CastleCops, Internet Crime Fighters
Need help? Click here to register for free! Absolutely zero advertisements on this site!

spacer spacer

StartupList Index

Currently 17175 startuplist entries and growing...
Last updated on 2008-08-21 15:41:23 Eastern.
!! THESE ARE STARTUP PROGRAMS AND NOT TASK MANAGER PROCESS ITEMS !!


For more information on startup programs, including how to identify them and the information required for submitting additions to this list please refer to Content & Info. Reprinted with permission from Paul Collins who owns the copyright to the list. CastleCops also adds additional items that may not be in the original list but attempts are made to ensure the original is also updated. The full HTML list is here.

CastleCops is now hosting the official Pacs-portal forums. CastleCops has also cross-referenced startup entries with our File Hash database where appropriate. Comments or questions can be fielded here.

KEY:
  • "Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up
  • "N" - Not required - 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

  •   

    ABC List: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z



    Random sampling...
    NameStatusFilenameDescription
    ATI Task Application (Atikey)NAtitask.exeSystem Tray access and key-combo shortcuts to common display functions on ATI video cards. Can be run from Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
    Aluria's Spyware EliminatorNASE.exeAluria Software's spyware removal tool - we can't really recommend this product as Aluria have recently partnered with WhenU, the well known adware company, see here and here
    aupdXsywsvcs.exeAdded by the Troj/Orse-M TROJAN! Note: This trojan file is found in the System (95/98/ME) or System32 (NT/2000/XP) folder.
    ActivboardUMMKeybd.exePackard Bell ActiveBoard keyboard - multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the additional keys and want to see the status of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock keys
    AolAcsDaemon1YAOLACSD.EXEAOLacsd.exe is a part of the AOL Internet Software and relates to the connection driver, essential to Internet connection. This program is a non-essential system process, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems
    AlfaCleanerXAlfaCleaner.exe AlphaCleaner is now a stealth install using exploits on unpatched systems. Seen alongside RazeSpyware
    Alarm ManagerUAlarm.app.exePalm alarm event reminder that coordinates what is on your Palm with settings on your desktop
    ATnotesNatnotes.exeLoads the ATnotes program for virtual sticky notes for your desktop. Available via Start -> Programs
    Advanced Protection SystemXadvpsys.exeAdded by a variant of the WIN32.RBOT WORM!
    Anti-VirusXvpms.exeAdded by an unidentified TROJAN! of the Sdbot family. Note: This worm\trojan is located in C:\Windows\System (Win9x/Me), C:\%WINDIR%\System32 (XP/WinNT/2K
    Add**32.exe (* = random char)XAdd**32.exe (*,= random char) CoolWebSearch/HomeSearch adware component - for examples, see this log.
    AceGain LiveUpdateNLiveUpdate.exe AceGain_LiveUpdate . "AceGain LiveUpdate provides a fully managed and customizable LiveUpdate platform that seamlessly integrates with a game. As soon as an update is made available, AceGain manages the alert, download and installation as well as version control and user network preferences."
    ADQuickAccessNAdtray.exeAfter Dark for Windows. Screen saver creation program produced before screen savers became integrated into Win95
    AdobeReaderProXmsnxpsp.exeAdded by the W32/Rbot-ASK or W32/Rbot-AUS WORM! Note: This worm\trojan file is found in the System (95/98/ME) or System32 (NT/2000/XP) folder
    AttuneContentUpdaterXattune_cu.exeAdded by helpdesk_software called Aveo Attune. This consists of programs that are misleading, harmful, or undesirable. Note: Located in C:\Program Files\AVEO\ATTUNE\Bin\
    Aim PluginXaimplugin.exeAdded by the W32/Guap-F WORM! Note: This worm file is found in the System (95/98/ME) or System32 (NT/2000/XP) folder.
    Atl**.exe (* = random char)XAtl**.exe (* =,random char) CoolWebSearch/HomeSearch adware component - for examples, see this log
    AeXAgentLogonNAeXAgentActivate.exe Altiris Agent transmits information about your machine for the purpose of asset management and deployment
    APIMonXwinapix.exeAdded by a variant of the TIBSER.A downloader TROJAN!
    akgkagaksad9Xfsakfask9.exeAdded by the Troj/OnLineG-M Trojan
    AntivirusXav.exeAdded by the SINKIN VIRUS! Resets IE start page to realphx.com
    AOL Instant Messenger?AlM.EXEThat is an L between the A and M, the start up location is wrong for AIM. what does this relate to?
