Microsoft Windows

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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
X	Automatic Microsoft Windows Updater	suchost.exe	"Added by the RBOT-EQ WORM!"
X	Calc Microsoft Windows	wincalc.exe	Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN!
X	Config Loader for Microsoft Windows	mwincfg32.exe	"Added by the AGOBOT.BD WORM!"
X	DirectX For Microsoft Windows	dtxservice.exe	"Added by the PROGENT TROJAN!"
X	DirectX for Microsoft Windows	Fservice.exe	"Added by the PRORAT TROJAN!"
X	DirectX for Microsoft Windows	Sservice.exe	"Added by the PRORAT TROJAN!"
X	Major Microsoft Windows Driver Boot loader	bpool.exe	"Added by the MYTOB.AJ WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows	mstask0.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.FQ WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows	atup	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows	Microsoft Windows.hta	HTA file which creates an executable on the hard drive which subsequently proceeds to download files from a malware site!
X	Microsoft Windows	explorar.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows	[path to file]	"Added by the BDOOR-LI BACKDOOR!"
X	Microsoft Windows	bootini.exe	"Added by the VANEBOT-K WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows	Kernel.exe	"Added by the EDIBARA-A VIRUS!"
X	Microsoft Windows	Kernel.vbs	"Added by the EDIBARA-A VIRUS!"
X	Microsoft Windows	pwjbvphi.exe	"Added by the RBOT-GQK WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows	windets.com	"Added by the FLOOD-EQ TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows (D)	iexplore.exe	Identified as a variant of the TrojanSpy.Agent malware
X	Microsoft Windows 128bit Subsystem	system12.exe	"Added by the RANCK-CZ TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows 16Bit	mswinn16.exe	"Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows 2000	Winupdsdgm.exe	"Added by the GAOBOT.AO WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows 32 Update	win32update.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows 32Bit	mswinn32.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows 64 Bit	mswin32.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Adapter 5.1.3214	[worm filename].exe	"Added by the STRAT.GEN-3 WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Autowxckn	autowxckn.exe	"Added by the RBOT.DYZ BACKDOOR!"
X	Microsoft Windows Client Firewall	msclt.exe	"Added by the VANEBOT-F WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Communicator for NT/XP	wincomm.exe	"Added by the RBOT.ATH WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Config 32	win32conf.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Control	mswctl32.exe	"Added by the RBOT.JP WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows CSRSS	csrss.exe	"Added by the KALEL-A WORM! Note - this worm replaces the legitimate csrss.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup!"
N	Microsoft Windows Desktop Search System Tray	WindowsSearch.exe	System Tray access to Windows Desktop Search for XP from Microsoft - which adds additional search options including a search box on the Taskbar. This version (3.0.1) also includes the Windows Search (WSearch) service which indexes files and e-mails items so you can quickly find words and phrases. Disabling this entry does not affect the normal operation and this is the Windows Defender entry
N	Microsoft Windows Desktop Search Tool Tray Admin	WindowsSearch.exe	"System Tray access to Windows Desktop Search for XP from Microsoft - which adds additional search options including a search box on the Taskbar. For this version (2.6.*)
X	Microsoft Windows DHCP	___r.exe	"Added by the MASLAN.A or MASLAN.C WORMS!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL 32-BIT	msncheck32.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-XX WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services	mwindll.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-VX WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	newdll.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-ZR WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	newdll2.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-ABD WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	poker.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-ZY WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	poker3.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-AAH WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	proxy.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-ZL WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	windir32.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.BHF WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	windir32a.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT.BHF WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	windll32.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.BHD WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	winDSL.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-ZG WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLL Services Configuration	dllmanager32.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-BTU WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DLLHandler	bitpaint.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.AHG WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Drivers	windrv.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows DVR	windvr.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AXD WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Expl0rer	expl0rer.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! See here"
X	Microsoft Windows Explorer	iexplorer.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate Internet Explorer (iexplore.exe)"
X	Microsoft Windows Explorer	explorewin.exe	"Added by the IRCBOT.WORM.212480.H WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Express	Microsoft Update	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! See here"
X	Microsoft Windows Express	websploit.exe	"Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM! See here"
X	Microsoft Windows Express	windowslogonb.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.ABOO WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Files Loader	cgy32win.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AXR WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Game Updater	msgame32.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows GUI	Windowz.exe	"Added by the RANDEX.AEV WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows GUI	msmonk32.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-PE WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Kernel Services	winkrnl386.exe	"Added by the ZEBROXY TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows Keyboard service	keyboard.exe	"Added by the RBOT-CRF WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Loader	wloader.exe	"Added by a variant of the AGOBOT/GAOBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Logon Process	winlogon.exe	"Added by the PROXYSER-R TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate winlogon.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%"
X	Microsoft Windows Media Player	mediaplayer.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Media Player	wimp.exe	"Added by the RBOT-FN WORM!"
U	Microsoft Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service Configuration Application	WMPNSCFG.exe	"Network sharing tool for Windows Media Player 11 for XP & Vista. When using WMP 11 on home network you can choose to share your favorite music
X	Microsoft Windows Registry Service	wregistry.exe	"Added by the AGOBOT.AKG WORM!"
N	Microsoft Windows Search System Tray	WindowsSearch.exe	"System Tray access to Windows Search 4.0 for XP from Microsoft - which adds additional search options including a search box on the Taskbar. This version also includes the Windows Search (WSearch) service which indexes files and e-mails items so you can quickly find words and phrases. Disabling this entry does not affect the normal operation"
X	Microsoft Windows Secure	windocs.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Secure	windocs.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Secure Server	rpcxWindows.exe	"Added by the RBOT-LL WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Secure Update	rpcxwinupdt.exe	Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN!
