Last update :- 31st July, 2005
10247 items listed
This page presents a searchable, comprehensive list of the programs you may find that run when you switch on your PC as typically identified by MSCONFIG or the registry "Run" keys - and whether you need them.
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 WinTasks 5 Standard/Professional from LIUtilities or 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.
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 "Noeton eMail Protect" in the registry.
To avoid the list becoming too large, all VIRUSES are shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions.
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. In all cases below, %system% is a variable - by default this is C:\Windows\System (Win9x/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (WinNT/2K), or C:\Windows\System32 (WinXP):
Check CastleCops for information about these types of program. They have very active forums. You may also want to try SpywareInfo for their forums and a list of startup program managers
o-----------------------------o
This search works with IE4+, NS4 and Mozilla/NS7+ but not NS6. Alternatively use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.
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
| Name/Startup Item | Command | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| X | system32.exe | Added by the AGOBOT-KU WORM! Note - has a blank entry under the Startup Item/Name field | |
| X | pathex.exe | Added by the MKMOOSE-A WORM! | |
| X | SystemBoot | services.exe | Added by the SOBER-Q TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate services.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | WinStart | services.exe | Added by the SOBER.O WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate services.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | winsystem.sys | smss.exe | Added by the SOBER.K WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate smss.exe process which should NOT appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| Y | !1_pgaccount | pgaccount.exe | DiamondCS ProcessGuard security software - stops malicious worms and trojans from being executed silently in the background, as well as a variety of other attacks. You will see one instant of pgaccount.exe for every active account on your system, and this is essential for PG to work properly |
| Y | !1_ProcessGuard_Startup | procguard.exe | DiamondCS ProcessGuard security software - stops malicious worms and trojans from being executed silently in the background, as well as a variety of other attacks |
| N | !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 |
| ? | $EnterNet | Enternet.exe | Connection manager for the EnterNet ISP. You can also use RASPPOE |
| X | $WindowsRegKey%update | IEXPLORE.EXE | Added by the RBOT-EZ WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate Internet Explorer (iexplore.exe) process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you add it manually! |
| N | %cmpmixtitle% | %cmpmixstr% | Possibly related to C-Media Mixer Control panel? |
| ? | %FP%012-L2TP fts.exe | fts.exe | 012.Net ISP software - what does it do and is it required? |
| ? | %FP%012-L2TP FWPortal.exe | FWPortal.exe | 012.Net ISP software - what does it do and is it required? |
| ? | %FP%1776 Internet fts.exe | fts.exe | 1776 Internet ISP software - what does it do and is it required? |
| ? | %FP%1776 Internet FWPortal.exe | FWPortal.exe | 1776 Internet ISP software - what does it do and is it required? |
| ? | %FP%Barak013 fts.exe | fts.exe | Barak013 ISP software - what does it do and is it required? |
| ? | %FP%Barak013 FWPortal.exe | FWPortal.exe | Barak013 ISP software - what does it do and is it required? |
| ? | %FP%Friendly fts.exe | fts.exe | Friendly ISP software - what does it do and is it required? |
| X | (*)API Machine | winSOCKS.exe | Homepage hijacker, see here (* = any digit) |
| X | (*)Run | win32API.exe | Homepage hijacker, see here (* = any digit) |
| X | (default) | [random filename].exe | Added by the BLACKMAL WORM! |
| X | (L4r1$$4) (4nt1) (V1ruz) | SP00Lsv32.pif | Added by the ASSIRAL.B WORM! |
| X | *JanisRuckenbrodII | janis.com | Added by the POPS WORM! |
| X | *Microsoft Update | ctxma.exe | Added by the STMU TROJAN! |
| X | *Microsoft Update | cxma.exe | Added by the STMU TROJAN! |
| X | *Microsoft Update | wstcl.exe | Added by the STMU TROJAN! |
| X | *Microsoft Update | wucxt.exe | Added by the STMU TROJAN! |
| X | *Microsoft Update | wuytc.exe | Added by the STMU TROJAN! |
| X | *MS Setup | [random filename] | Virtumondo adware, also known as the VUNDO TROJAN! |
| X | *Security Center | secctr.exe | Added by the SDBOT.BRO WORM! |
| Y | *StateMgr | statemgr.exe | Windows ME default for System Restore. Do NOT disable! |
| X | *windows update | wrauclt.exe | Added by the RBOT-QU WORM! |
| X | *windows update | wuanclt.exe | Added by the RBOT-PG WORM! |
| X | *windows update | wuaucrlt.exe | Added by the SPYBOT.HUR WORM! |
| X | *windows update | wuraclt.exe | Added by the RBOT-PO WORM! |
| X | *windows update | wurauclt.exe | Added by the RBOT-SY WORM! |
| X | *windows update | wsctl.exe | Added by the SPYBOT.PR WORM! |
| X | *windows update | wkmst.exe | Added by the SDBOT.AVD WORM! |
| X | *windows update | wscxt.exe | Added by the RBOT.AOS WORM! |
| X | *windows update | waurclt.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! |
| X | *WinLogon | [trojan path] ren time:[random number] | Added by the VUNDO TROJAN! |
