From older versions of MS Office - searches disk drives for Office file types and creates an index to make opening them easier. When indexing is in progress it can use lots of CPU time and memory - especially on slower/older machines
"Added by the SDBOT.EXT WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%"
"Added by the FORBOT-AG WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate Internet Explorer (iexplore.exe) which is always located in %ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %System%"
"Microsoft IntelliPoint utility (up to version 5.4) - required to support the programmable buttons and additional features on Microsoft's range of mice
"Added by the POEBOT-J WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate Internet Explorer (iexplore.exe) which is always located in %ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %System%"
"Added by the IRCBOT-AK TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in a ""drivers"" subfolder"
"Added by the RBOT-AMM WORM! Note - the executable is spelt with a lower case ""L"" rather than an lower or upper case ""i"" which is the case with Internet Explorer"
"Added by the FORBOT-DV WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate msconfig.exe which should only appear in Msconfig/Startup if you leave the warning box unchecked after changing an Msconfig entry and rebooting"
"Added by the BUZUS.AYX TROJAN! Note - this particular msmsgs.exe file is located in %System% and should not be mistaken for the MSN Messenger file of the same name which is located in %Program Files%\Messenger"
On older versions of MS Office this launches common Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. On slower machines it can be a resource hog and some users claim there's no difference with or without it - but it usually isn't required. This must be left enabled if you use the Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar (MSOFFICE.EXE) and have set it to load at startup. Available via Start → All Programs
Feature included with older versions of MS Office giving you access to common Office functions and optional shortcuts to Office (and other) programs. Some people prefer it but a better way is to create desktop shortcuts if you want access these features and programs quickly. Also available via Start → All Programs
On older versions of MS Office this launches common Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. On slower machines it can be a resource hog and some users claim there's no difference with or without it - but it usually isn't required. This must be left enabled if you use the Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar (MSOFFICE.EXE) and have set it to load at startup. Available via Start → All Programs
"Added by the RBOT-ZI WORM! - NOTE - do no confuse with the legitimate Msoicons.exe file described here. The latter wil not be listed among your startups!"
"Added by the IBOT-A TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate Machine Debug Manager (mdm.exe) process which is located in %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug (98/Me/XP/Vista) or C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM (Me only)"
"Part of SharePoint Server 2010 which is part of the Microsoft Office 2010 suite. ""Business Connectivity Services (BCS) uses a cache to store a copy of the external data required by the BCS solutions deployed on the Office client. A process called BCSSync.EXE runs on the client and provides automatic cache refresh and data synchronization of the entity instances."" For more information - see here"
DISCLAIMER: It is assumed that users are familiar with the operating
system they are using and comfortable with making the suggested changes. I will
not be held responsible if changes you make cause a system failure.
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.