Start-Up Applications

Last update :- 19th March, 2003
2361 items listed

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If you were directed by another site straight to this page, please also have a look at the main startup page first at Startup Content. It contains very useful information, including how to identify these programs, how to disable them and the information I need to accept new entries to the lists. It also includes zipped and executable versions of this page for those with slow internet connections.

PLEASE READ THIS before submitting new programs to be added to the list. Submissions can be made via E-mail or the Message Board

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 AnswersThatWork

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" whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy"

If you decide to disable a program and run it manually, and there isn't a shortcut or Start -> Programs entry available you can create your own shortcut.  

Updates - recent changes to the entries in this list

Hit CTRL+refresh in your browser to make sure you get the latest version

Random startup entry/filename viruses

There are viruses and other pests that can add any number of different entries to the startups. They make additional entries under the registry key HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Run and RunOnce keys, allowing them to run at startup:

(1) PE_BISTRO - adds XXXX = "C:\WINDOWS\XXXX.EXE" - where XXXX is the randomly chosen filename of the dropped file
(2) MAGISTR.A - adds <Virus Name> = "<Path of Virus>\<Virus Name>.EXE"
(3) BUGBEAR - adds <random string> = %system%\<random filename>.EXE. %system% is a variable. The worm locates the System folder and copies itself to that location. By default this is C:\Windows\System (Win9x/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (WinNT/2K), or C:\Windows\System32 (WinXP)
(4) OPTIXPRO.11 - adds <Registry entry> = "<Path of Virus>\<Filename>"
(5) Lop.com homepage hijacker - creates multiple and random starup entries

Spyware/Adware/Malware & Hijackers

Check SpywareInfo for information about these types of program. They have a very active forum and a list of programs that may remove them here

To find a program in this list by "Name", "Startup Item" or <filename>.<extension> (ie, "systray.exe") use your browser's find facility. For example, for Internet Explorer you can use CTRL+F.

Key:

Alphanumeric index

Num 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

Num

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X %123456% rundll32.exe shell32.dll, Control_RunDLL ...%123456%.cpl Added as a result of the KITRO.C (or DANDI.A) VIRUS! %123456% can be any random 4 to 6 digit number
U $EnterNet Enternet.exe Connection manager for the EnterNet ISP. You can also use RASPPOE
? %cmpmixtitle% %cmpmixstr% ??
N @Hoc Toolbar AtHoc.exe One-click activated browsing toolbar used by various web-sites. See here for more info
N @loha reminder.exe Registration reminder for http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,6581,00.asp E-mail utility
U !NoLoad winrecon.exe WinRecon - surveillance software that creates records of everything people do on a computer, ie, spying or monitoring depending upon how you call it
X _x-Finder _x-Finder.exe Disconnects and redials an ISP modem to an adult material site
U 00THotkey 00THotKey.exe For Toshiba Satellite notebook series to use the front buttons, play, stop, next, prev.
N 1: hpdrv.exe HP utility for monitoring when and how many recoveries have been done
? 17779Proj2002 N/A ??
N 1A:MacVisionTrayMonitor TrayMonitor.exe Comes with the MacVision program for monitoring tray icons (Note : program is by Stardock)
N 1A:Stardock TrayMonitor TrayServer.exe For monitoring tray icons
U 2wSysTray 2portalmon.exe 2Wire Homeportal user interface
? 3c1807pd 3cmlink.exe 3cpipe-3c1807pd ??
N 3cdminic 3CDMINIC.EXE 3Com DMI (DynamicAccess Desktop Management Interface) Agent associated with 3Com network cards
? 3CM Link 3cmcnkw.exe Same as below?
Y 3Cmlink 3CmlinkW.exe For a US Robotics WinModem. Provides the link to Windows as the CPU does the processing on WinModems - won't work without it. See here for more WinModem information
Y 3cpipe-USRpdA USRmlnkA.exe Modem driver files from US Robotics
U 3Deep Control Panel 3DeepCTL.EXE From LightSurf Technologies (nee E-Color) - 3Deep corrects lighting, shading and color for all your 2D and 3D games
N 3D Text 3D Text.scr 3D Text screensaver
Y 3dfxv2ps.dll 3dfxv2ps.dll Updates the registry with info that can't be held for 3dfx Voodoo 2 video cards. Important for owners of these cards
X 3Dfx Acc GFXACC.EXE Added as a result of the GIBE VIRUS!
Y 3dfx Tools 3dfxCmn.dll Updates the registry with information that can't be held for Voodoo 3/4/5 series graphics cards. Important for owners of these cards
N 3dfx Task Manager 3dfxMan.exe System Tray application for 3dfx Voodoo 3/4/5 functions. Available via Start -> Programs
U 3DLabsHelperDemon 3dldemon.exe Directly from the programs author "It is a tiny program that is installed by the Permedia2/3 and probably other Oxygen-series cards. Normally it sits in the background doing nothing at all (sleeping on a semaphore), so it should take zero CPU time and virtually zero memory, since it will all be paged out to the hard drive." In most cases it can be safely disabled
U 3qdctl.exe 3qdctl.exe Provided with Terratec 128i PCI and similar sound cards. Loads a sound profile at bootup, restoring volume and other audio settings to a pre-determined default. Similar to Creative Lab's AudioHQ
X 5-2-46-112 5-2-46-112.exe Adult material pop-up dialler. Removal instructions here

