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 August
21939 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? |
|---|
| ClipTrakker | N | ClipTrakker.exe | Cliptrakker - clipboard extender | No |
| CLISTART | N | CLIStart.exe | Puts the ATI Catalyst™ Control Center Icon/Shortcut on the System Tray - available via Start → Programs | No |
| clkhost | X | [path to trojan] | Added by the WIXUD-B TROJAN! | No |
| CLMemoSysTray | N | CLMemoSysTray.exe | System Tray access to YouMemo from CyberLink - which "is an extremely intuitive way to write notes and reminders in a fun and easy environment" and is "designed specifically as a multi-touch application supporting the latest touch hardware" | Yes |
| CLMemoSysTray Application | N | CLMemoSysTray.exe | System Tray access to YouMemo from CyberLink - which "is an extremely intuitive way to write notes and reminders in a fun and easy environment" and is "designed specifically as a multi-touch application supporting the latest touch hardware" | Yes |
| CLMFrontPanel | U | clmpanel.exe | System tray status/display/configuration utility for a number of modems. Can be disabled by right-clicking on the tray icon. If disabled, connection status is lost | No |
| CLMLServer | U | CLMLSvc.exe | CyberLink MediaLibrary Service - installed with Power2Go and PowerCinema from CyberLink and used to manage the media libraries, providing advanced file search, browsing and tracking. Also included with versions of PowerCinema bundled (and re-branded) with systems from Acer, Dell, ASUS and others. Some report it uses excessive system and memory resources | Yes |
| CLMLServer for HP TouchSmart | U | CLMLSvc.exe | CyberLink MediaLibrary Service - included with the version of CyberLink's PowerCinema installed on the HP Touchsmart range of desktops and notebooks and used to manage the media libraries, providing advanced file search, browsing and tracking. Some report it uses excessive system and memory resources | No |
| CLMLSvc | U | CLMLSvc.exe | CyberLink MediaLibrary Service - installed with Power2Go and PowerCinema from CyberLink and used to manage the media libraries, providing advanced file search, browsing and tracking. Also included with versions of PowerCinema bundled (and re-branded) with systems from Acer, Dell, ASUS and others. Some report it uses excessive system and memory resources | Yes |
| clnwall | ? | rundll.exe setupx.dll, InstallHinfSection ..delwall.inf | ?? | No |
| clock | X | [various filenames] | LiveChat Adware - known file names include: mssetup.exe, kstatus.exe, spoolsv.exe, sptsupd.exe, osk.exe, msswchx.exe, netdde.exe, msbkup.exe | No |
| Clock Manager | X | amsngr.exe | Added by the SDBOT-XM TROJAN! | No |
| ClockSync | X | Sync.exe | ClockSync - synchronizes your system clock with an internet time server. It's by WhenU, the makers of the Save Now spyware, and they're usually seen in tandem, so it's advised to replace it with one of may spyware free alternatives available | No |
| ClockWise | U | CLOCKWISE.EXE | ClockWise - produced by R J Software - a time utility. It is a schedueler not only for dates, but you can choose it to run programs at any time. It also updates the time by connecting to an atomic clock server. This is a spyware-free alternative to ClockSync | No |
| ClocX | U | ClocX.exe | ClocX - places a clock on the desktop that can be moved and then changed into a calendar plus you can set alarms etc? | No |
| CloneCD | U | CloneCDTray.exe | System tray for the now discontinued CloneCD. The only useful option is "Hide CDR Media" only available via this tray. Has additional unknown functions in later versions | No |
| CloneCDElbyCDFL | U | ElbyCheck.exe | From Elaborate Bytes who make CloneCD - monitors the installed filters of CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs. Note - under Win2K removing this from startup causes the CD drive in the computer to not be recognized in the OS and after rechecking it prompts that the driver has been corrupted and asks you to restart the computer to fix it | No |
| CloneCDTray | U | CloneCDTray.exe | System tray for the now discontinued CloneCD. The only useful option is "Hide CDR Media" only available via this tray. Has additional unknown functions in later versions | No |
| Clotusorgreg0 | ? | prtStart.exe [path] Orgprt.exe | IBM Lotus SmartSuite related. In a LotusOrgReg folder. Unclear what exactly it does? | No |
| CLPushUpdate | ? | CLPushUpdate.exe | Part of the CyberLink Live remote media access service. It's exact purpose isn't know at present but it may be related to automatic updates | Yes |
| Clre | X | mmdc.exe | Added by the PURSCAN-AI TROJAN! | No |
| ClrSchLoader | X | [path to file] | ClearSearch adware | No |
