Startup Applications List
Regular visitors will know that I normally update this site at the end of each month. Unfortunately I won't be doing so this month in honour of my father who passed away last week - I'm sure you can understand.
R.I.P.
James Collins
5th October, 1940 - 22nd January, 2010
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 :- 31st December, 2009
20360 items listed
"Status" key:
Variables:
| Name or Startup Item | Status | Command or Data | Description | Tested? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $Volumouse$ | U | volumouse.exe | Volumouse from Nirsoft. "Provides you a quick and easy way to control the sound volume on your system - simply by rolling the wheel of your wheel mouse" | No |
| A Verizon App | U | VERIZO~1.EXE | Part of Verizon Online Support Manager | No |
| ACTX1 | X | v1201.exe | Added by the VB.IS TROJAN! | No |
| Adobe Version Cue CS2 | U | VersionCueCS2Tray.exe | File manager that's part of Adobe Creative Suite 2 - "find files fast, track versions across applications, link files together, and share them in creative collaboration without fear of overwriting someone else's work" | No |
| AdobeVersionCue | N | VersionCueTray.exe | "An exclusive feature of the Adobe® Creative Suite, Version Cue™ helps you find files fast, track multiple versions of your files, and share your files for creative collaboration" | No |
| Adobe_ID0EYTHM | ? | VERSIO~2.EXE | Part of an Adobe product. What does it do and is it required? | No |
| Anti-Virus | X | vpms.exe | Added by a variant of the SLAPER TROJAN! | No |
| Antivirus | X | vav.exe | Vista Antivirus 2008 rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| AntiVirus Process | X | virprot.exe | Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! | No |
| Appcon | U | vAppCon.exe | Vital Application Console - part of POS-partner 2000 point-of-sale software from Vital. This is the taskbar icon and is enabled at startup by the "Auto-start when OS starts" option. Required for a connection to be established | No |
| ASUS SmartDoctor | U | VGAProbe.exe | ASUS video card fan/thermal monitor | No |
| ASUSKey | N | V38SHELL.EXE | System tray Icon for quickly changing video modes | No |
| a_vpd | ? | vpd.exe | Located in an IBMTOOLS\VPD sub-directory. What does it do and is it required? | No |
| BigDog303 | N | VM303_STI.EXE | Vmicro webcam USB utility - allows the webcam to initiate data transfer to a program. Create a shortcut and start it manually when needed | No |
| BigDog305 | N | VM305_STI.EXE | Vmicro webcam USB utility - allows the webcam to initiate data transfer to a program. Create a shortcut and start it manually when needed | No |
| BigDogPath | ? | VM_STI.EXE | Bundled with some software for digital cameras that use a USB connection - what does it do and is it required? | No |
| BitDefender Virus Shield | Y | vsserv.exe | BitDefender antivirus | No |
| CallCenter Main Application | U | V3calmcp.exe | "V3 Inc. CallCenter is a free 32-bit, integrated fax, voicemail and data communications application with a simple to use interface providing fax send and receive functionality, basic (single mailbox) answering machine capability, and sophistcated data communications." Main application | No |
| CallCenter Printer Interface | U | V3faxecp.exe | "V3 Inc. CallCenter is a free 32-bit, integrated fax, voicemail and data communications application with a simple to use interface providing fax send and receive functionality, basic (single mailbox) answering machine capability, and sophistcated data communications." Fax printer | No |
| Cisco Systems VPN Client | U | vpngui.exe | Sets up IPSec communications for Cisco's VPN Client | No |
| cmds | X | vtsqn.dll | Added by a variant of the VUNDO TROJAN! | No |
| cmsound | X | vcpdll.exe | Added by the TCXMEDI-D downloader TROJAN! | No |
| cmsound | X | vcsystem.exe | Added by the TCXMEDI-D downloader TROJAN! | No |
| CSAV_CheckViruses | Y | vchk.exe | Command Antivirus related | No |
| CU1 | X | VCClient.exe | Associated with the Surf Sidekick adware and should be removed | No |
| CU2 | X | VCMain.exe | Associated with the Surf Sidekick adware and should be removed | No |
| Data File | X | vdehost.exe | Added by the SDBOT-DOS TROJAN! | No |
| Default System Research | X | vhchost.exe | Added by the TARNO.I TROJAN! | No |
| Deneca | X | Virus salvado | Added by the DELUZ VIRUS! | No |
| DLF_00000B00 | N | Vcdlf.exe | Known to cause problems with "Out of memory" errors (see here). Otherwise, it's purpose is unknown | No |
| Epsilon Squared | X | vmmreg32.exe | Added by the AGENT.MVC TROJAN! | No |
| ffeqOME | X | vcvsav.exe | Added by the RANKY.AB TROJAN! | No |
| Fixnice | X | vcvw.exe | Added by the SDBOT TROJAN! | No |
| hotdlll | X | vmmreg32.exe | BANKER.DX spyware | No |
| http://www.lienvandekelder.be | X | Van de Kelder Lien.exe | Added by the MYTOB-BF WORM! | No |
| HydraVisionViewport | U | viewport.exe | ATI/Appian HydraVision Desktop Manager software - monitors and regulates window and dialog box placement according to user preferences when using a multi monitor setup | No |
| ICQ Plus | N | vplus.exe | ICQ Plus is a freeware utility makes your ICQ skinnable (change the look). Available via Start -> Programs | No |
| imxecs | X | vbrun70sp4.exe | Added by the AGOBOT.ALA WORM! | No |
| li-rcash00001 | X | vldial.exe | Added by the Vl TROJAN! | No |
| load= | N | vi_grm.exe | Monitor drivers for Trio2x/3x based video cards - displays control panel for quick access to display settings | No |
| LoadService | X | Virus | Added by the CAGER.A WORM! | No |
| Mcafee Antivirus Monitoring System326 | X | VSStatmn326.exe | Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! | No |
| Mcafee Antivirus Monitoring System32mn | X | VSStatmn32.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! | No |
| meidntpa | ? | vqgdpfrs.exe | ?? | No |
| Mfqneqfeb | X | vdddwq.exe | Added by the RANDEX.AP WORM! | No |
| Microsoft Service Drivers | X | VSADNIM.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! | No |
| Microsoft Update | X | VPC32.EXE | Added by the AGOBOT.XM WORM! | No |
| Microsoft Updater | X | vbcjlg.exe | Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM! See here | No |
| Microsoft Video Driver | X | videodrv.exe | Added by the SDBOT-AGP WORM! | No |
| Microsoft Viewer Monitor Manager | X | viewmon.exe | Added by the XPAK.A TROJAN! | No |
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.
Sponsored link: Leased Line
Copyright
Presentation, format & comments Copyright © 2001 - 2010 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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