Back to alphanumeric index

A

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U A1000 Settings Utility cpqa1000.exe Compaq A1000 Print Fax All-in-One copy scan printer software. Required in the Startup in order to scan, print, copy and fax. Only required if you use these features
? AAAKeyboard ?? ??
N AAATraySaver TraySaver.exe System Tray management utility from Mike Lin which allows you to hide, show, restore icons that are lost in an Explorer crash, remove dead tray icons, minimize any window to the System Tray
X ABC keylogger.exe Monitors keystrokes so you can check if someone has typed anything while your away from your PC. Reported as spyware by SpyCop in their FAQ
N ABBYY Community Agent CAGENT.EXE Installed with the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software that comes bundled with a Compaq A3000 all-in-one printer/scanner. Its function appears to be to link you to the internet in an attempt to buy the 5.0 version of the software
X ABsr absr.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
X abtu mp3serch.exe
lopsearch.exe
Loads the executable for Lop.com. mp3serch.exe is the final version whilst lopsearch.exe is the beta version
Y AcBtnMgr_Xxx AcBtnMgr_Xxx.exe Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation
N Access Ramp Monitor armon32.exe Monitors your progress on the internet; hang-ups, connection speeds, internet congestion and traffic flow. It prevents some games from running also. To disable the Access Ramp Monitor (1) Open Windows Explorer (2) Open the Program Files folder (3) Open the MindSpring folder (4) Open the AccessRamp folder (5) Double-click on the ARMCfg32.exe file (6) Uncheck Enable Dialup Monitor and click OK (7) Restart the computer and try again
N AccessRamp Monitor01 ARMon32a.exe From a visitor "Just wanted to provide you with some info on Access Ramp software installed with Verizon DSL accounts in those areas that use the Winpoet PPPoE software. The Access Ramp TSRs are installed as part of IP Insight software (can't remember the software maker). You can decline to install IP Insight during Winpoet setup, or go into Add/Remove programs uninstall IP Insight by hand if it's already installed. It really doesn't do a darn thing for you. It was intended to help DSL techs monitor QoS, but the backend part was never implemented (at least as of earlier this year). This will not affect the user's ability or inability to access their DSL service."
N AccessRampLAN01 ARUpld32.exe Version of the above for LAN connections - a history uploader. The key in turning it off is a file named ARUCfg32.exe. This file (ARUCfg32.exe) does not show up in the startup process. If you have this file, you can execute it and remove all the monitoring activities it does. Removing all the checks in all the boxes (both tabs) still calls ARUpld32.exe to start when you start the dial up. You can block it from sending info if you have Zone Alarm installed. Renaming the extension of ARUCfg32.exe to ARUCfg32.exe1 works. The ARUpld32.exe is not loaded when launching the dial up client
? AcerPowerkey ?? PowerKey utility for Acer TravelMate notebook PCs. What does it do and is it needed?
Y ACMonitor_Xxx ACMonitor_Xxx.exe Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation
X acocash fastdown.exe
fastfown.exe
Adult content dialler
U Acombo3dmouse Acombo3d.exe Mouse driver - required if you use non-standard Windows driver features
X Aconti aconti.exe Adult content dialler
U acoustic acoustic.exe Control panel program for Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard. Not required unless changed settings aren't retained
? acpart agpart11.exe ??
N Acrobat Assistant ACROTRAY.EXE If you want to create a PDF using Acrobat Distiller, you can execute this program manually just before doing so
N Action Manager 32 am32.exe Associated with a Plustech scanner. Small utility that runs in the background for doing fax/copy/etc. Available via Start -> Programs
N Activation Activation.exe Part of Microsoft Money
U Activboard MMKeybd.exe Packard 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
X ActiveDesktop systray32.exe Added as a result of the DABOOM VIRUS!
N ActiveEyes ActiveEyes.exe ActiveEyes from TFI Technology
U ActiveMenu ActiveMenu.exe Goes with Wild Tangent demo games that come with some HP computers. Unchecking it can prevent the games from running occasionally
U ActivePlus activeplus.exe Interactive Agents Plugin for Messenger Plus! (MSN Messenger add-on)
Y ActiveShield MCVSSHLD.EXE McAfee VirusScan On-line. See also McAgentExe
N ActivSurf backweb*****.exe Packard Bell ActivSurf - automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates
U AD2KClient AD2KClient.exe Executable for Active Disk from Iomega disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
N Adaptec DirectCD Directcd.exe DirectCD primarily allows you to drag and drop files onto a suitably formatted CD-RW disc. Unless you use this on a frequent basis it isn't required and is available via Start -> Programs. Start the program before inserting a DirectCD formatted CD-RW in the drive. A re-boot is recommended if you close Adaptec DirectCD before re-opening it again later
N Adaware Bootup ad-aware.exe Ad-aware from Lavasoft. Checks your PC for "Spyware" which reports back your internet activities to "base". Available via Start -> Programs
N ADGJdet ADGJDet.exe Added with SoundBlaster Live! or Audigy soundcards for headphone autodetection
