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? |
|---|
| Dm Hr | X | lpns.exe | Added by the IRCBOT.WORM.61673 WORM! | No |
| DM mgr | X | dm_mgr.exe | Added by the JITTAR TROJAN! | No |
| dm***.exe [* = random char] | X | dm***.exe [* = random char] | Wareout - malware masquerading as a spyware and dialer remover | No |
| DMAScheduler | N | DMAScheduler.exe | Related to DigitalMedia Plus Archiver. This program is non-essential process to the running of the program, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems | No |
| DMC | X | dmc.exe | Added by Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Dluca.bv TROJAN! | No |
| DMHotKey | U | DMLoader.exe | HotKey access to the Samsung Display Manager on laptops and ultra-mobiles that support it - such as the M55 and Q1 | No |
| DMILDR | N | dmildr.exe | Part of Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation - software that allows remote management application programs to access information about, monitor the status of or change the state of the client computer, such as shutting it down remotely. Uses the DMI and/or common information model (CIM) protocols, which are systems management protocols defined by industry standards. Available via Start -> Programs | No |
| DMISL | N | DMISL.EXE | DMI (Desktop Management Interface) Service Layer for Intel TokenExpress network card software. DMI support for the Intel network card managed through the Desktop Management Interface. See here for more information | No |
| DMISLAPP | N | DMISLAPP.exe | DMI (Desktop Management Interface) Service Layer for Intel TokenExpress network card software. DMI support for the Intel network card managed through the Desktop Management Interface. See here for more information | No |
| dmjay | ? | dmjay.exe | ?? | No |
| dmloader | X | dmloader.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! | No |
| Dmsvc32 | X | Dmsvc32.exe | Added by the AGOBOT.ABU WORM! | No |
| dmtdll | X | dmtdll.exe | Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN! | No |
| DmwClient | U | dmwclient.exe | DMW "anti-cheating" software for online gaming | No |
| DMXLauncher | U | DMXLauncher.exe | Part of Dell's Media Experience, a multimedia suite which offers the user functionality to organise and play music and digital video files | No |
| dm[3 random letters].exe | X | dm[3 random letters].exe | Added by the RUINDEM TROJAN! | No |
| DM_server | X | dmserver.exe | Comet Cursor adware | No |
| dm_service | X | [path to file] | Added by the MITGLIEDER.P TROJAN! | No |
| DNA | N | btdna.exe | "BitTorrent DNA is a FREE content delivery service based on the BitTorrent protocol which brings the power of user-contributed bandwidth to traditional content publishers while leaving publishers in full control of their files". Now a stand-alone product where the user creates the download, DNA used to be included with and used by earlier versions of the main BitTorrent client. As files are downloaded via a file-sharing network make sure you have good, up-to-date virus protection and check any downloads. Start manually via Control Panel → DNA | Yes |
| dnam | X | d140113.a.Stub.EXE | Added by the STUB_A TROJAN! | No |
| Dnar | N | Dnar.exe | Installed on some Dell workstations and DMI related. Tries to access the internet and is known to not be required - but what does it do? | No |
| DNE Binding Watchdog | Y | rundll dnes.dll, DnDneCheckBindings | Deterministic NDIS Extender (DNE). DNE is an NDIS-compliant module which appears to be a network device driver to all protocol stacks and a protocol driver to all network device drivers. Part of Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Required if you have this system. Also installed by Winproxy - a proxy program for sharing internet connections through one computer. Required if you want it to work | No |
| DNE DUN Watchdog | Y | rundll dnes.dll, DnDneCheckDUN13 | Deterministic NDIS Extender (DNE). DNE is an NDIS-compliant module which appears to be a network device driver to all protocol stacks and a protocol driver to all network device drivers. Part of Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Required if you have this system. Also installed by Winproxy - a proxy program for sharing internet connections through one computer. Required if you want it to work | No |
| DNHelper32 | X | DNHlp32.exe | Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! | No |
| DNS | X | mc-58-12-0000080.exe | Shorty adware - also detected as the AGENT.FD TROJAN! | No |
| DNS | X | mc-58-12-0000093.exe | Shorty adware - also detected as the AGENT.FD TROJAN! | No |
| DNS | X | mc-110-12-0000079.exe | Shorty adware - also detected as the AGENT.FD TROJAN! | No |
| DNS | X | mc-58-12-0000120.exe | Shorty adware - also detected as the AGENT.FD TROJAN! | No |
| DNS | X | mc-58-12-0000140.exe | Shorty adware - also detected as the AGENT.FD TROJAN! | No |
| DNS | X | [worm filename] | Added by the BCKDR-CQG BACKDOOR! | No |
| Dns Resolver | X | dnsrslve.exe | Added by the RBOT-WS WORM! | No |
| DNS Service | X | dnsresolver.exe | Added by the RBOT-PQ WORM! | No |
| DNS Service | X | dnssvc.exe | Added by the DELBOT-Z WORM! | No |
| DNS2GoClient | ? | dns2goclient.exe | DNS2Go is a Domain Name System that will make your computer accessible anytime, anywhere by associating a domain name of your choice to your currently assigned IP address. Is it required? | No |
| DNS7reminder | N | Ereg.exe Ereg.ini | ScanSoft (Nuance) Dragon NaturallySpeaking registration reminder. Version 7 | No |
| DNSCacheBoost | X | dnsping.exe | Added by the DNSBUST-A TROJAN! | No |
| dnscleaner | X | dnscleaner.exe | CoolWebSearch parasite variant | No |
| DNSE | X | DNSE.exe | Part of rogue security tools, including WinAntiVirus Pro 2007, PcTurboPro and SystemDoctor | No |
| DNXVC | ? | dnxvc.exe | ?? | No |
| doc | X | doc.exe | Added by the AGOBOT-BJ WORM! | No |
| DocTor | X | Doctor.exe | Added by the DOTOR.A WORM! | No |
| Doctor Antivirus 2008 | X | antvr.exe | Doctor Antivirus 2008 rogue security software - not recommended, see here | No |
| DocuMagix Init | N | PWATCH.EXE | PaperMaster is an application for the PC designed to automate the process of organizing, archiving, and retrieving digital versions of files. Start manually if needed | No |
| Document Manager | U | docmgr.exe | Wave Systems Corp. Document Manager - "provides secure storage and management capabilities for file and folder level encryption" | No |
| Doggy Style | X | MsPMSPSd.exe | Added by the SDBOT-AAP WORM! | No |
| DOGStart | X | GSDOGST.EXE | Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN! A possibility is a trojan known as PENIS | No |
| Doing | ? | doing.exe | ?? | No |
| doit.exe | X | doit.exe | Added by the FORBOT-EK WORM! | No |
| DokterFix | X | SysRep.exe | DokterFix, Dutch rogue system error and cleaning utility - not recommended. A member of the ErrClean family | No |
| Domain Name Resolve Service | X | dnsresolver.exe | Added by the KIMAN.A WORM! | 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