| X | *wuauclt.exe | wxmct.exe | Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! |
| X | *wuauclt.exe | w****.exe [* = random char] | Added by a variant of the RBOT-UG WORM! Note - * in the filename represents a random char; variants spotted: wxmct.exe, wtmsv.exe, wxmst.exe, wmsvc.exe and so on... |
| X | ,main drive Loader | wininfo.exe | Suspected malware as it appears in 3 different registry locations - see here |
| X | .mscdr | lassa.exe | Added by the WEBUS.C TROJAN! |
| X | .mscdr | lsvchost.exe | Added by the WEBUS.D TROJAN! |
| X | .mscdsr | lsvchost.exe | Added by the CR TROJAN! |
| X | .mscsbl | svhost.exe | Added by the CMQ TROJAN! |
| X | .msfupdate | msveup.exe | Added by the ALLOCUP.A WORM! |
| X | .mssecure | mssecure.exe | Added by the DDOS_BOXED.X TROJAN! |
| ? | .NET config | sysmon32.exe | ?? |
| X | .norton | rchost.exe | Added by a variant of the BOXED-A TROJAN! |
| X | .Prog | services.exe | Added by the NEVEG.B or NEVEG.C WORMS! Note - this is not the legitimate services.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | .Prog | winlogon.exe | Added by the NEVEG.A WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate winlogon.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | .svchost | CSRSS.EXE | Added by the WEBUS.F TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate csrss.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | .TEXTCONV | csrss.exe | Added by the WEBUS TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate csrss.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | .TEXTCONV | lsass.exe | Added by the WEBUS.B TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate lsass.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | .WMAudio | csrss.exe | Added by the WEBUS TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate csrss.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| X | .WMAudio | lsass.exe | Added by the WEBUS.B TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate lsass.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup! |
| N | /l:eng | N/A | Related to the Dell OEM version of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card. If this item is listed and checked in startup, the System32 Folder will appear on every startup. A patch is available - filename R75304.EXE - that fixes the issue. You can find that file at support.dell.com by typing that name in the 'Search' box available there. It addresses the root of the problem in Creative's software and corrects it. Unfortunately there is no direct link to the file, but it's easily available using the search function |
| U | 000 | pit.exe | Added by the PrivateEye surveillance software! Note - If you did not intentionally install this remove it |
| X | 000hpdllhos | hpdllhost.exe | LZIO.com adware downloader |
| U | 000StTHK | 000StTHK.exe | Toshiba Hot key functionality for the function keys (Fn-Esc, Fn-F1 (lock), Fn-F2, Fn-F3, Fn-F4, Fn-F5 (switching between laptop and CRT display output), etc...) |
| U | 00THotkey | 00THotKey.exe | For Toshiba Satellite notebook series to use the front buttons, play, stop, next, prev. |
| U | 0190 Warner | WARN0190.EXE | Anti-dialer program (Germany) |
| U | 0900 Warner | WARN0900.EXE | Anti-dialer program (Germany) |
| X | 0utlook Express | *****.exe [* = random char] | Added by the RBOT-CC WORM! Note the first letter is actually the digit "0" and not a capital "o" |
| X | 1 | 1.exe | Added by the ESTEEMS TROJAN! |
| X | 1111swapmgr.exe | 1111swapmgr.exe | Added by the IC TROJAN! |
| X | 123456 | rundll32.exe shell32.dll, Control_RunDLL ...123456.cpl | Added by the KITRO.C (or DANDI.A) WORM! 123456 can be any random 3 to 6 digit number |
| U | 12Ghosts Popup-Killer | 12popup.exe | 12Ghosts Popup-Killer |
| ? | 17779Proj2002 | N/A | ?? |
| X | 180adsolution | 180adsolution.exe | 180Solutions/N-Case adware variant |
| X | 180ax | 180ax.exe | 180Solutions/N-Case adware variant |
| X | 180ClientStubInstall | stubinstaller****.exe [* = digit] | 180Solutions adware related |
| X | 180ClientStubInstall | [path to trojan] | 180Solutions adware related |
| N | 1: | hpdrv.exe | HP utility for monitoring when and how many recoveries have been done |
| N | 1A:MacVisionTrayMonitor | TrayMonitor.exe | Comes with the MacVision program for monitoring tray icons (Note : program is by Stardock) |
| Y | 1A:Stardock MCP | mcpserver.exe | Master Control Program for Stardock apps, in development. People should leave it running if they're using any of the Stardock applications |
| Y | 1A:Stardock TrayMonitor | TrayServer.exe | For monitoring tray icons - if disabled icons will not be displayed in ObjectBar or DesktopX |
| ? | 1CmailS | NETMAIL.EXE | ?? |
| X | 1on1 | 1on1.exe | Adult content dialler |
| U | 1Srv32 | SpyAgent4.exe | SpyTech SpyAgent monitoring software. "Spy software that allows you to monitor EVERYTHING users do on your PC." |
| U | 1Win32Cfg | SpyBuddy.exe | SpyBuddy monitoring software |
| U | 1Win32Cfg | Keyloggerpro.exe | KeyloggerPro - monitoring software |
| X | 1WinCfg32 | WebMailSpy.exe | WebMailSpy spyware |
| X | 2020Downloader | mssvr.exe | 2020Search Toolbar related. Reported to be auto-installed |
| X | 27 | slsorve.exe | Added by the SLSORVE-A TROJAN! |
| X | 2thousandbuck | [path to file] | Added by the RANKY.L TROJAN! |
| U | 2wSysTray | 2portalmon.exe | 2Wire Homeportal user interface |
| X | 32-bit Thunking service | thunk32.exe | Added by the DERDERO.A WORM! |
| ? | 39ELTFH25Z8SKF | Ezg1q5.exe | Seems to be associated with software by Resplendence SP ? |