U Ad-Muncher ADMUNCH.EXE Ad 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
U Adobe Gamma Loader Adobe Gamma Loader.exe Adjusts monitor colours across all programs, including Photoshop. It is needed by some graphics professionals who want their monitor calibrated. Most home users will not need it. In my case I can verify this as Photoshop loads fine
? Ad Online Guide adonlineguide.exe ??
X adp adp.exe Spyware installed by Net2Phone, Limewire, Cydoor, Grokster, KaZaa, etc
N ADQuickAccess Adtray.exe After Dark for Windows. Screen saver creation program produced before screen savers became integrated into Win95
U ADService ADService.exe Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
U AdsGone Adsgone.exe AdsGone - pop-up stopper
N ADSL Diagnostic Tools mapiicon.exe System tray access to ADSL modem diagnostic tools. Available via Start -> Programs
Y ADSS ADSS.exe ADSS is part of Access Denied security and privacy software (Access Denied Security Server) that monitors power status and provides some other services for Screen Guard. Important to keep its running while using Access Denied
U AdSubtract adsub.exe AdSubtract blocks ads, cookies, pop-up windows, animations, music, and more. Can be disabled from within AdSubtract. Available via Start -> Programs
U ADUserMon ADUserMon.exe Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
N Advanced Tools Check ADVCHK.EXE Checks when you install a new version of a Norton product that you have uninstalled all previous versions. Serves as a reminder if you forget
X Advapi Advapi.exe Added as a result of the NETDEVIL.12 (NetDevil 1.2) VIRUS!
U Advertising Killer Akiller.exe AKiller - pop-up stopper
N AELaunch AELaunch.exe Audio Applications Launcher for the Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard
U AEZBProc aptezbp.exe IBM Aptiva keyboard customizer - enables certain special buttons on keyboard for CD operation, volume control, and few quickstart buttons. Keyboard will work without it but you lose the special functions
N Agent Agent.exe Cyberlink Power VCR II 3.0 is a TV tuner recording utility. If you want to schedule recordings you'll need this, otherwise can be disabled. Available via Start -> Programs
? Agente Remupd.exe Part of Panda Antivirus Titanium. Is this an update reminder (guess because of the name), virus definition update reminder or something similar?
U AgfaCLnk AgfaCLnk.exe For Agfa digital cameras connected via USB. Enables Windows to access the contents of the memory stick (while the stick's still on the camera) via a virtual drive
Y AGRSMMSG AGRSMMSG.exe IBM AMR modem driver
N AGSatellite AGSatellite.exe Program from AudioGalaxy that lets you download some MP3s from their server. Available via Start -> Programs
N AHQInit ahqinit.exe Part of AudioHQ for the Soundblaster Live!. Appears as though it makes the AudioHW toolbar drop down from the top of the desktop and isn't required
N AIM aim.exe AOL Instant Messenger. If connected to the internet, automatically runs up AIM. Convenience more than anything. Available via Start -> Programs
N AimingClick AimingClick.exe AimingClick from AimingTech. Web searching tool. Available via Start -> Programs
X AIM reminder AIM reminder.exe Added as a result of the BUDDY VIRUS!
N AIMster ?? Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing client that runs over the AOL Instant Messenger network. Available via Start -> Programs
Y Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB) atwtusb.exe USB interface for Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB)
? AlarmWatcher AlarmWatcher.exe Associated with SynTPEnh and SynTPLpr which are from Synaptics for touchpads on laptops. What does it do and is it required?
N Album Fast Start ABMTSR.EXE Scanner software, not required for scanner to work
? Alcom PCL Capture FMW_PCAP.EXE ??
X Alevir Alevir.exe Added as a result of the OPASERV.A VIRUS!
N Alexa Alexa.exe? Alexa Toolbar "is a downloadable toolbar that helps you navigate the Internet as you surf, by instantly providing you with related information about the site you're viewing". Available via Start -> Programs
? ALFY Accellerator AlfyAC~1.exe ??
U All Aboard Status stswin.exe All Aboard! Internet Connection Sharing status icon
U Alogserv Alogserv.exe From McAfee VirusScan for logging scanning activities. In some cases, if left running it can cause CPU % usage to go between 5-95% or go to and stay at 100%. Disabling it impacts on the reported last scan date. It is reported to cause jerky graphics response in many games. As of version 6, this is a critical component of McAfee and disabling it can cause a PC to lock up
? Alps Electric USB Server Monserv.exe Alps Electric USB Server. What does Monserv.exe do and is it required?
U AlpsPoint
or
Apoint
Apoint.exe Touchpad software for laptop PC's. For instance it is found on the Panasonic machines and allows part of the touchpad to be used for document or Web-page scrolling. Required for proper functioning of the pointing software but not required for the laptop to work
U AlwaysOnTopMaker AlwaysOnTopMaker.exe Always On Top Maker - utilty to enable an application to always be displayed "on top" of others on the desktop
N America Online *.* Tray Icon aoltray.exe Puts AOL icon in System Tray (*.* denotes version if present). Connect to AOL via the desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
