the most comprehensive and most accurate!
"Name or Startup Item" in the table below refers to how an entry is displayed in MSConfig, Windows Defender or the registry "Run" keys. "Command or Data" refers to the program the entry runs. For further information on this and how to identify and disable startup programs please visit the Startup Content page.
For further information on random startup entries please visit the Startup Info page. For the next few months and foreseeable future I'll be verifying many of the Y, U, N & ? entries via virtual machines. If you can verify/identify those entries with a "?" status (especially hardware specific - such as laptops and motherboards) then please E-mail me (address at bottom of the page) or use the new Message Board.
Last update :- 29th October, 2009
19979 items listed
"Status" key:
Variables:
| Name or Startup Item | Status | Command or Data | Description | Tested? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (default) | X | rundll32.exe [path to DLL file],Do98Work | Added by the HESIVE.B TROJAN! Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted. Note - this malware actually changes the value data of the "(Default)" key in HKCU\Run, HKLM\Run and HKLM\RunServices in order to force Windows to launch it at boot. The name field in MSConfig may be blank | No |
| *Restore | Y | rstrui.exe | Part of Windows System Restore and added as a RunOnce registry entry. Leave alone | No |
| .norton | X | rchost.exe | Added by the BOXED-H TROJAN! | No |
| 65438761234587528 | X | rkgnd.exe | ANG AntiVirus 09 rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| 802.11g MIMO Wireless Utility | U | RaUI.exe | Wireless configuration utility for Railink 802.11g MIMO based products | No |
| 98D0CE0C16B1 | X | rundll32.exe D0CE0C16B1, D0CE0C16B1 | BrowserAid/BrowserPal foistware. Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted | No |
| @ | X | regedit -s win.dll | Added by the SEEKER.K TROJAN! Note that regedit is the the legitimate Windows Registry Editor and shouldn't be deleted. The "win.dll" file is located in %Windir% | No |
| @loha | N | reminder.exe | Registration reminder for @loha@home E-mail utility | No |
| A70F6A1D-0195-42a2-934C-D8AC0F7C08EB | X | rundll32.exe E6F1873B.DLL, D9EBC318C | BrowserAid/BrowserPal foistware. Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted | No |
| Acer Tour Reminder | N | Reminder.exe | Popup reminder to take the tour of your new Acer laptop | No |
| Acronis Popup Blocker | U | RunDll32.exe [path] Blocker.dll, Run | Part of Acronis Privacy Expert - anti-spyware and security suite | No |
| Adobe Acrobat | N | READER~1.EXE | Speeds up the time it takes to load the Adobe Reader PDF document reader. "The Speed Launcher quickly opens and closes all of the files that Acrobat or Adobe Reader will use when the application starts. Opening and closing the files allows your virus protection software to check these programs and add them to its list of safe files" - see here. Not required for Adobe Reader to function properly | No |
| Adobe Acrobat | N | Reader_sl.exe | Speeds up the time it takes to load the Adobe Reader PDF document reader. "The Speed Launcher quickly opens and closes all of the files that Acrobat or Adobe Reader will use when the application starts. Opening and closing the files allows your virus protection software to check these programs and add them to its list of safe files" - see here. Not required for Adobe Reader to function properly | Yes |
| Adobe Reader Speed Launch | N | Reader_sl.exe | Speeds up the time it takes to load the Adobe Reader PDF document reader. "The Speed Launcher quickly opens and closes all of the files that Acrobat or Adobe Reader will use when the application starts. Opening and closing the files allows your virus protection software to check these programs and add them to its list of safe files" - see here. Not required for Adobe Reader to function properly | Yes |
| Adobe Reader Speed Launch | N | READER~1.EXE | Speeds up the time it takes to load the Adobe Reader PDF document reader. "The Speed Launcher quickly opens and closes all of the files that Acrobat or Adobe Reader will use when the application starts. Opening and closing the files allows your virus protection software to check these programs and add them to its list of safe files" - see here. Not required for Adobe Reader to function properly | No |
| Adobe Reader Speed Launcher | N | Reader_sl.exe | Speeds up the time it takes to load the Adobe Reader PDF document reader. "The Speed Launcher quickly opens and closes all of the files that Acrobat or Adobe Reader will use when the application starts. Opening and closing the files allows your virus protection software to check these programs and add them to its list of safe files" - see here. Not required for Adobe Reader to function properly | Yes |
| AdobeManager | X | rundtl.exe | Added by the INJECT.IB TROJAN! | No |
| AdobeReaderPro | X | rruxdkf.exe | Added by the RBOT.ADF BACKDOOR! | No |
| AdobeReaderPro | X | rvdjlefr.exe | Added by the RBOT-CQZ WORM! | No |