| Y | 3c1807pd | 3cmlink.exe 3cpipe-3c1807pd | 3Com WinModem driver. See here for more WinModem information |
| Y | 3capplnk | 3capplnk.exe | US Robotics Modem driver |
| N | 3cdminic | 3CDMINIC.EXE | 3Com DMI (DynamicAccess Desktop Management Interface) Agent associated with 3Com network cards |
| Y | 3CM Link | 3cmcnkw.exe | Required for a US Robotics WinModem as it provides the link to Windows - won't work without it |
| 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 |
| N | 3ComDMIAgent | 3CDMINIC.EXE | 3Com DMI (DynamicAccess Desktop Management Interface) Agent associated with 3Com network cards |
| Y | 3cpipe-USRpdA | USRmlnkA.exe | Modem driver files from US Robotics |
| X | 3D Text | 3D Text.scr | Added by the JERMY.A WORM! |
| 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 |
| X | 3Dfx Acc | GFXACC.EXE | Added by the GIBE WORM! |
| N | 3dfx Task Manager | 3dfxMan.exe | System Tray application for 3dfx Voodoo 3/4/5 functions. Available via Start -> Programs |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| ? | 3Dlabs Taskbar Display Manager | 3DLman.exe | 3DLabs graphics driver related. System Tray access to display settings? |
| 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 |
| Y | 3DMouse.EXE | 3DMouse.EXE | Dritek System Inc. 3D Mouse driver |
| 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 |
| Y | 3ware 3DM | 3dm.exe | Monitors status of the disk array on 3ware IDE RAID controllers |
| X | 4wd!!! | Natal!.pif | Added by the OPASERV.AI WORM! |
| X | 5-1-61-96 | members-area.exe | Adult content dialler |
| X | 5-2-46-112 | 5-2-46-112.exe | Adult content pop-up dialler. Removal instructions here |
| X | 55278 | grepclient1.exe | Added by the LINEAGE-S TROJAN! |
| X | 666 | Ska.exe | Added by the PIPES TROJAN! |
| X | 678 | lsas32.exe | Added by the SLSORVE-B TROJAN! |
| Y | 9xadiras | 9xadiras.exe | Allied Telesyn AT series router/modem related - apparently required |
| X | 9xHtProtect | AVprotect9x.exe | Added by the NETSKY.M WORM! |
| X | ;Rundll | [filename] | Added by the PWSLEGMIR.E TROJAN! |
| X | @ | regedit -s ..win.dll | Added by the SEEKER.K TROJAN! |
| 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 @loha@home E-mail utility |
| X | @tour_ww | @tour_ww[1].exe | Adult content dialler |
| X | a | a.exe | Commercials file that registers itself in the system registry and redirects IE to a certain commercial website |
| X | A New Windows Updater | w32NTupdt.exe | Added by MYTOB.BM WORM! |
| U | a-squared | a2guard.exe | a-Squared antitrojan - can be run on demand but necessary in Startup if you prefer the a² 'Background Guard' real time protection feature |
| Y | a-winpoet-service | winpppoverethernet.exe | WinPoET is the industry's first Windows-based PPP over Ethernet client. Developed by iVasion, WinPoET is attractive to equipment providers, modem suppliers, RBOCs and ISPs. For more info read here. It uses dial-up networking for new high-speed internet customers who are more familiar with analogue modems. If unchecked in MSCONFIG it reports Error 360 - Hardware Error in dial-up networking |
| 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 |
| U | A4Proxy | A4Proxy.exe | Anonymity 4 Proxy - local proxy server that makes you anonymous when visiting web sites |
| ? | AAACLEAN | AAACLEAN.INF | ?? |
| ? | 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 |
| U | AAK | aak.exe | Advanced Anti-Keylogger - "Anti-spy software to prohibit operation of any keyloggers currently in use or presently being developed anywhere" |
| X | Aaou | amee.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware |
| X | Aapp | adprot.exe | AdBlaster adware |
| ? | aauclient | ACNUpdater.exe | Appears to be related to software from Accenture.comF1527 |
| ? | ab EazyScheduler | ezsched.exe | ?? |
| 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 | 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 |
| U | ABIT uGuru | uGuru.exe | Provides quick access to several Abit motherboard utilities - such as monitoring cpu temperature, fan speeds, overclocking, flashing of BIOS |
| N | ABITEQ | abiteq.exe | Monitoring utility for ABIT Motherboards. Displays system voltages, temperatures and fan speeds |
| U | Absolute Shield | dseraser.exe | Absolute Shield/Evidence Eliminator - iternet history eraser |
| U | Absolute StartUp monitor | ASMon.exe | Absolute Startup - startup monitor from F-Group Software |
| X | ABsr | absr.exe | Added by the AUTOUPDER TROJAN! |
| X | absr | mwsvm.exe | SeekSeek search hijacker related - as seen here |
| X | abtu | mp3serch.exe | Loads the executable for Lop.com. mp3serch.exe is the final version |
| X | abtu | lopsearch.exe | Loads the executable for Lop.com. lopsearch.exe is the beta version |
| U | AbyssWebServer | abyssws.exe | Abyss web server |
| 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 |
| U | acc | acc.exe | Advanced Call Center - "full-featured yet easy-to-use answering machine software for your voice modem" |
| X | ACCDEFRAGINFO | [path to worm] | Added by the DARBY-O WORM! |
| U | Accelerate | accelerate.exe | Webroot Accelerate - allows you to optimize Windows network registry settings in order to boost surfing speeds. Leave this enabled if you find it improves your connection |
| 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 |
| X | Access WebControl | [path to file] | Added by the PPDOOR-M TROJAN! |