Y Amon AMON.EXE Monitoring part of Eset's NOD32 virus-scanner
N Announcements Annclist.exe MS WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
N Anntext Anntext.exe Caere Pagekeeper text annotation server
U Another Internet Explorer Popup Killer aiepk.exe Another IE Popup Killer - pop-up stopper
U Anti-keylogger check antikey.exe Anti-keylogger - protects against keylogger programs monitoring your keystrokes
U AntiPopUp AntiPopUp.exe AntiPopUp for IE - pop-up stopper
? AntiVirusProtection qumk.exe ??
Y AnVir AnVir.exe AnVir virus destroyer
U anvshell anvshell.exe System Tray tool for ASUS video cards. If disabled you lose all the ASUS specific video card options in Control Panel -> Display Properties -> Advanced as well as the System Tray shortcuts toolbar
? anycom bluetooth ftflauncher.exe Associated with an Anycom bluetooth wireless card. What does it do and is it required?
N AolFix AolFix.exe Run on Gateway Astra computers, and maybe a few others. Designed to repair a bad registry key in Gateway computers that would not allow AOL  to run correctly. Not seen much any more and should only run once
X Aornum aornum.exe Installed along with iWon Prize Machine. Based upon their privacy statement this can be regarded as spyware
Y apc_tray apc_tray.exe Part of the APC UPS software loaded with the BACK-UPS CS 350 unit. Required to monitor the APC unit in case of power failure
Y APC UPS Status Display.exe APC PowerChute Personal Edition status icon
U Appcon vAppCon.exe Vital Application Console - part of POS-partner 2000 point-of-sale software from Vital. This is the taskbar icon and is enabled at startup by the "Auto-start when OS starts" option. Required for a connection to be established
U AppExtender AppExtCB.exe Loads the Confimax add-in for popular E-mail programs to confirm E-mails have been sent and received
Y Apwheel Apwheel.exe Wheel support for an Alps mouse 
? Apvxd APVXDWIN.EXE Part of Panda Anti-Virus. What is this part and is it required?
Y Apvxdwin APVXDWIN.EXE Part of Panda Anti-Virus. Required to enable permanent virus protection
N ARCSolo Recovery N/A Backup software by Computer Associates - no longer supported
Y ashMaiSv ashmaisv.exe Avast! anti-virus software - probably E-mail protection based upon the name?
U AsioReg regsvr32.exe ctasio.dll ASIO (Audio Stream In/Out) drivers for the SoundBlaster Audigy 2 series soundcards - for recording and home project studios. Required if you use this functionality
Y AspireTimeMachine acertmb.exe System recovery software supplied with some Acer notebook PCs. Similar to GoBack and the restore program in WinXP, allowing you to restore a PC back to a working state with minimal re-entry
N Astro Astro.exe Checks for updates to Quicken on a system reboot
N ASUSKey V38SHELL.EXE System tray Icon for quickly changing video modes
U ASUS SmartDoctor VGAProbe.exe ASUS video card fan/thermal monitor
U ASUS TweakEnable astart.exe Restores manually changed settings for ASUS based video cards such as overclocking. Only required if you use non-standard settings
? Ati2cwxx Ati2cwxx.exe For some ATI video cards. Probably used to access features and may not be required - for example the ATI Radeon works fine without it 
? Ati2mdxx Ati2mdxx.exe For some ATI video cards. Probably used to access features and may not be required
U AtiCwd
AtiCwd32
AtiCwd.exe
AtiCwd32.exe
Ati2cwad.exe
This utility adds the ATI tab in the advanced display properties (gives the option for TV out). Do not uncheck if there is TV out on the video card
N ATI GART Set-up Utility Atigart.exe Program that checks the motherboard chipset and determines which GART driver bundle to install on ATI video cards. If you have one, once installed it shouldn't be needed
N AtiKey AtiKey32.exe
atiptkad.exe
System Tray access and key-combo shortcuts to common display functions on ATI video cards. Can be run from Start-> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
U ATIPOLAB ati2evxx.exe ATI External Event Utility EXE Module. This task can comsume lots of CPU resournces  on some computers, but it can help with graphics card problems. Leave enabled unless it consumes too many CPU resources
U AtiQiPcl AtiQiPcl.exe Used for hardware DVD decoding on ATI video cards supporting this feature. Not required unless you regularly play DVD's
U AtiPTA
or
AtiPTAAA
or
atiptaxx
Ati2ptxx.exe
Atiptaxx.exe
Control 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
U ATI Lauchpad launchpd.exe Convenient way to start all your Multimedia Center applications (DVD, Video CD, CD Audio, File Player). You can right-click LaunchPad, and uncheck Load on Startup in the menu
N ATI Scheduler Atisched.exe Component that remains resident in memory and automatically launches the ATI VIDEO PLAYER at a user selected time and date. Delete the shortcut in the Start -> Programs -> Startup folder as well. Functions could re-enable the program to load at start-up and re-introduce the shortcut. Try it and see
U ATISmart ati2s9ag.exe ATI's "SMARTGART", which is included with the "Catalyst" drivers. When the system boots, it runs a couple of bus tests & tries to apply the most stable settings
N ATI Task Application (Atikey) Atitask.exe System Tray access and key-combo shortcuts to common display functions on ATI video cards. Can be run from Start-> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
