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:
- "Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up
- "N" - Not required or not recommended - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary
- "U" - User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary
- "X" - Definitely not required - typically viruses, spyware, adware and "resource hogs"
- "?" - Unknown
Variables:
- %System% - refers to the System folder; by default this is C:\Windows\System (9x/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (NT/2K), or C:\Windows\System32 (XP/Vista)
- %Windir% - refers to the Windows installation folder; by default this is C:\Windows (9x/Me/XP/Vista) or C:\Winnt (NT/2K)
- %UserProfile% - refers to the current user's profile folder; by default this is C:\Documents and Settings\ (NT/2K/XP) or C:\Users\ (Vista)
- %ProgramFiles% - refers to the Program Files folder; typically the path is C:\Program Files
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| Name or Startup Item | Status | Command or Data | Description | Tested? |
|---|
| au | U | DealioAu.exe | Dealio Toolbar is a free shopping comparison toolbar that allows users to search for a wide range of consumer products | No |
| AU Agent | U | AUagent.exe | Au Agent from Zilab Software. Win2K/NT enhancement tool. Allows you to run applications under any security context without closing the whole logon session to process a new logon | No |
| au.exe | X | au.exe | Added by the BEAGLE.B WORM! | No |
| AUCBPNP | Y | aucbnpn.exe | Adaptec USB CardBus Safe-Eject - driver for the Adaptec USB 2.0 CardBus which provides USB 2.0 ports for laptop users via a PCMCIA card slot | No |
| Aucompat | X | Aucompat.exe | Added by the GEMA TROJAN! | No |
| Audcntr | X | audcntr.exe | Added by the GEMA TROJAN! | No |
| AudCtrl | ? | RunDll32 AudCtrl.dll, RCMonitor | Audio control panel? | No |
| audi32 | X | audi32.exe | Added by the RANCK-FL TROJAN! | No |
| AUDIO | X | SOUND.exe | Added by the PLOYB-A TROJAN! | No |
| Audio Device Manager | X | winfp.exe | Added by the IRCBOT-XS WORM! | No |
| Audio Device Manager | X | WinNT.exe | Added by the IRCBOT.USP BACKDOOR! | No |
| Audio Device Manager | X | WNDXP.exe | Added by the IRCBOT.AJL BACKDOOR! | No |
| Audio Device Manager | X | sfhgj.exe | Added by the IRCBOT-ZA BACKDOOR! | No |
| audiocfg.exe | X | audiocfg.exe | Added by the VB.ATE WORM! | No |
| Audiocntl | X | audiocntl.exe | Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN! | No |
| AudioDeck | N | ADeck.exe | ADeck.exe is a system tray application for VIA's sound cards which offers quick access to a number of sound card related items | No |
| Audiodrv | X | audiodrv.exe | Added by the CRYPTER-C TROJAN! | No |
| AudioDrvEmulator | U | DLLML.exe AudDrvEm.dll | Related to Creative DLL Module Loader for the Sound Blaster X-Fi (and maybe others). This program is non-essential process to the running of the system, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems | No |
| AudioHQ | N | Ahqtb.exe | For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. System tray application for SB Live! functions. Available via Start -> Programs | No |
| AudioHQ | X | audiohq.exe | Added by the BANKER-EHK TROJAN! | No |
| AudioHQU | N | AHQTBU.EXE | System Tray application installed with the drivers for Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live! Can be run from Start -> Programs
| No |
| audioinf | X | audioinf.exe | Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN! | No |
| AudioMan | X | Explorer.sm1 | Added by the HUPIGON.IFZ BACKDOOR! | No |
| audlmne32 | X | dcmsxe.exe | Added by the MAILBOT-CF TROJAN! | No |
| Audoi Device Loader | X | smssv.exe | Added by the AGOBOT-ZY WORM! | No |
| auloadplx | X | mplprogsm.exe | Added by the SLAPER.K TROJAN! | No |
| AUNPS2 | X | RUNDLL32 AUNPS2.DLL, _Run@16 | AUNPS adware | No |
| aupd | X | symcsvc.exe | Added by the ABWIZ.D TROJAN! | No |
| aupd | X | sysvcs.exe | Added by the ABWIZ.C TROJAN! | No |
| aupd | X | sywsvcs.exe | Added by the ORSE-M TROJAN! | No |
| Aureal A3D Interactive Audio | Y | sa3dsrv.exe | For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled | No |
| Aureal A3D Interactive Audio Init | Y | A3dInit.exe | For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled | No |
| Auslogics BoostSpeed | U | boostspeed.exe | System Tray access to Auslogics BoostSpeed system optimization utility - which allows you to "Start programs faster. Speed up computer start time. Increase Internet speed, optimize your Internet Explorer, Firefox and E-mail programs" | Yes |
| Auslogics BoostSpeed 4 | U | boostspeed.exe | System Tray accesss to Auslogics BoostSpeed 4 system optimization utility - which "Start programs faster. Speed up computer start time. Increase Internet speed, optimize your Internet Explorer, Firefox and E-mail programs" | Yes |
| ausvc | X | ausvc.exe | Added by the AUTOUPDER TROJAN! | No |
| Auth Starter Ident | X | startauth.exe | Added by the RBOT-WP WORM! | No |
| Authentic-ID Toolbar | Y | wintmr.exe | System Tray access to Child Control parental control software by Salfield | 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 |
| authz | X | authz.exe | Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN! | No |
| auto | X | win32.exe | Added by the SMALL!SD5 TROJAN!
| No |
| Auto CD-ROM Startup | X | cdaccess.exe | Added by the SPYBOT.BLA WORM! | No |
| Auto EPSON PictureMate Deluxe on X | U | E_FATI9TA.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the PictureMate Deluxe compact photo printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C45 Series on X | U | E_S4I3T1.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C45 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C48 Series on X | U | E_S10IC2.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C48 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C48 Series on X | U | E_S4I091.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C48 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C60 Series on X | U | E_S10IC2.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C60 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C62 Series on X | U | E_S10IC2.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C62 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C64 Series on X | U | E_S4I2C1.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C64 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C82 Series on X | U | E_S0HIC1.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C82 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
| Auto EPSON Stylus C84 Series on X | U | E_S4I2D1.EXE | Epson Status Monitor 3 for the Stylus C84 Series printer - for monitoring printer status, checking ink levels, etc. "X" represents the computer's network name, ie, PAULS-PC, PETES-LAPTOP, etc | No |
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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
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
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