AST.exe

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If you're not finding what you're looking for please go to this forum and submit a new startup entry.

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

	Startup Name	Process Name	Details
Y	ashAvast	ashAvast.exe	"Part of Avast antivirus"
X	AST	AST.exe	"AutoStarter parasite"
N	fast	fast.exe	Installs as part of Windows XP PowerToys as an option for very-fast user switching (allowing a keystoke to switch users instead of using the login screen). It is only used for the hot-key switch and yet it hogs 1.5 megs of memory in two separate processes (one run by the user & one by the system). Optional install in PowerToys
X	fast	A-fast.exe	"A-fast Antivirus rogue security software - not recommended
N	FastUser	fast.exe	Installs as part of Windows XP PowerToys as an option for very-fast user switching (allowing a keystoke to switch users instead of using the login screen). It is only used for the hot-key switch and yet it hogs 1.5 megs of memory in two separate processes (one run by the user & one by the system). Optional install in PowerToys
N	FastUsr	fast.exe	Installs as part of Windows XP PowerToys as an option for very-fast user switching (allowing a keystoke to switch users instead of using the login screen). It is only used for the hot-key switch and yet it hogs 1.5 megs of memory in two separate processes (one run by the user & one by the system). Optional install in PowerToys
N	Find Fast	Findfast.exe	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
X	findfast	findfast.exe	"Added by the DLOADER.PFR TROJAN! Note - the is not the legitimate file of the same name installed with older versions of MS Office"
X	findfast.exe	findfast.exe	Identified as the RUNDIS.A TROJAN! Note - the is not the legitimate file of the same name installed with older versions of MS Office
N	Microsoft Find Fast	Findfast.exe	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
X	Recoveru system	svchast.exe	"Added by a variant of the LINEAGE-AV TROJAN!"
X	SpyBlast	SpyBlast.exe	"Spyware killer that is in effect autoinstalled foistware
X	svchast	svchast.exe	"Added by the LINEAGE-AV TROJAN!"
U	WallMaster	wallmast.exe	"WallMaster - ""The free and easiest way to master your desktop wallpaper!"""
X	Wast	wast.exe	Grokster ads updater
X	windows auto update	msblast.exe	"Added by the BLASTER.B WORM!"

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.