N ATI Task Application Atitkad.exe System Tray access to common display functions on ATI video cards. As above
U ATIX10 atix10.exe Remote control driver for the ATI All-in-Wonder 8500DV graphics card
N ATnotes atnotes.exe Loads the ATnotes program for virtual sticky notes for your desktop. Available via Start -> Programs
N Atomica atomica.exe Atomica runs from the System Tray and allows the user to find out more about a word or phrase on any screen by pointing at it with the mouse and clicking button one while holding down the Alt key
N AtomicTime ATOMICTIME.EXE AtomicTime - utility that synchronizes your PC clock to an atomic clock
U Atrack atrack.exe New feature of Norton Internet Security (NIS) and Norton Personal Firewall (NPF) 3.0 is the Alert Tracker, an instant notification feature. The Alert Tracker displays information about events as they happen. This way, when a rule has been triggered or an access to the Internet made, you know about it immediately rather than finding out about it when you check your logs or notice that the NIS icon indicates a security alert
U ATTBroadbandUpdate SAUpdate.exe Big Brother from Quest Software. System and network monitor
U ATTRedUpdate AutoUpdate.exe Additional item added to start-ups after AT&T took over the now bankrupt Excite@home high-speed internet service. Included for automatically downloading and installing updates. Leave it unless you plan to regularly run it to check for updates
X AttuneClientEngine attune_ce.exe "Attune is a revolutionary service that provides you with targeted Intelligram messages to help you avoid common computer problems. Attune may also let you know when you need a specific product, service, or upgrade to optimise the use of your computer". Not required - treated as adware
X AttuneContentUpdater attune_cu.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
X AttuneDiscovery attune_di.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
X AttuneSystray attune_st.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
N aTuner atuner.exe aTuner - tweak tool for GeForce based graphics cards
Y atwtusb atwtusb.exe USB interface for Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB)
U AU Agent 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
Y AUCBPNP 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
N AudioHQ Ahqtb.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. System tray application for SB Live! functions. Available via Start -> Programs
N AutoEA 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
N AutoMate Task Service  automate.exe Task scheduler for Unisyn Automate 4 task automation/macro running software. Available via a desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
N Automatically launches the United Devices Agent when you start your computer 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
U AutoSizer AUTOSIZER.EXE AutoSizer - utility that automatically maximizes windows when they're opened
Y Aureal A3D Interactive Audio sa3dsrv.exe For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled
Y Aureal A3D Interactive Audio Init A3dInit.exe For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled
X ausvc ausvc.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
N AUTOPROP REGPROP.EXE
WMPADDIN.DLL
Both the files are in the MS Office/Bots/FP_WMP directory. Apparently, it registers the FrontPage WiMP extension
N AutoSpell 5 ASWATC32.EXE AutoSpell - spell checker
? autotbar autotbar.exe Found in the /hp/bin directory on a HP PC?
N autoupd (1) autoupd.exe Raxco Software Auto Update utility ."Used to keep your software up-to-date"
X autoupd (2) autoupd.exe VIRUS! - found in a folder of the same name
N AUXXTRAY au30setp.exe System Tray application for Aureal Vortex based soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
? AutoShutdown pssvc.exe Utility to fix vCard Export in MS Outlook 2000 - although why are these together?
Y Avast32 Astart32.exe Avast32 anti-virus - scanner
Y Avast! ashserv.exe Avast! anti-virus software - probably the main scanner?
U AvconsoleEXE Avconsol.exe From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x and Dr Solomon's VirusScan. Used to schedule regular scans. If you don't have scans scheduled you don't need it
X AveoAttune atmdlusr.exe Related to AttuneClientEngine above
Y AVG_CC
or
avgcc32
avgcc32.exe AVG anti-virus control center. Also enables scheduled tests, Outlook E-mail plug-in and automatic updates
Y AVGCtrl AVGCTRL.EXE Background task of the AntiVir antivirus program which scans files transparently in the background
Y Avgserv9.exe Avgserv9.exe Background monitoring program for AVG anti-virus
Y AvMaiSrv Avmaisrv.exe Avast32 anti-virus - E-mail scanner
Y avpcc avpcc.exe Kaspersky Labs anti-virus
X Avril Lavigne - Muse <filename> Added as a result of the AVRIL-A VIRUS! where <filename> is random
U AVWUpd32 AVWUPD32.EXE AntiVir updater. Useful, but can be run manually
Y avx communicator xcommsur.exe Anti-virus part of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
Y avxlni avxinit.exe Anti-virus part of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
N awhost32 awhost32.exe Part of Symantec's pcAnywhere remote PC management software. Provides an automatic startup of the client PC in host mode in conjuction with a host-definition file, so system administrators can access the machine. Can cause a 10% reduction in speed and not recommended
? AxFilter Rundll32 AXFILTER.DLL,
Rundll32
??