| CLSID | X | com.exe | Adult content dialler | No |
| CLSID | X | dll.exe | Adult content dialler | No |
| CLSID | X | msgplus.exe | Adult content dialler | No |
| CLSID | X | plugin.exe | Adult content dialler | No |
| CLSID | X | sed.exe | Adult content dialler | No |
| CLSID | X | msgplus.exe | Premium rate adult content dialer. Note - this is NOT the MSN Messenger 'MessengerPlus' extension
| No |
| CLSRSS | X | LSACS.EXE | Added by the SILLYFDC-X WORM! | No |
| cls_pack.exe | X | cls_pack.exe | Added by the Malware Defense rogue security software. Also detected as the FAKEAV-AQB TROJAN! | No |
| ClUpdate | U | ClUpdate.exe | Automatic updates for the software supporting the Clau-ACCV and Clauer-idCAT digital certificate USB keys | No |
| CM-SmWizard | ? | SmWizard.exe | SmartWizard MFC Application - associated with C-Media who produce audio chipsets commonly used for on-board sound on motherboards. What does it do and is it required? | No |
| cma | U | cma.exe | DeskSite CMA siftware - "retrieves new content from the DeskSite Data Center" | No |
| CMAPP | X | cmappclient.exe | CasClient adware - also detected as the CMAPP TROJAN! | No |
| Cmaudio | N | Rundll32 cmicnfg.cpl, CMICtrlWnd | System tray control panel for C-Media based soundcards - often included on popular motherboards with in-built audio. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel | No |
| Cmd | X | cmd32.exe | Added by the TANKED WORM! | No |
| cmd32 | X | configs.exe | Hijacker, also detected as the QURL-2 TROJAN! | No |
| cmd64 | X | cmd64.exe | CoolWebSearch Msconfd parasite variant | No |
| cmdbcs | X | cmdbcs.exe | Added by the LINEAG-GKW TROJAN! | No |
| cmdcon | X | cmdcon.exe | Added by the CRYPTER.A TROJAN! | No |
| cmds | X | vtsqn.dll | Added by a variant of the VUNDO TROJAN! | No |
| CmdShell.exe | X | CmdShell.exe | Added by the BCKDR-QHY BACKDOOR! | No |
| CME | X | cme.exe | Part of Gator advertising spyware - see here for removal instructions. Please note that Claria Corporation no longer support GAIN-Supported software - see here | No |
| CmeSYS | X | CMEsys.exe | Part of Gator advertising spyware - see here for removal instructions. Please note that Claria Corporation no longer support GAIN-Supported software - see here | No |
| CmeUPD | X | CMEupd.exe | Part of Gator advertising spyware - see here for removal instructions. Please note that Claria Corporation no longer support GAIN-Supported software - see here | No |
| CMFibula | X | CMFibula.exe | CASClient adware | No |
| CmFlywaveName | N | CmFlywav.exe | Driver for Linksys Wireless-G Music Bridge
| No |
| CMGrdian | U | CMGrdian.exe | McAfee Guardian shortcut menu on the System Tray (looks like a castle) given access to Internet Security, Browser Buddy, File Guardian and help. Included with older versions of McAfee Internet Security and possibly others | No |
| CMGShieldUI | U | CMGShieldUI.exe | UI for CMG (CREDANT Mobile Guardian) Shield from Credant Technologies. "The CMG Shield resides on devices and external media to enforce security policies even if the device is disconnected from the network." Used to protect sensitive corporate on laptops, handhelds, smartphones, USB drives and CD-DVDs | No |
| CMMan | X | CMMan.exe | Added by the CMAPP TROJAN! | No |
|
The following files are available for people developing mirrors of the site and using the information presented here:
Startup XML File - Startup INI File - Startup HTML File
For IE users, right-click on the link and select "Save Target As..." - note that for the INI and HTML files the suggested filename will be "startuplist.htm" and you'll have to rename them "startuplist.ini" and "startuplist.html" respectively.
For Firefox users, I recommend downloading the zipped versions from here. Otherwise, you'll have to open the file and save it - which can take a long time due to the size.
NOTE: These downloads are password protected and free to anyone producing a mirror or free utility. If you produce a commercial/shareware utility please contact me to discuss options. If you don't fall into any of these categories and want to download any of these files you will need to either make a donation of $15/year or more via PayPal (or E-mail me) and you will be provided with the login details which will change at the beginning of each year. The donation will go towards researching new and existing entries for the database and creating these files. Since making these files available for download they've been available free of charge and downloaded thousands of times. I believe they are unique as to my knowledge, no similar site offers such a resource as the lists they offer are on-line only.
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.
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