| U | AccessManager | AccessMgr.exe | Part of SmartPipes SecureSite software. "SecureSite enables rapid turnup and enhanced administration of VPNs. It automates and simplifies tasks for VPN design and policy management, access control management, and key management" |
| X | AccessMedia P2P Loader | amp2pl.exe | My AccessMedia toolbar related, stealth installed! |
| 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 AccessRamp Monitor01 entry 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. Written by IP Insight and also included with Earthlink Total Access 2003 |
| U | AcctMgr | AcctMgr.exe | Norton™ Password Manager - part of Norton SystemWorks 2004 - stores passwords and other personal information, and retrieves the data needed for email logins, shopping orders, banking, and other online activities—all from the safety of your own PC |
| N | AccuWeather.com® Desktop | ?? | Desktop weather from AccuWeather.com |
| ? | Ace bows | Ace bows.exe | ?? |
| N | AceGain LiveUpdate | LiveUpdate.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." |
| U | AcerNotebookManager | almxptray.exe | System Tray access on some Acer Notebooks to give faster access to system settings |
| U | AcerPowerkey | Powerkey.exe | PowerKey utility for Acer TravelMate notebook PCs. Allows the user to quickly switch between different power schemes by pressing Fn+F3 |
| N | Acme.PCHButton | pchbutton.exe | Used by HP Instant Support |
| 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 | Adult content dialler |
| X | acocash | fastdown.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 |
| N | acpart | agpart11.exe | Program for finding trucks on-line |
| U | Acrobat Assistant *.* | ACROTRAY.EXE | Used to create PDF files with Acrobat Distiller. For Win9x/Me systems you can run this file manually beforehand. For WinXP systems this file must run at startup. Hence the "U" recommendation. *.* represents the version |
| U | Acronis Scheduler2 Service | schedhlp.exe | Part of Acronis True Image - backup software. Co-operates with the "schedul2.exe" servuce to perform backup/restore tasks correctly. Required if you want to use TrueImage to do some real backup/restore tasks - not if you only want to explore/mount images |
| N | Acronis TrueImage Monitor | TrueImageMonitor.exe | Part of Acronis True Image - backup software. Can be disabled without affecting TrueImage |
| N | AcronisTrueImage Monitor | TrueImageMonitor.exe | Part of Acronis True Image - backup software. Can be disabled without affecting TrueImage |
| N | Acronis True Image Monitor | TrueImageMonitor.exe | Part of Acronis True Image - backup software. Can be disabled without affecting TrueImage |
| 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 |
| ? | ActionAgent | actionagent.exe | "A COM server that runs on the client as part of the Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation 6.x package; provides a simple method for a remote administrator to perform actions on the instrumented client". Is it required? |
| 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 | Active Bit Station | abs.exe | Added by the MYTOB.BZ WORM! |
| U | Active shield | Activeshield.exe | Active Shield is "an heuristic screen that actively protects your computer from trojans, spyware, adware, trackware, dialers, keyloggers, and even some special kinds of viruses" |
| X | ActiveDesktop | systray32.exe | Added by the DABOOM WORM! |
| X | ACTIVEDS | ACTIVEDS.EXE | Added by the OPASERV.T WORM! |
| N | ActiveEyes | ActiveEyes.exe | ActiveEyes from TFI Technology |
| U | ActiveMenu | ActiveMenu.exe | WildTangent games that come with some HP computers. Unchecking it can prevent the games from running occasionally. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case |
| U | ActivePlus | activeplus.exe | Interactive Agents Plugin for Messenger Plus! (MSN Messenger add-on) |
| Y | ActiveShield | MCVSSHLD.EXE | McAfee VirusScan On-line. See also the McAgentExe entry |
| U | ActiveSpeed | AS.exe | Ascentive ActiveSpeed Internet Optimizer |
| X | ActiveXUpdate | svcss.exe | Added by a variant of the DEDLER.C TROJAN! |
| U | Activity | actik.exe | ActivityKey Keystroke logger/monitoring program - remove unless you installed it yourself! |
| N | ActivSurf | backweb*****.exe | Packard Bell ActivSurf - automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates |
| U | ActMaker | ActMak25.exe | "ActMaker mouse and keyboard toolkit can record the daily operation of your computer and reduce your workload. You don't need to do any coding, nor are you required to know a lot about the computer" |
| U | ACU | ACU.exe | Atheros wireless Client Utility For HP Compaq |
| U | Ad Blocker | blocker.exe | Ad Blocker - blocks popups, and also removes banners, image ads and flash ads |
| U | Ad Blocker Pro | Ad Blocker Pro.exe | Ad Away popup and banner remover |
| 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 |
| ? | Ad Online Guide | adonlineguide.exe | ?? |
| N | Ad-aware | Ad-aware.exe | Ad-aware from Lavasoft. Checks your PC for "Spyware" which reports back your internet activities to "base". Available via Start -> Programs |
| X | Ad-Aware | Ad-Aware.exe | Added by the RBOT-ADJ WORM! Note - this is not the popular Ad-aware spware/adware removal tool and is located in the WinntSystem32 or WindowsSystem32 directory |
| 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 | Ad-watch | Ad-watch.exe | Part of Lavasoft Ad-aware Plus - realtime spyware-monitor watching your memory and registry for spyware that tries to install or change your system |