Back to alphanumeric index

B

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X b3d BDEsecureinstall.exe B3d Projector - installed along with the KaZaA file sharing utility. Causes a program called "ZUPDATE.EXE" to periodically try and access the internet. (1) Uninstall it via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. (2) Remove the BDEsecureinstall.exe if still present in C:\Windows\System. (3) Disable and ideally delete it from the registry. (4) Remove the "BDE" directory and all its contents
X b3dUpdate Zupdate.exe Same as above but not installed via KaZaA
X babeie rundll32 cnbabe.dll,
dllstartup
CommonName Toolbar spyware. To uninstall see here
N Babylon Translator Babylon.exe "Babylon-Pro is a powerful information tool that instantly provides relevant information, translations & conversions for any word or value you click on"
U BackgroundSwitcher bgswitch.exe Background Switcher Powertoy. Included with the last beta version of the XP Powertoys. Whenever a user right clicked his desktop and chose properties he could see a new tab which allowed him to enable a "Desktop Slide Show." This would automatically change the Windows Desktop at an interval specified by the user. Available here
N Backpack UDF bpudfmon.exe Backpack UDF packet writing software for Microssolutions' Back Pack external CD-RW drive. Similar to DirectCD. Run manually before insert an appropriately formatted CD-RW disk
N BackWeb backweb.exe Automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates. Typical on Compaq and HP PC's but not restricted to those OEM's. Resource hog and often causes malfunctions. Available via Start -> Programs
N Backwork Backwork.exe Backwork trojan detector
N bacstray bacstray.exe Broadcom Advanced Control Suite - for modems and set top boxes based upon Broadcom chipsets. Not required unless you have networking problems
X bargains bargains.exe Bargain Buddy - advertising spyware installed with Net2Phone & LimeWire amongst others. Some further information here
N Batchreg1 N/A Part of the Windows System Recovery process. Added to the registry via Msbatch.inf. The existence of this key or process after the last reboot during installation indicates an unsuccessful installation, as that key should be deleted automatically. See here
U BatteryBar batterybar.exe BatteryBar - displays battery usage, and the current percentage of battery power left
U Battery Scope batmgr.exe Monitors battery levels on a notebook/laptop PC
X BatzBack BatzBack.scr Added as a result of the BACKZAT VIRUS!
U BayMgr DockApp.exe Hot-swappable drive management on laptops allowing you to change drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices 
U Bayswap bayswap.exe Hot-swappable drive management on Compaq Notebooks which allows you to swap drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices
U Bayswap2 TbUpdate.exe Hot-swappable drive management on Compaq Notebooks which allows you to swap drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices
U bbui bbui.exe AOL DSL status monitor displaying a red/green icon indicating if you have a connection
U BCDetect bcdetect.exe Bcdetect.exe searches the system to make sure Creative drivers are installed for the video card. It loads the BlasterControl when the drivers are detected. Your choice - try it and see
U BCMHal bcmhal9x.dll,bcinit BlasterControl for Creative video cards - controls for desktop settings, monitor configuration, colour adjustments and performance tuning. May be needed to retain settings
Y BCMDMMSG bcmdmmsg.exe For BCM V.90 56k modems - "modem messaging applet". Required for dial-up if you have one of these modems
? BCMSMMSG BCMSMMSG.exe ??
U BCTweak bctweak.exe BlasterControl for Creative video cards - controls for desktop settings, monitor configuration, colour adjustments and performance tuning. May be needed to retain settings
N BCWipeTM bcwipetm.exe BCWipe Task Manager - scheduler for BCWipe so that it runs at convenient times. You can set a time for running the task, as well as special options for the task. Run manually when needed
N BearShare bearshare.exe BearShare file sharing client. Versions known to include spyware - see here
N BHOCop BHOCop.exe ZDNet's BHO Cop that lets you see what browser helper objects are installed. Useful for detecting spyware
N bigfix BIGFIX.EXE BigFix can automatically download and read technical support information provided by computer and software manufacturers and other technical support experts (published in the form of Fixlet® Messages) and can automatically check your computer for bugs, configuration conflicts, and security holes. Should only be started manually as it's a resource hog
N Billminder Billmind.exe Can be setup in Quicken to remind user of due payments. Available via Start -> Programs
Y bitdefenderlive avxlive.exe Main program of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
U BitDefender for MSN Messenger msnmon.exe Bitdefender anti-virus for MSN Messenger. Unless you have MSN Messenger running all the time start it manually
U BitDefender_P2P_Startup BitDefender_P2P_Startup.exe Bitdefender anti-virus for file transfers via internet messaging clients such as ICQ and MSN Messenger. Unless you have these running all the time start it manually
N bjcfd cdf.exe BroadJump Client Foundation. Broadband troubleshooting software installed by various companies. Not required and you can remove it via Add/Remove programs
N BJ Status Monitor 5xx CJSTRxx.EXE Canon printer status monitor - where "xx" is different depending upon the version. Not required as you can check the printer status via My Computer -> Printers
