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? |
|---|
| Auto Updat | X | WindowsSys32.exe | Added by a variant of the FORBOT WORM! | No |
| Auto updat | X | crcss.exe | Added by the SDBOT.AAG WORM! | No |
| Auto Update | X | AUP.exe | Added by an unididentified WORM or TROJAN! | No |
| Auto Update | X | dma.exe | Added by the RBOT-AVO WORM! | No |
| Auto Update | X | svchost.exe | Added by the DUMARDI-A TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir% | No |
| Auto Updates | X | svchost.exe | Added by the CHEUKO-A TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir% | No |
| Auto WinUpdate | X | taskmrg.exe | Added by the RBOT-AFA WORM! | No |
| AutoAdministrator | X | SERVICES.EXE | Added by the PUNYA-A WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate services.exe process which is always located in the System (9x/Me) or System32 (NT/2K/XP) folder and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! | No |
| Autobar | U | autobar.exe | Connect buttons on the keyboard for internet direct access, etc. on HP computers | No |
| AutoCAD | N | acstart17.exe | Preloads part of AutoCAD into disk cache at startup to speed up the launch of the main program when needed. Not required as most AutoCAD users tend to either open the program once and leave it open or open it occasionally to check drawings | Yes |
| AutoCAD Startup Accelerator | N | acstart16.exe | Preloads part of AutoCAD into disk cache at startup to speed up the launch of the main program when needed. Not required as most AutoCAD users tend to either open the program once and leave it open or open it occasionally to check drawings | No |
| AutoCAD Startup Accelerator | N | acstart17.exe | Preloads part of AutoCAD into disk cache at startup to speed up the launch of the main program when needed. Not required as most AutoCAD users tend to either open the program once and leave it open or open it occasionally to check drawings | Yes |
| 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 |
| autoclk | U | autoclk.exe | Autoclik is a Windows utility "that allows you to perform all mouse activity with absolutely no clicking" | No |
| AutoDiscovery/AutoPurge (ADAP) Service | X | wmiadapi.exe | Added by the RBOT.FLT WORM! | No |
| AutoEA | N | Ahqrun.exe | For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. Specify for any audio application what audio preset to automatically associate with currently active speaker output. Available via AudioHQ | No |
| AUTOEXE | X | AUTOEXE.exe | Added by the SEMAPI-A WORM! | No |
| autoload | X | cftmon.exe | Added by the SOCKS-E WORM! | No |
| autoload | X | spooll.exe | Added by the SILLYFDC WORM! | No |
| autoload | X | windowsupdate.exe | Added by the POLYCRYP.DY TROJAN! | No |
| autoload | X | spool.exe | Added by the AGENT-GSG TROJAN! | No |
| Autoloaderaproposclient | X | Apropos_Client_Loader.exe | AproposMedia adware | No |
| Autoloaderaproposclient | X | cxtpls_loader.exe | AproposMedia adware | No |
| AutoLoaderEnvoloAutoUpdater | X | auto_update_loader.exe | Envolo/AproposMedia adware updater | No |
| AutoMate Task Service | N | automate.exe | Task scheduler for Unisyn Automate 4 task automation/macro running software. Available via a desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs | No |
| AutoMate5 | U | Am5HkWnd.exe | "Automate is the Leading Software for Automation of front and back-office business processes.It provides all the tools necessary to completely automate business processes, regardless of their complexity" | No |
| AutoMate6 | U | AMEM.exe | AutoMate 6 for automating repetitive tasks | No |
| Automated Windows Updates | X | wauclt.exe | Added by the GAOBOT.AJD WORM! | No |
| Automatic Defrag Manager | X | defrag.exe | Added by the RBOT-AKE WORM! | No |
| Automatic Media Update | X | CACHE.RVD | Added by an unidentified WORM/TROJAN! | No |
| Automatic Media Update | X | HPLNT32.RVD | Added by an unidentified WORM/TROJAN! | No |
| Automatic Microsoft Windows Updater | X | suchost.exe | Added by the RBOT-EQ WORM!
| No |
| Automatic Updates | X | algs.exe | Added by the IRCBOT-AAM TROJAN! | No |
| Automatic Windows Updater | X | Update.exe | Added by the GAOBOT.AO WORM! | No |
| Automatically launches the United Devices Agent when you start your computer | N | UD.EXE | The United Devices Agent can recycle your PC's unused resources and use them to perform valuable scientific and medical research without disturbing your usual computer use - similar to SETI@home but for medical research. Available via Start > Programs | No |
| autoMe | X | wscript.exe solution.vbs | Added by the VBS.SASAN WORM! Note that wscript.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch script files and shouldn't be deleted. The "solution.vbs" file is found in %Windir% | No |
| Autopdate | X | Autopdate.exe | Added by the RBOT-AGL WORM! | 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 |
| AutoProtect | X | AutoProtect.vbs | Added by the KILLBAT-C WORM! | No |
| AUTOPROTECTU | X | navapq32.exe | Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! | No |
| autorepair | X | dexs.exe | Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! | No |
| autorn | X | autorn.exe | Added by the SILLYFDC.BCY WORM! | No |
| Autoroute SMTP | U | AutoSmtp.exe | Autoroute SMTP - "automatic switching between SMTP servers depending on what network you are currently working in." You need to have two Internet service providers | No |
| autorun | X | autorun.exe | Added by the AUTOM-B WORM! | No |
| autorun | X | sxs.exe | Added by the SMALLVBS-A WORM! | No |
| autorun | X | winmain.exe | Added by a variant of the DELF.CNS TROJAN! | No |
| AutoRun | X | allrs.exe | Added by the MUDROP.LJ TROJAN! | No |
| autorundemo | X | [path to trojan] | Added by the AGENT-FPX TROJAN! | No |
| AUTORUN_VAL | X | AntiSpyCheck 2.1.exe | AntiSpyCheck rogue spyware remover - not recommended, removal instructions here | 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