| 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 | AdaptecDirectCD | 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 |
| X | AdAware | wini.exe | Added by the RBOT-XN WORM! |
| 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 |
| X | Adaware lptt01 | adaware.exe | Variant of the RapidBlaster parasite (in a "Adaware" folder in Program Files). It is not recommended you manually uninstall RapidBlaster but use RapidBlaster Killer - see here. Note - this is not the valid Lavasoft Adaware |
| X | Adaware ml097e | adaware.exe | Variant of the RapidBlaster parasite (in a "Aimaol" folder in Program Files). It is not recommended you manually uninstall RapidBlaster but use RapidBlaster Killer - see here |
| X | AddClass | AddClass.exe | CoolWebSearch parasite variant |
| X | AddClass | [Installation_Path] | Added by the Startpage.F hijacker |
| U | AdDelete | AdDelete.exe | Banner advertisment blocker |
| X | AdDestroyer | AdDestroyer.exe | Like VirtualBouncer, malware from Spyware Labs. It is distributed by the same bundling and drive-by download techniques as the malware it claims to remove/prevent, so definitely qualifies as unsolicited commercial software in itself. It also has an update feature that can download and execute arbitrary code |
| ? | ADG | ADG.exe | SoundBlaster Audigy related? |
| N | ADGJdet | ADGJDet.exe | Added with SoundBlaster Live! or Audigy soundcards for headphone autodetection |
| Y | Adiras | Adiras.exe | ADSL USB modem related |
| X | ADM Library Loader | admlib32.exe | Added by a variant of the SDBOT TROJAN! |
| X | Admanager Controller | AdManCtl.exe | Adware, probably a Windupdates variant |
| X | Admilli Service | AdmilliServ.exe | Windupdates adware variant |
| X | AdminSoft | sysfile.vbs | Added by the STARGRUB-A WORM! |
| X | Adobe | Adobe.exe | Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN! |
| X | Adobe | sysconfig.exe | Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! |
| X | adobe | gam.exe | Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! |
| X | Adobe | sysbat32.exe | Added by the LOWZONES.T TROJAN! |
| X | Adobe | zteam.exe | Added by an unidentified TROJAN! |
| X | Adobe Acrobat Distiller Application | acrotray.exe | Added by the RANDEX.DFJ WORM! |
| X | Adobe Filter Platform | afilterplatform.exe | Added by the RBOT-OP WORM! |
| 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 |
| N | Adobe Reader Speed Lauch | reader_sl.exe | Speeds up the launch of Adobe (Acrobat) Reader 7 |
| N | Adobe Reader Speed Lauch | READER~1.EXE | Speeds up the launch of Adobe (Acrobat) Reader 7 |
| N | Adobe Reader Speed Launch | reader_sl.exe | Speeds up the time it takes to load the Adobe Reader application. Your choice, but not required for Adobe Reader to function properly |
| X | AdobeA | adobes.exe | Added by the FLOOD.BA TROJAN! |
| X | AdobeFonts | fonts.hta | Browser hijacker - redirecting to Hugesearch.net |
| N | AdobeVersionCue | VersionCueTray.exe | "An exclusive feature of the Adobe® Creative Suite, Version Cue™ helps you find files fast, track multiple versions of your files, and share your files for creative collaboration" |
| X | Adope File Manager | lsasv.exe | Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! |
| X | adp | adp.exe | Spyware installed by Net2Phone, Limewire, Cydoor, Grokster, KaZaa, etc |
| X | adprot | adprot.exe | AdBlaster adware variant |
| N | ADQuickAccess | Adtray.exe | After Dark for Windows. Screen saver creation program produced before screen savers became integrated into Win95 |
| X | AdRoarUpdate | ARUpdate.exe | AdRoar adware updater |
| X | AdRotator.Application | [path to csrss.exe] | Added by the SMALL-AQ TROJAN! |
| 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 |
| ? | ADSLSYSTEMTRAY | SystemtrayV100B.exe | Apparently Annex A ADSL modem related. What does it do and is it required? |
| Y | AdslTaskBar | rundll32.exe stmctrl.dll, TaskBar | ISP software, initializes DSL modem |
| ? | ADSL_A2 | A2Installed | Associated with an Integrated Telecom Express (ITeX) ADSL driver installation. What does it do and is it required? |
| 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 |
| X | adstartup | automove.exe | Adlogix adware variant |
| X | adstartup | Adstartup.exe | Adlogix adware variant |
| X | AdStatus Service | AdStatServ.exe | WindUpdates AdStatus Service adware |
| 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 |
| X | Adtools Service | AdTools.exe | Windupdates Adware |
| X | AdultX | AdultX.exe | Adult content dialler and hijacker |
| X | Adult_Chat | Adult_Chat.exe | Adult content dialler |
| X | Adult_Chat1 | Adult_Chat1.exe | Adult content dialler |
| X | AdUpdater | sysupudt.exe | Unidentified adware downloader/updater |
| 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 |
| X | Advanced Internet Protocol | cerf.exe | Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM! |
| X | Advanced Protection System | advpsys.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! |
| X | Advanced Tool Checks | advchks.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! |
| 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 |
| U | Advanced Uninstaller PRO Installation Monitor | monitor.exe | Innovative Solutions Advanced Uninstaller PRO - "easy-to-use suite for uninstalling applications and keeping your computer fast, clean, and in its best shape" |
| X | Advapi | Advapi.exe | Added by the NETDEVIL.12 WORM! |
| N | ADVCHK | 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 |
| U | Advertising Killer | Akiller.exe | AKiller - pop-up stopper |