| AdslTaskBar | Y | rundll32.exe stmctrl.dll, TaskBar | ISP software, initializes DSL modem | No |
| Agente | ? | Remupd.exe | Part of an older version of Panda Antivirus. Is this an update reminder (guess because of the name), virus definition update reminder or something similar? | No |
| AME_CSA | N | rundll32 amecsa.cpl, RUN_DLL | Loads ADSL modem Control Panel applet | No |
| AsioReg | U | regsvr32.exe ctasio.dll | ASIO (Audio Stream In/Out) drivers for the SoundBlaster Audigy 2 series soundcards - for recording and home project studios. Required if you use this functionality | No |
| AsioThk32Reg | U | rregsvr32.exe ctasio.dll | ASIO (Audio Stream In/Out) drivers for the SoundBlaster Audigy 2 series soundcards - for recording and home project studios. Required if you use this functionality | No |
| ASK | U | rundll32.exe [path] ASK.dll rdl | Stealth Keylogger keystroke logger/monitoring program - remove unless you installed it yourself! Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted | No |
| atidriver | X | reaIplayer.exe | Added by the WARPIGS-E WORM! Note the uppercase "I" in the filename, rather than a lower case "L" | No |
| AudCtrl | ? | RunDll32 AudCtrl.dll, RCMonitor | Audio control panel? | No |
| AUNPS2 | X | RUNDLL32 AUNPS2.DLL, _Run@16 | AUNPS adware | No |
| Authentic-ID Toolbar | Y | rundll32.exe [path] ToolbarATL.dll, LoadTrayIcon | Authentic-ID Toolbar - website authentication utility. Warns you when a site is recognized for phishing or isn't authentic, for example | No |
| autochk | X | rundll32.exe autochk.dll,_IWMPEvents@16 | Added by the OPACHKI.A TROJAN! Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted. The "autochk.dll" file is found in %System% | No |
| autochk | X | rundll32.exe protect.dll,_IWMPEvents@16 | Added by the OPACHKI.A TROJAN! Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted. The "protect.dll" file is found in %UserProfile% | No |
| AUTOPROP | N | REGPROP.EXE WMPADDIN.DLL | Both the files are in the MS Office/Bots/FP_WMP directory. Apparently, it registers the FrontPage WiMP extension | No |
| autoupdate | X | rundll32 DATADX.DLL,SHStart | Added by a variant of the QOOLOGIC TROJAN! Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted. The "DATADX.DLL" file is found in %System% | No |
| autoupdate | X | rundll32 SUPDATE.DLL,SHStart | Added by a variant of the QOOLOGIC TROJAN! Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted. The "SUPDATE.DLL" file is found in %System% | No |
| Avptask | X | rund1132.exe | Added by the AGENT.PKZ TROJAN! | No |
| AxFilter | ? | Rundll32 AXFILTER.DLL, Rundll32 | ?? | No |
| B.Reader | N | remin.exe | Birthday Reminder 5.0 - as the name implies | No |
| babeie | X | rundll32 cnbabe.dll, dllstartup | CommonName Toolbar spyware. To uninstall see here | No |
| Background Intelligent Transfer Service | X | rundll32.exe | Added by the VB-ZD TROJAN! Note - this file is located in the C:\Windows\help folder, and is not to be confused with the legitimate rundll32.exe file! | No |
| BatInfEx | U | rundll32.exe | Displays battery status information on an IBM Thinkpad | No |
| BatInfEx | U | rundll32.exe [path] BatInfEx.dll,BMMAutonomicMonitor | Part of the Battery MaxiMiser and Power Management Features set for some IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad notebooks. This entry is needed for the battery information and monitoring program as well as the Battery Maximizer Wizard | Yes |
| BatLogEx | U | rundll32.exe [path] BatLogEx.DLL,StartBattLog | Part of the Battery MaxiMiser and Power Management Features set for some IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad notebooks. This entry logs changes in battery conditions such as charging, discharging, life, etc | Yes |
| BCMHal | U | rundll32.exe bcmhal9x.dll, bcinit | BlasterControl for Creative video cards - controls for desktop settings, monitor configuration, colour adjustments and performance tuning. May be needed to retain settings | No |
| BelNotify | U | rundll32.exe [path] NPBelv32.dll, RunDll32_BelNotify | "BelTech from Belarc enables licensees to offer automated, Web-based problem resolution to their end-users. BelTech allows the end-user to simply go to a web page and automatically resolve their problem or point them to the right solution. BelTech Manager allows non-programmers to rapidly and easily deploy and maintain this service" | No |
| BIE | X | Rundll32.exe [path] BDSrHook.dll, Rundll32 | BDplugin parasite. Note that rundll32.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch DLL file types and shouldn't be deleted | No |
| BlackBerryAutoUpdate | N | RIMAutoUpdate.exe | Automatic updates for BlackBerry smartphones, provided by Research In Motion. Run manually when required | No |
| BLOG | U | rundll32.exe [path] BatLogEx.DLL,StartBattLog | Part of the Battery MaxiMiser and Power Management Features set for some IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad notebooks. This entry logs changes in battery conditions such as charging, discharging, life, etc | Yes |
