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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
N	AccuWeather.com� Desktop	AccuWeatherDesktop.exe	"Desktop weather from AccuWeather"
N	AccuWeatherDesktopAlerts	AccuWeatherDesktopAlerts.exe	"Weather alerts for AccuWeather.com Desktop which ""provides you with the most accurate
U	Active Desktop Calendar	ADC.EXE	"XemiComputers Active Desktop Calendar"
X	ActiveDesktop	systray32.exe	"Added by the DABOOM WORM!"
X	AdsBlocker	stopAds.exe	"AdsBlocker - detected by NOD32 as DIALER.DW!"
N	AlienAutopsy	Test_BS.exe	"Alienware computer technical support software"
U	Aluria's Pop-Up Stopper	eps.exe	Aluria Pop-Stopper
U	AlwaysOnTopMaker	AlwaysOnTopMaker.exe	"Always On Top Maker - utilty to enable an application to always be displayed ""on top"" of others on the desktop"
U	AOL TopSpeedMonitor	aoltsmon.exe	"AOL's TopSpeed ""web-acceleration technology speeds up your web-browsing experience by storing and reusing elements of web pages that you visit
U	ATI Desktop Component	ATIPTAXX.EXE	"Installed with the drivers for some ATI based discrete graphics cards and on-board/mobile chipsets. Provides System Tray access to display settings (including desktop resolution
U	ATI Technologies Inc. HydraVision Desktop Manager	HydraDM.exe	"Part of HYDRAVISION - ATI's software for managing mutliple displays and virtual desktops. This is the HYDRAVISION Desktop Manager - which ""customizes the behaviour of windows and dialog boxes
X	AutoDiscovery/AutoPurge (ADAP) Service	wmiadapi.exe	"Added by the RBOT.FLT WORM!"
X	Autopdate	Autopdate.exe	"Added by the RBOT-AGL WORM!"
N	AUTOPROP	REGPROP.EXE WMPADDIN.DLL	"Both the files are in the MS Office/Bots/FP_WMP directory. Apparently
X	AutoProtect	AutoProtect.vbs	"Added by the KILLBAT-C WORM!"
X	AUTOPROTECTU	navapq32.exe	Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN!
U	BT Broadband Desktop Help	matcli.exe	"""matcli.exe is a motive Assistant Command line interface that gathers information about your system's identity like your name email address
U	BTopenworld	DialBTYahoo.exe	BT Yahoo! internet connection manager
N	Copernic Desktop Search	DesktopSearch.exe	"Copernic Desktop Search - ""Easily search your entire hard drive in less than a second to pinpoint the right file
U	Copernic Desktop Search 2	DesktopSearchService.exe	"Copernic Desktop Search - search agent"
N	Corel Desktop Application Director	dadx.exe	The Desktop Application Director (DAD) gives you easy access to all Corel applications - x represents ther version number. Available via Start -> Programs
?	desk-top-service	desk-top-service.exe	"??"
X	Desktop	"rundll32.exe msconfd.dll	Restore ControlPanel"
X	desktop	desktop.exe	"Added by the SDBOT.MD WORM!"
X	Desktop	Desktop.com	"Added by the VB-DRN WORM!"