| X | advmon32 | advmon32.exe | Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN! |
| U | Adware Agent | adware agent.exe | Adware Agent popup blocker |
| N | Adware Spy | AdwareSpy.exe | Adware remover - not recommended, see here |
| X | AdwareAlert | AdwareAlert.Exe | Adware remover - not recommended, see here |
| X | AdwareDelete | adwaredelete.exe | Adware remover - not recommended, see here |
| ? | Aeiwlsta.exe | Aeiwlsta.exe | IBM High Rate Wireless LAN Adapter driver. Is it required? |
| N | AELaunch | AELaunch.exe | Audio Applications Launcher for the Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard |
| X | AERVICESN | AERVICESN.exe | Added by the RANDON-AO WORM! |
| ? | AeXSWDUsr | AeXSWDUsr.exe | Altiris Express NS Client Manager software. Is it required? |
| 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 |
| U | AFAFilter | windefault.exe | AFAFilter - internet filter software |
| 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 |
| X | Agent Browser | [random filename] | Added by the PPdoor.M-bdr backdoor TROJAN! |
| X | Agent Explorer | [random filename] | Unidentified adware |
| ? | 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 |
| X | agp | agp32.exe | Added by the GAOBOT.SY WORM! |
| 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 |
| U | ahfp | ahfp.exe | Advanced Hide Folders - "is powerful file security program. It allows to hide folders or hide files. Advanced Hide Folders is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view, delete or modify them either" |
| U | ahfprog | ahfp.exe | Advanced Hide Folders - "is powerful file security program. It allows to hide folders or hide files. Advanced Hide Folders is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view, delete or modify them either" |
| U | AHNSD | AhnSD.exe | AhnLab V3 antivirus updater - leave enabled unless you manually update on a regular basis |
| ? | AHNUE | AHNUE.exe | ?? |
| 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 |
| X | Ahst | iebs.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware |
| X | AHU | [path to worm] | Added by the ANACON-B WORM! |
| X | Aica | tuaa.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware |
| X | Aida | ttuh.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware |
| U | aiepk | aiepk2.exe | Another IE Popup Killer - pop-up stopper |
| N | AIM | aim.exe | AOL Instant Messenger. If connected to the internet, automatically runs up AIM. Convenience more than anything. Available via Start -> Programs |
| X | AIM Instant Message Cookies | [random filename] | Added by the RBOT-AFV WORM! |
| X | AIM reminder | AIM reminder.exe | Added by the BUDDY TROJAN! |
| X | AIM95 Startup | aim95.exe | Added by the AGOBOT.AEE WORM! |
| X | aimaol lptt01 | aimaol.exe | Variant of the RapidBlaster parasite (in a "Aimaol" folder in Program Files). It is not recommended you manually uninstall RapidBlaster but use RapidBlaster Killer - see here |
| X | aimaol ml097e | aimaol.exe | Variant of the RapidBlaster parasite (in a "Aimaol" folder in Program Files). It is not recommended you manually uninstall RapidBlaster but use RapidBlaster Killer - see here |
| U | aimb.exe | aimb.exe | IMSufSentinel is a spy program which can record IM conversations, log keystrokes, record URLs visited, and take screenshots. If you didn't install this yourself remove it |
| N | AimingClick | AimingClick.exe | AimingClick from AimingTech. Web searching tool. Available via Start -> Programs |
| N | AIMster | ?? | Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing client that runs over the AOL Instant Messenger network. Available via Start -> Programs |
| N | AIMWDInstall | AIMWDInstall.exe | Version of the WildTangent on-line games installer that came with versions of AOL Instant Messenger. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case |
| Y | Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB) | atwtusb.exe | USB interface for Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB) |
| X | aircity | aircity.exe | Related to "Prutect" malware from e2Give |
| X | AKEYNAME | WinServ.exe | Added by the EVILBOT.C TROJAN! |
| U | AKiller | akiller.exe | BuyPin Advertising Killer - popup killer |
| X | ala.exe | ala.exe | Access Lock is a system-tray security utility you can use to secure your desktop when you are away from your computer |
| U | Alarm Manager | Alarm.app.exe | Palm alarm event reminder that coordinates what is on your Palm with settings on your desktop |
| ? | 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 |
| X | Alchem | Alchem.exe | Transponder parasite updater/installer |
| X | alcmtr | ALCMTR.EXE | Realtek AC97 Audio - Event Monitor. "Sypware" 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 |
| U | Alcohol | Alcohol.exe | Alcohol 120% - CD/DVD emulation/writing/copying software |
| U | Alcohol Autorun | Alcohol.exe | Alcohol 120% - CD/DVD emulation/writing/copying software |
| ? | Alcom PCL Capture | FMW_PCAP.EXE | ?? |
| N | AlcWzrd | ALCWZRD.EXE | RealTek High Definition audio driver related - detects new devices when plugged in, then pops up a dialog box. If everything works as expected you should be able to disable this one |
| X | AlcxMonitor | Alcxmntr.exe | Realtek AC97 Audio - Event Monitor. Sypware file used surreptitiously monitor one's actions. It is not a sinister one, like remote control programs, but is being used by Realtek to gather data about customers |
| X | Alevir | Alevir.exe | Added by the OPASERV.A or OPASERV.F or OPASERV.G WORMS! |