    Actual Window MinimizerUActualWindowMinimizerCenter.exeRelated to Actual_Window_Minimizer allows minimizing any window to task tray notification area or to the edge of the screen. Note: located in C:\Program Files\Actual Window Minimizer\
    AnyTime OrganizerUAtDem.exeRelated to AnyTime_Organizer from Individual Software Inc. Oorganize, your calendar, to-do list, and address book etc... Note: Located in \%Program Files%\AnyTime Deluxe\
    AMP WinOFFUwinoff.exe WinOFF is " a utility designed to shut down Windows computers automatically, in a fully configurable way."
    AolConXconfig.comAdded by the TAPLAK VIRUS!
    AlcxMonitorXAlcxmntr.exeRealtek AC97 Audio - Event Monitor. "Slyware" file used surreptitiously monitor one's actions. It is not a sinister one, like remote control programs, but it is being used by Realtek to gather data about customers
    AtiPTAUAtiptaab.exeControl panel for the ATI series of video cards allowing access to such features as display resolution, colour depth, etc. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display. Some users may need it if they have optimised their settings
    afskfask8Xfsfjasj8.exeAdded by the Troj/OnLineG-L Trojan
    Ad-MuncherUADMUNCH.EXEAd Muncher removes adverts, pop-ups and general annoyances in your browser, file-sharing and messenger programs. Causes conflicts with Outlook, game sites and web-building applications
    ab EazyScheduler?ezsched.exe??
    AGSatelliteNAGSatellite.exeProgram from AudioGalaxy that lets you download some MP3s from their server. Available via Start -> Programs
    AntiVirXscvhost.exeAdded by the TROJ/AGENT-DSF TROJAN!
    AnonymityGatewayUAnonymity,Gateway.exeRelated to Anonymity_Gateway a privacy protection tool that conceals IP address preventing your surfing habits and your internet activity form being tracked by websites or Internet Service Providers. Note: Located in \%Program Files%\Anonymity Gateway\
    Adobe Acrobat Reader CFGX[random file,name]Added by a variant of the WIN32.RBOT WORM!
    ARMOR2NETNArmor2net.exeRelated to Armor2net personal firewall (possibly contains or is related to an anti-spyware product known as ArmorWall, which is considered a rogue anti-spyware app, not recommended see here
    AntiSpywareMasterXasm.exeAdded by AntiSpywareMaster A rogue "security software" using false positives as goad to purchase. Note: Located in \%Program Files%\AntiSpywareMaster\ Note: Use SDFix under supervision.
    AUXXTRAYNau30setp.exeSystem Tray application for Aureal Vortex based soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
    antispyXANTIVIRUS.exeAdded by the IEAntiVirus Rogue antispyware program
    ActiveDesktopXsystray32.exeAdded by the DABOOM VIRUS!
    accwizz.exeXaccwizz.exeAdded by the W32.Ruland.A WORM!
    AVKTrayUAVKTray.exeRelated to AntiVirenKit from G DATA Software AG. Tray control for the Virus software. Note: Located in \%Program Files%\G DATA AntiVirenKit\
    ASDPLUGINXfullgames.exe AsdPlug premium rate adult content dialer variant
    AntiVirusXAntiVirus.exe Troj/Banker-EHB Read the link, steals information
    AllToTrayUALLTOTRAY.EXERelated to AlltoTray from DNTSoft. Minimize ANY program to your System Tray.
    AqujyjaxXaqujyjax.exeAdded by the W32/SDBOT-YC WORM!
    API32Xapi32.exeAdded by the IRCBOT-B TROJAN!
    Adobe Photoshop 7.0XAdobePhotoshop.exeAdded by a variant of the W32/SDBOT WORM! - NOTE: Do NOT confuse with the Adobe photo editing software of the same name!
    AudioDeckNADeck.exeADeck.exe is a system tray application for VIA's sound cards which offers quick access to a number of sound card related items.
    AAWNAd-Aware.exeRelated to Ad-Aware_SE from Lavasoft. AdAware removal tool. Note: Located in \%Program Files%\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE Professional\Ad-Aware.exe
    APD123XAPD123.exe PacerD_Media/Pacimedia.com adware component
    autoupdNautoupd.exeRaxco Software Auto Update utility."Used to keep your software up-to-date"
    adprotXadprot.exe AdBlaster adware variant
    Antivirus-2008.exeXAntivirus-2008.exeIdentified as a variant of the FraudTool/FakeAV malware. Note: Located in \%Program Files%\ Note: Use SDFix under supervision.
    Acecad.WtxploadYWtxpload.exe,Acecaddriver for an AceCad USB Graphics Tablet

    This is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a list 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 list at AnswersThatWork. 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.
    If you find the information on these pages useful, why not make a donation to help towards its maintenance :- or E-mail me.


    Engine Version 2.0 by CastleCops

    spacer spacer