X	Microsoft Windows Securety	wurguar.exe	"Added by the RBOT-KY WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Security	spvsper.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Security	wscndrives.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AJK WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Service	winsys.exe	"Added by the RBOT-ADP WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Service Pack	winspkn.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AYD WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Services	msw32.exe	"Added by the RBOT-FWQ WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Services	Sersices.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-NO WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Services Edt	ssvvcchhoosst.exe	"Added by the RBOT-FYF TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows Services Edt	dllrun32.exe	"Added by the RBOT-GAF WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Session Manager Subsystem	smss.exe	"Added by the PROXYSER-R TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate smss.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%"
U	Microsoft Windows Sidebar	Sidebar.exe	"Windows Sidebar is a pane on the side of the Microsoft Windows Vista desktop where you can keep your gadgets organized and always available. In Windows 7 this feature is known as Desktop Gadgets and each gadget can be placed anywhere on the desktop. If the file isn't located in %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar or you're using other versions of Windows it could be part of the Searchcentrix hijacker"
X	Microsoft Windows Socketx32 Services	winsockx32.exe	"Added by the RBOT-FWT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Sound	svghost.exe	"Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM! See here"
X	Microsoft Windows Sound	svshost.exe	"Added by the RBOT.RNE BACKDOOR!"
X	Microsoft Windows Sound	svuhost.exe	"Added by the KOLAB.XC WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Sound Drivers	sounddrivers.exe	"Added by the SLENFBOT.ABU WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Storage Machine Service	winms.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AHK WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows SVCHOST	SVCHOST.exe	"Added by the VB.KV WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup!"
X	Microsoft Windows System	srwhost.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AWU WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows System	syshost.exe	"Added by the RBOT-ASW WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows System	System.exe	"Added by the VB.KV WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows System Kernel	kernel32.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows System Service Manager	winsvc.exe	"Added by the SPYBOT.LR WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Task Management	mstasks.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Task Manger	Mstosk.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-WW WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Tasks Management	taskmng.exe	"Added by the RBOT-FXK WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updata	scvhost.exe	"Added by the RBOT.CEM BACKDOOR!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updata	windows.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updata	[5 random letters].exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	rundlls.exe	"Added by the HABRACK WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	msoffice2.exe	"Added by the RBOT-GB WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	spools.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.TD WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	svchos.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.AC WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	svcshost.exe	"Added by the FORBOT-CF WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	svmhost.exe	"Added by the FORBOT-CH WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	svshost.exe	"Added by the WOOTBOT.CJ WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	msnmessenger.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.AJ WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	msnwun.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-RM WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	scvvhost.exe	"Added by the FORBOT-DH WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	swwhost.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	MSNMSGR.EXE	"Added by the SDBOT-WM WORM! Note - this is not the valid MSN Messenger (now Windows Live Messenger) utility which is located in either %ProgramFiles%\MSN Messenger or %ProgramFiles%\Windows Live\Messenger. This one is located in %System%"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	svzhost.exe	"Added by the FORBOT-EV WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	sccvhost.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	scrhost.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AOW WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	mnswinsx.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AWH WORM!"
X	MICROSOFT Windows update	pdate.exe	"Added by the RBOT.BZT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	srshost.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	rhost32.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	windowsupdate.exe	"Added by the AGOBOT.ON WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	servcs.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.AL BACKDOOR!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update	syssinfos.exe	"Added by the RBOT-FWR WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update Application	wuap.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update Client	csrss.exe	"Added by the KEBEDE-G WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate csrss.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%\Systems32"
X	Microsoft Windows Update Client	services.exe	"Added by the AUTORUN.DVE WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate services.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%"
X	Microsoft Windows Update Logon	win-logon.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update Service	wupdmgr32.exe	"Added by the DOS.AUTOCAT TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update Service	msnmsg.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update x86	[various filenames]	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! Filenames seen include (but are not limited to firefox.exe
X	Microsoft Windows Update XP64	*******.exe [ = random char]	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update XP64	updatexp64.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-AIM WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update XP64	Lcuninst.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Update XP64	mzhxlixm.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	winupdgm.exe	"Added by the GAOBOT.BI WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	WINIUPDATES.EXE	"Added by the RBOT-KK WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	WINUPDATE.EXE	"Added by the RBOT-LI WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	TMNTSrv.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	win32upd.exe	"Added by the RBOT-EC WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	msnupdateit.exe	"Added by the AGOBOT-RL WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	windates.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.TE WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	spoolvs.exe	"Added by the RBOT.ACQ WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	suvhost.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updater	winfix.exe	"Added by the RBOT-CM WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows updaterD	log32zx.exe	"Added by the MYDOOM.W WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updates	explorer32.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.VQ WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updates	wsap32.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Updating System	msresource.exe	"Added by the RBOT-EAM WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Visual V2.0	msiutil.exe	"Added by the DELF.JPH TROJAN!"
X	Microsoft Windows W32 Services	mssw32.exe	"Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows WinSaSS Management	winsass.exe	"Added by the RBOT-APW WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows WKS Service	gt.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.IR BACKDOOR!"
X	Microsoft Windows WKS Service	mstask0.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.FV WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows Workstation	devcode.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AWL WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows XP Configuration Loader	m32svco.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.WORM!.48548 WORM!"
X	Microsoft Windows XP/2K Explorer	winexplorer.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! See here"
X	Symantec Security Routine Addon for Microsoft Windows	navpxaw32.exe	"Added by the AGOBOT-GJ TROJAN!"

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.