Msmsgs.exe

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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	afmsmsgs	afmsmsgs.exe	"Added by the DLOADR-CUX TROJAN!"
X	csrss	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the CHODE-J BACKDOOR! Note - this malware uses MSN Messenger (which is located in %Program Files%\Messenger) in the background to propogate itself"
N	Messenger	msmsgs.exe	"Windows Messenger instant messenger utility included with Windows 2K/XP. Available via the Start menu. Go to Windows Messenger → Tools → Options → Preferences and uncheck ""Run this program when Windows starts"""
X	Messenger Service	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-ZB WORM! 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"
X	Microsoft Excele	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the AGENT.AJQG 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"
X	Microsoft Msn Messenger	msmsgs.exe	"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"
X	Microsoft Oftice	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the IRCBOT.ALT WORM! 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"
N	MSMSGS	msmsgs.exe	"Windows Messenger instant messenger utility included with Windows 2K/XP. Available via the Start menu. Go to Windows Messenger → Tools → Options → Preferences and uncheck ""Run this program when Windows starts"""
X	Msmsgs	Msmsgs.exe	"Added by the SILLYFDC-AP WORM! 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"
X	msmsgs	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the SCLOG-AL 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"
X	msmsgs.exe	IEXPLORE.EXE	"Added by the VB.FQX TROJAN! 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%"
X	MSN Messenger	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the ZLOB 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"
X	Msn Update Manager (Sp2)	MSMSGS.EXE	"Added by the AGOBOT-NL WORM! 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"
X	notepad.exe	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the ZLOB TROJAN and variants! 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"
X	RegSvr32	msmsgs.exe	"Added by the ZLOB.B 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"
X	Scheduler	MSMSGS.EXE	"Added by the HOSTBANK-A TROJAN! Note - this particular msmsgs.exe file is located in %System%\Config and should not be mistaken for the MSN Messenger file of the same name which is located in %Program Files%\Messenger"
X	YhooUpdates	ymsmsgs.exe	"Added by the SMALL_K 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.