| X | AlevirOld | [worm filename] | Added by the OPASERV.G WORM! |
| 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 | ?? |
| X | ALG32 | ALG32.EXE | Added by the Startpage.K hijacker |
| X | ALGU | ALGU.EXE | Added by the CWS-I TROJAN! |
| N | Alias SketchBook Snapshot | ALIASS~2.EXE | Screen-capture utility for Alias Sketchbook |
| N | AlienAutopsy | Test_BS.exe | Alienware computer technical support software |
| Y | ALiSndMgr | ALiSndMg.exe | ALi AC97 Sound driver |
| ? | AliUSBfix | GREENMK.exe | May be realted to a USB 2.0 PCI card - the IOgear GIC220OU? |
| X | alkasr | ÎäÒíÑ.exe | Added by the BALKART TROJAN! |
| U | All Aboard Status | stswin.exe | All Aboard! Internet Connection Sharing status icon |
| X | All Sea screen saver | TaskTray.exe | "Free screensaver", installs lots of foistware. See here. Get rid of it |
| X | All Sea web link | FWLink.exe | "Free screensaver", installs lots of foistware. See here. Get rid of it |
| N | AllerCalc | AllerCalc.exe | AllerCalc is an expression calculator which allows you to directly enter an expression to be evaluated. Can be started manually |
| U | allSnap | allSnap.exe | "allSnap is a small system tray app that makes all top level windows automatically align like they do in programs such as Winamp or Photoshop" |
| X | Alogrithm Link Queue | alq.exe | Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! |
| 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 |
| U | ALPass | ALPass.exe | ALPass password manager |
| Y | Alps Electric USB Server | Monserv.exe | Alps Electric USB Server - required according to this article |
| U | AlpsPoint | 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 |
| ? | ALServ | ALServ.exe | Altec Lansing AMS speaker related. What does it do and is it required? |
| N | Altnet | points manager.exe | Altnet Points Manager - manages the new Kazaa Plus scheme for awarding you points if you share music files on your machine with others rather than simply getting files and not sharing their own. Start manually when required |
| N | AltnetPointsManager | points manager.exe | Altnet Points Manager - manages the new Kazaa Plus scheme for awarding you points if you share music files on your machine with others rather than simply getting files and not sharing their own. Start manually when required |
| U | AltoMB_service | AltoMBsrv.exe | Alto Memory Booster from Alto Software - boost the computers performance via more intelligent and efficient memory management. MS MVPs (Most Valued Professional) recommend not using memory managers with Win98/SE/ME. See this article and make up your own mind |
| U | ALUAlert | ALUNotify.exe | Notification reminder for Symantec's LiveUpdate. Leave enabled unless you manually run LiveUpdate on a regular basis |
| N | Aluria Security Center | SecurityCenter.exe | Aluria 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 |
| U | Aluria's Pop-Up Stopper | eps.exe | Aluria Pop-Stopper |
| N | Aluria's Spyware Eliminator | ASE.exe | Aluria 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 |
| U | AlwaysOnTopMaker | AlwaysOnTopMaker.exe | Always On Top Maker - utilty to enable an application to always be displayed "on top" of others on the desktop |
| X | AmazingTens | AmazingTens.exe | Premium rate adult content dialler |
| 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 |
| N | AME_CSA | rundll32 amecsa.cpl, RUN_DLL | Loads ADSL modem Control Panel applet |
| U | AModemLockDown | ModemLockDown.exe | ModemLockDown - allows you to supervise internet access by disabling the modem, protects againt dialers accessing dial-up connections, etc |
| Y | Amon | AMON.EXE | Monitoring part of Eset's NOD32 virus-scanner |
| Y | Amonitor | amon.exe | Tiny Personal Firewall |
| U | AMSN | amsn.exe | aMSN P2P client - can be started manually |
| X | anbv32 | nabv32.exe | Added by the TITOG.C WORM! |
| Y | ANIWZCS2Service | WZCSLDR2.exe | ALPHA Networks wireless driver |
| ? | ANIWZCSService | WZCSLDR.exe | D-Link wireless PCI adapter related. In some cases reported to cause excessive CPU activity |
| ? | AnnotateCheck | AnnCheck.exe | Genius Wizard Pen Tablet driver related. Is it required? |
| 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 | ANONYMIZER_SPYWAREKILLER | SpyWareKiller.exe | Anonymizer Spyware Killer |
| U | Another Internet Explorer Popup Killer | aiepk.exe | Another IE Popup Killer - pop-up stopper |
| X | ansjava | [path to worm] | Added by the RANDON-AN WORM! |
| X | Anskya | PYSKY.NET.exe | Added by the DLOADER-MW TROJAN! |
| X | Answer Problem | dSAFsqs.exe | Added by the SDBOT-SC WORM! |
| X | Anti Spam Service | spamsvc.exe | Added by the MYTOB-BK WORM! |
| U | Anti-keylogger check | antikey.exe | Anti-keylogger - protects against keylogger programs monitoring your keystrokes |
| U | Anti-Trojan-Watch | ATWatch.exe | Anti-Trojan Watch - trojan detector |
| X | Anti-Virus Product Sync | [unprintable character][3 characters]log.exe | Added by the KEDEBE.D WORM! |
| X | Anti-Virus Update Scheduler | [various filenames] | Added by a variant of the HEPLANE or STAPREW.B TROJANS! |
| X | Anti-Virus Update Scheduler V1.39.12R | [various filenames] | Added by the HEPLANE or STAPREW.B TROJANS! - different filenames have been spotted; examples: msvc.exe, kaspersky.exe, nrton.exe, wins.exe, gah32.exe, 1.tmp, syste.exe, alg.exe, socks.exe, winxpsp2.exe, tek9.exe, sks.exe, hihi.exe, s.exe, xps2.exe, dns2.exe, ikav32.exe and more... |
| U | AntiPopUp | AntiPopUp.exe | AntiPopUp for IE - pop-up stopper |