| Bluetooth HCI Monitor | ? | RunDll32 HCIMNTR.DLL,RunCheckHCIMode | Related to the Bluetooth short-range wireless communications technology. For more information on Bluetooth see here. What does it do and is it required? | No |
| BluetoothAuthenticationAgent | U | rundll32.exe irprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent | If your system has Bluetooth (either integrated or via an adapter) and use's Microsoft's support software/drivers, this entry is required in order to successfully "pair" your system with a Bluetooth device (such as a mobile phone, PDA, headset) using this wireless protocol (via a PIN). Should you get the error message, "Rundll irprops.cpl missing entry Bluetooth authentication agent", click here for more information | Yes |
| BluetoothAuthenticationAgent | U | rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent | If your system has Bluetooth (either integrated or via an adapter) and use's Microsoft's support software/drivers, this entry is required in order to successfully "pair" your system with a Bluetooth device (such as a mobile phone, PDA, headset) using this wireless protocol (via a PIN) | Yes |
Download Alternative Formats
You can download off-line HTML ZIP, EXE and EXCEL ZIP versions of this list from here.
In addition the following files are available for people developing mirrors of the site and using the information presented here (right-click and select "Save Target As..." for IE and "Save Link As..." for Firefox):
Startup XML File - Startup INI File - Startup HTML File
Warning
DISCLAIMER: It is assumed that users are familiar with the operating system they are using and comfortable with making the suggested changes. I will not be held responsible if changes you make cause a system failure.
NOTE: This is NOT a database of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a database of startup applications, although you will find some of them listed via this method. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL identifies programs that are currently running - not necessarily at startup. For a list of tasks/processes you should try the Process Library from Uniblue, the list at PC Pitstop or one of the many others now available. Therefore, before ending a task/process via CTRL+ALT+DEL just because it has an "X" recommendation, please check whether it's in MSConfig or the registry first. An example would be "svchost.exe" - which doesn't appear in either under normal conditions but does via CTRL+ALT+DEL. If in doubt, don't do anything.
To avoid the database becoming too large, all virus entries are only shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions. Otherwise there would be multiple entries for popular filenames that viruses often use - such as "svchost" above for example. Multiple viruses can also use the same startup entries, in this case only those with significant differences (such as file location) are repeated in this database.
NOTE : There are a number of virus and malware entried listed in this database where specific removal instructions haven't been given. If this is the case then you could try SDFix, a program written by AndyManchesta that can remove many different types of Trojans and Worms. See here for a tutorial on how to use the program and here for the latest ReadMe file detailing the fixes included.
IMPORTANT: A number of entries are repeated due to the way that different operating systems display startup items. For example, WinMe lists "POPROXY.EXE" as "Norton eMail Protect" in both MSCONFIG and the registry whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy" in MSCONFIG and "Norton eMail Protect" in the registry.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you're looking for a startup manager then why not try WinPatrol (by BillP Studios) or Advanced SystemCare Free (by IObit) - both include the option to search this database for a particular entry. Alternatively try Spybot - Search & Destroy (by Safer Networking Ltd) as the startup programs section (select the Advanced mode) includes descriptions from this database. You might also want to try their RunAlyzer and FileAlyzer tools.
There are an ever increasing number of rogue applications appearing these days and many of the removal guides referenced in this database use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (which now incorporates the now discontinued RogueRemover).
As there are more than 10,000 entries in this database related to viruses, trojans, worms and other malware I recommend you use a quality internet security package. Which ever you choose, keep it updated.
Free licenses available for Oops! Backup (by Altaro) BETA Testing - Apply online here
Copyright
Presentation, format & comments Copyright © 2001 - 2009 Paul Collins
Portions Copyright © Peter Forrest, Denny Denham, Sylvain Prevost, Tony Klein, CastleCops & Bleeping Computer
Database creation and support by Patrick Kolla
Software support by John Mayer
All rights reserved
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