N BlackIce Utility blackice.exe Loads the user interface for the BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall program. From the parent site - '(the user interface) starts in the "Startup" menu and adds itself to the taskbar. The user interface is independent from the rest of the system and only displays the output or reconfigures the system. It does not need to be running for the rest of the system to run.' See also LoadBlackD
? bldbubg bldbubg.exe Found on a Dell machine??
U BlockAds
or
blads
blads.exe A Tweak-XP component, blocks advertisement banners in Internet Explorer. Can be enabled/disabled via Tweak-XP / Internet Tweaks
? BlockTracker BlockTracker.exe Found on a HP machine??
N BLSTAPP blstapp.exe Puts access to Creative's BlasterControl in the System Tray
N BMail Installation FTP_back.exe Part of iMesh - a file sharing system. Reported by Norton AntiVirus as a trojan. Once deleted does not prevent file sharing working. Older versions of iMesh re-instate this but the newer versions do not
U BMO MasterCard Wallet EWALLET.EXE The wallet conveniently stores billing, shipping and payment information on your PC
N BMupdate BMupdate.exe Related to BookmarkCentral below. Typically added after downloading drivers for Visioneer scanners for example, and you install the driver self-install
X Bnexe %filename% Added as a result of the KITRO.D (or ARGEN.A) VIRUS! %filename% can be anything
Y BOCleanautostart Boclean.exe NSClean's BOClean anti-trojan software
U bombshel BOMB32.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. Protects your Windows system from application failure and crashes - similar to Norton Crashguard. Your choice - may cause problems
X Bonzi Buddy ?? Spyware - read here for information and here for removal instructions
N BookmarkCentral BMLauncher.exe Bookmark Express - "offers a more flexible way to manage Web site bookmarks, regardless of which browser you use"
U Boost XP Service bxservice.exe Boost XP from Systweak - WinXP tweaking utility 
X boot boot.exe Added as a result of the ELEM VIRUS!
X BootLoader BootLoader.exe.vbs Added as a result of the WATERWORKS VIRUS!
X Boot Manager Njgal.exe Added as a result of the KILO VIRUS!
U BootStatus BOOTST~1.EXE Visual Basic program that pops up a small window on startup telling you how many times the machine has been booted that day.  Once you exit it, it has no more effect on resources
N Bose Wave/PC Monitor wavepcmonitor.exe System Tray access for this system (more info on the system here). Available via Start -> Programs
U bpcpost.exe bpcpost.exe MS TV Viewer Post Setup Program. Part of MS WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
X Brasil Brasil.exe Added as a result of the OPASERV.E VIRUS!
Y Brindys BriTray BRITRAY.EXE Main process for the following applications: GEDEX, SICARIO, BRINOTES, BRIRESPA, SICURE, TRASGO, UNDOCS, FRESH & BRIFAME (all of them from Brindys Software). Performs the following tasks [un]installation, web software autoupdate, notification windows, interprocess communication, tray bar icons & menus, alarms (brinotes), and common web launching from the mentioned applications. Can be stopped safely once run if so desired
N Broadband Wizard bbwiz.exe Starts Broadband Wizard so it runs in the System Tray. This application tests and optimizes your Cable or DSL connection. Available via Start -> Programs
? browser aid browseraid.exe ??
Y Browser Hijack Blaster bhblaster.exe Browser Hijack Blaster - protects your system from browser hijackers and spyware that alters your IE settings
U Browser Launcher Commandr.exe Logitech internet keyboard "Commander" software - loads the software for the shortcut keys on the keyboard. Not required unless you want to use the short cut keys
N BrowserWebCheck loadwc.exe Checks to make sure that IE is still your default browser
N B'sCLiP BSCLIP.exe CD recording utility that comes with a lot of CDR/CDRW drives and isn't required
? btinst btinst.exe Associated with an Anycom bluetooth wireless card. What does it do and is it required?
? bttray bttray.exe Associated with an Anycom bluetooth wireless card. What does it do and is it required?
Y BTUSRBDGF BtUsrBdg.exe Used with a Mitsumi USB Bluetooth adaptor
N Buddyizer Buddyizer.exe Part of the AIMster Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing application that runs over the AOL Instant Messenger network
U bugwatcher service bugwatcher.exe Bugtoaster is a service that sends reports on system/program crashes (certain types) back to Bugtoaster. They relay information to program authors and provide, if available, any known solutions to the crashes. It doesn't take up any room in memory, just activates in the event of certain program failures
? BullsEye Tracker BeTrack.exe Bullseye - intelligent research assistant
N ButtonKey ButtonKey.exe CyberView TWAIN driver for the Pacific Image range of 35mm film scanners. Enables the one touch scanning button and places an icon an the System Tray. Use your scanners software or run it manually by creating a shortcut
U Button Server bttnserv.exe Found on a Compaq PC, for the extra buttons on the keyboard for the speaker volume, media player, sleep and internet buttons. If the buttons aren't used on the keyboard or your's doesn't have them, then it isn't required
U Buzof.exe buzof.exe Buzof from Basta Computing "enables you to automatically answer, close or minimize virtually any recurring window including messages, prompts, and dialog boxes"
N Buzme Bmui.exe Buzme by RingCentral, Inc - internet call waiting. Intercepts telephone calls like an answering machine and plays the voice message on your PC. Only required when you're on-line and via dial-up modem
X Bymer.Scanner <filename.exe> Added as a result of the BYMER VIRUS! where <filename.exe> is the filename