| Y | AntiVir XP | AVwin.exe | AntiVir antivirus |
| X | Antivirus | av.exe | Added by the SINKIN TROJAN! Resets IE start page to realphx.com |
| X | Antivirus | maja.exe | Added by the NETSKY.H WORM! |
| X | Antivirus | iexpl0res.exe | Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! |
| X | AntiVirus | kaspery.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! |
| X | Antivirus Installer | [path to trojan] | Added by the BADGENT-A TROJAN! |
| X | antivirus32 | antivirus.exe | Added by the SPYBOT.KAI WORM! |
| X | AntivirusGold | AntivirusGold.exe | Malware masquerading as an antivirus - also installs the Winnook TROJAN! |
| ? | AntiVirusProtection | qumk.exe | ?? |
| X | antiware | elite***32.exe [*** = random char] | Added by the DLOADER-HW TROJAN! |
| U | AntiWindowsMessenger | AntiMsMsg.exe | Anti-Windows_Messenger is a small application that prevents Windows Messenger from remaining resident in memory |
| Y | AnVir | AnVir.exe | AnVir Task Manager - protects computer against viruses and manages running processes and startup files |
| Y | AnVir Task Manager | AnVir.exe | AnVir Task Manager - protects computer against viruses and manages running processes and startup files |
| 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 | AnyDVD | AnyDVD.exe | "AnyDVD is a driver, which descrambles DVD-Movies automatically in the background. This DVD appears unprotected and region code free for all applications and the Windows operating system as well" |
| N | AO Tray | AOTray.Exe | System Tray application for AOpen soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel |
| X | AOL 9.0 Optimized | AOLClient.exe | Added by the SPYBOTER.A TROJAN! |
| U | AOL Broadband Check-Up | matcli.exe | "matcli.exe is a motive Assistant Command line interface that gathers information about your system's identity like your name email address, city, county, etc and gets written to a log file". The AOL Self Support Tool is required to run with the Help and Support program. If you uncheck AOL and and then run Help and Support it will add another AOL entry in the startup menu. If you remove this software in "add/remove programs" some help menus in help and support will not be available. You decide |
| N | AOL Companion | companion.exe | Part of the AOL Connection Suite and installs an icon on the system tray offering easy access to AOL's additional utilities and functions. This program is a non-essential process, and is installed for ease of use |
| X | Aol Configuration Loader | aimsng.exe | Added by the SDBOT-XE WORM! |
| ? | AOL Fast Start | AOL.exe | AOL ISP software related. What does it do and is it required? |
| X | AOL Instant Messanger | aim.exe | Added by the SDBOT-YT WORM! |
| X | AOL Instant Messengar | aol.exe | Added by the AGOBOT-FN WORM! |
| ? | AOL Instant Messenger | AlM.EXE | That is an L between the A and M, the start up location is wrong for AIM. What does this relate to? |
| X | Aol Instant Messenger | aolmsg.exe | Added by KELVIR.AL WORM! |
| X | AOL Instant Messenger 7.213 | aim9283.exe | Added by the SDBOT-ZF WORM! |
| X | AOL Messenger | [random filename] | Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN! |
| X | AOL Messenger | aolmsngr.exe | Added by the SDBOT-JF WORM! |
| U | AOL Spyware Protection | AOLSP Scheduler.exe | AOL's spyware protection program |
| Y | AolAcsDaemon1 | Acsd.exe | AOL Connectivity Service - starts an automatic function that restores the connection should you lose it while online. Negates having to go through the procedure of signing back on manually |
| Y | AolAcsDaemon1 | AOLACSD.EXE | AOL Connectivity Service - starts an automatic function that restores the connection should you lose it while online. Negates having to go through the procedure of signing back on manually |
| ? | AOLCC | ACCAgnt.exe | AOL ISP software related, file located in a "AOL Computer Check-Up" folder. What does it do and is it required? |
| X | AolCon | config.com | Added by the TAPLAK WORM! |
| N | AOLDialer | AOLDial.exe | AOL ISP software dialer - can be activated through a desktop shortcut |
| 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 |
| N | AOTray | AOTray.Exe | System Tray application for AOpen soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel |
| Y | APC UPS Status | Display.exe | APC PowerChute Personal Edition status icon |
| U | APC_SERVICE | mainserv.exe | PowerChute® Personal Edition - "safe system shutdown software with sophisticated power management functions" |
| 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 |
| X | API32 | api32.exe | Added by the IRCBOT-B TROJAN! |
| X | APIMon | apimonx.exe | Added by the TIBSER.A downloader TROJAN! |
| X | APIMon | winapix.exe | Added by a variant of the TIBSER.A downloader TROJAN! |
| ? | Apmsrv9x | APMSRV9X.EXE | Intel AnyPoint Wireless II Home Network related. What does it do and is it required? |
| U | 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 |
| X | App.EXEName | [path to worm].exe | Added by the BODIRU WORM! |
| 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 |
| X | appconn | appconn.exe | Added by the CARGAO WORM! |
| U | AppExtender | AppExtCB.exe | Loads the Confimax add-in for popular E-mail programs to confirm E-mails have been sent and received |
| X | appis.exe | appis.exe | Added by the AGENT-BC TROJAN! |
| Y | Application | mdmsetsp.exe | Aztech Labs modem driver |
| U | Application Explorer | Naldesk.exe | Novell Zenworks Application Explorer Executable. "For almost all users |