Back to alphanumeric index

C

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U C2K CYB2K.EXE CYBERsitter 2000 or 2001 -  anti-porn filter primarily. Required if you want the sites you visit filtered without having to load the software every time you launch your browser
N Cacheman Cacheman.exe Freeware disk cache tweaker from Outer Technologies. Should only be run once and not loaded at start-up
U CADS cads.exe Cyber Sentinel internet filtering software
N CAgent CAgent.exe Abbyy Fine Reader OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software for scanning and converting documents
X cAgOu <filename>.hta Added as a result of the KAKWORM VIRUS!
N CallControl ftctrl32.exe FaxTalk Messenger Pro is a Windows TAPI based 32-bit application. When installed, the software automatically loads FaxTalk CallControl when you start Windows. When FaxTalk CallControl is running, any TAPI compliant application can request to use the modem from Windows
N Cal Reminder Shortcut calrem.exe Produces a pop-up reminder of events scheduled using the MS Office Calendar
N CamCheck CamCheck.exe NuCam camera software related
N Camio Viewer x IXApplet.exe Image viewing program that comes with digital cameras. Shows pictures that are in the camera before downloading them. "x" in the name is the version
? CamMonitor hpqcmon.exe From HP and related to digital imaging
N Canada Canada.exe Known to be a dialler - but is it maliscous or clean?
N Capfax capfax.exe PhoneTools fax software
N Capture Express 2000 capexp.exe Capture Express - screen capture utility
N Card Monitor REGCNT09.exe For the USB connection on a Panasonic PV-DV701 Digital Camcorder. Available via Start -> Programs
? CARPservice carpserv.exe Related to Zoltrix modems
U CBWAttn CBWAttn.exe Required for Bitware to answer incoming faxes, can cause sleep mode problems
U CBWHost CBWHost.exe Required for Bitware to answer incoming faxes, can cause sleep mode problems
? CBWUser CBWDial.exe Associated with Bitware that integrates fax, voice, pager, and data communications on your desktop
X CC2KUI comet.exe Comet Cursor - displays different mouse pointers dependent upon the site your visiting. Malware because it automatically installs. See here for more information and for the uninstall procedure
Y CcApp ccApp.exe Part of Norton AntiVirus 2003. Auto-protect and E-mail check will not function without this
N Ccdecode rundll32.exe streamci,
StreamingDeviceSetup
Part of the closed caption decdoder/MS VBI codec. Should only run once
Y CCDoctorLogonTesting ccdoctor.exe Checks your system to make sure it's configured properly for running Rational ClearCase, a source code management tool. ClearCase is fairly sophisticated so there are a lot of system-related things that can cause it grief. If you run ClearCase you should not disable this as it provides a valuable service, but technically it isn't required to use the ClearCase product
Y CcEvtMgr ccEvtMgr.exe Part of Norton AntiVirus 2003. Event manager for scheduling weekly scans and or automatic virus updates. Used to start automatically via CcApp and was not required as a seperate entry but a recent update changed this
? CcPxySvc CCPXYSVC.exe Part of Norton AntiVirus 2003. E-mail proxy service? Is it required
X ccreg explorer.exe Added as a result of the ZCREW VIRUS! Note - this is not the valid explorer.exe
N CcRegVfy ccRegVfy.exe Part of Norton AntiVirus 2003. Auto-protect and E-mail check will function without this
N ?? CDANTSRV.exe C-Dilla License Management software. Used for any program that uses C-dilla Protection, example: 3D Studio Max 4.x. It loads as a service automatically but is not needed unless you run said program. Can be started and stopped manually
N CDInterceptor cdi.exe CD indexer for measuring the speed of CD players
N CDTray ?? On HP PCs, this is the small CD icon next to the time
? CeEPOWER cepmtray.exe Toshiba related?
N CFD CFD.exe BroadJump Client Foundation. Broadband troubleshooting software installed by various companies. Not required and you can remove it via Add/Remove programs
Y cfgintpr cfgintpr.exe Configuration Interpreter - part of Tiny Personal Firewall V4
N cfgwiz cfgwiz.exe Introduced with Norton Anti-Virus 2002, this is a real resource hog. Many NAV users will find they can live without loading it
U CGServer cgserver.exe Associated with an Eicon Networks ISDN or ADSL modem. Call Guard Server (CGserver) watches your modem and blocks incoming or outgoing calls. You need cgard.exe (from Startmenu) to configure cgserver with rules and telephone numbers. Good against unwanted dialer programs
U ChamClock ChamClock.exe Chameleon Clock - system tray clock replacement
? ChangeLines chngline.exe ??
N Check for One Touch Update wiseupdt.exe Checks for updates for Visioneer OneTouch scanners
U CheckIt ToolBox.exe CheckIt Toolbox from WinCheckIt Diagnostic Software. Toolbox automatically backs up critical system files (such as .ini files and the Windows Registry), and performs a check on various system parameters at intervals you specify
U Check Messenger cmesseng.exe Check Messenger from Qchex.com - program that helps you manage the activity of your Qchex account
Y CheckMsgPlus MsgPlusH.dll,
VerifyInstallation
Added by MSN Messenger Plus, a third party extension to MSN Messenger. This is the auto-update feature - see here for more info.
U CherryKeyMan KeyMan.exe Multimedia keyboard manager for the Cherry keyboard series. Only required if you use any of the special keys
N CHKADMIN CHKADMIN.EXE Compaq Network Management System. When running, it places an icon in the system tray titled "Intelligent Manageability"
X Choke Choke.exe-blahh Added as a result of the CHOKE VIRUS!
U CHotKey mhotkey.exe
or
MK9805.EXE
Enables special keys on Chicony keyboards. Special combinations include Internet, E-mail, vol+, vol-, mute, etc. Only required for extended features
N Christmas Music Player TTEST6.EXE "Christmas Music Player brings the music of the Christmas Holiday to your desktop"
? ChromeMark keysh.exe Related to this. Don't know what keysh.exe does though and if it's required
X CiaBackdoor msldr.com Added by a VIRUS!
N CitiVAN CitiVAN.exe Option from Citibank to change a credit card number in a random fashion for each purchase. The number will only be used once and never again
N CIJxP2PSERVER CIJxP2PS.EXE Compaq printer utility which is required in order to make the printer work correctly - "x" depends upon the model, ie, for IJ300 x=3, for IJ700 x=7
N CISrvr Program CISRVR.EXE Related to internet setup on Compaq PC's