X	desktop	desktop.ini.vbs	"IE-Title malware"
N	Desktop Architect	DATRAY.EXE	"Desktop theme manager available
Y	Desktop Armor	DesktopArmor.exe	"Desktop Armor from Headlight Software - ""watches dozens and dozens of important settings on your computer and warns you if any program has changed them"" including those made by malware"
U	Desktop Calendar	Desktop Calendar.exe	"Desktop Calendar - ""Desktop Calendar is a highly customizable calendar program that turns your desktop into a traditional wall calendar
X	Desktop Defender 2010	Desktop Defender 2010.exe	"Desktop Defender 2010 rogue security software - not recommended
U	Desktop iCalendar	Calendar.exe	"Older version of Desktop iCalendar/Desktop iCalendar Lite by Desksware which include support for Google Calendar and add weather
U	Desktop iCalendar	Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe	"Desktop iCalendar Lite by Desksware - ""is a free desktop calendar for Windows. It allows you to manage your events
U	Desktop iCalendar	Desktop iCalendar.exe	"Desktop iCalendar by Desksware - ""is a handy desktop calendar for Windows. It stays on your desktop and shows the days of the current month. It can sync with your Google Calendar
U	Desktop iCalendar Lite	Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe	"Desktop iCalendar Lite by Desksware - ""is a free desktop calendar for Windows. It allows you to manage your events
U	Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe	Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe	"Desktop iCalendar Lite by Desksware - ""is a free desktop calendar for Windows. It allows you to manage your events
U	Desktop iCalendar.exe	Desktop iCalendar.exe	"Desktop iCalendar by Desksware - ""is a handy desktop calendar for Windows. It stays on your desktop and shows the days of the current month. It can sync with your Google Calendar
U	Desktop Maestro	deskmech.exe	"Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which ""combines the features of our award winning products
U	Desktop Maestro Vista Tray	RMTray.exe	"Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which ""combines the features of our award winning products
N	Desktop Plant	AZARE10S.PLT	"Vritual plant from here - this version is an Azalea
X	Desktop Search	desktop.exe	"iSearch adware"
X	Desktop Security 2010	Desktop Security 2010.exe	"Desktop Security 2010 rogue security software - not recommended
N	Desktop Service Centre	DSC.exe	OptusNet DSL or Dial-Up connection software
N	Desktop Weather	THE WEATHER CHANNEL.exe	"Desktop Weather by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature
N	Desktop Weather 3	THE WEATHER CHANNEL.exe	"Desktop Weather 3 by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature
N	Desktop Weather 3	THEWEA~1.EXE	"Desktop Weather 3 by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature
Y	DesktopArmor	DesktopArmor.exe	"Desktop Armor from Headlight Software - ""watches dozens and dozens of important settings on your computer and warns you if any program has changed them"" including those made by malware"
U	DesktopIconToy	DesktopIconToy.exe	"""Desktop Icon Toy is an easy to use desktop icon enhancement tool
U	DesktopMaestro	deskmech.exe	"Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which ""combines the features of our award winning products
U	DesktopMaestro	RMTray.exe	"Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which ""combines the features of our award winning products
N	desktopmgr	desktopmgr.exe	"Synchronisation manager for the cradles for the Research In Motion range of wireless handhelds
X	DesktopUpdate	"rundll32.exe MSA64CHK.dll	DllMostrar"
U	DesktopX	DESKTOPX.EXE	"A program that replaces the regular Desktop and Taskbar
Y	Directory Opus Desktop Dblclk	dopusrt.exe	"Directory Opus - an advanced file manager. ""Directory Opus goes beyond the simple file manager metaphor
X	djtopr1150.exe	djtopr1150.exe	"WebRebates adware"
U	Don't Panic Pop-Up Stopper	dpps2.exe	"Pop-Up Stopper Companion from Panicware. Pop-up blocker integrated into the IE toolbar. Note that the Pro version doesn't load in startup as it is installed as an Internet Explorer toolbar. Can cause problems with IE if you use WinXP and uninstall Service Pack 1. Uninstalling the software leaves it in the startup group"
U	DoubleDesktop	dd.exe	"""DoubleDesktop is a smart and elegant system tray utility that effectively doubles the width of your Windows desktop"""
N	DW4	DesktopWeather.exe	"Desktop Weather 4 by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature
N	DW6	DesktopWeather.exe	"Desktop Weather 6 by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature
N	EnigmaPopupStop	EnigmaPopupStop.exe	"Part of Enigma SpyHunter - not recommended
Y	F-StopW	F-StopW.exe	"F-Prot anti-virus background scanner by F-Risk Software"
X	FlyswatDesktop	flydesk.exe	Advertising spyware
U	Fresh Desktop	freshdesktop.exe	"Fresh Desktop is a utility that lets you manage vast collections of wallpapers for your desktop with ease. When run on bootup it changes the desktop wallpaper at startup or at specified intervals"
U	Google Desktop	GoogleDesktop.exe	"Google Desktop - ""a desktop search application that provides full text search over your email
U	Google Desktop Search	GoogleDesktop.exe	"Google Desktop - ""a desktop search application that provides full text search over your email
U	GoogleDesktop	GoogleDesktop.exe	"Google Desktop - ""a desktop search application that provides full text search over your email
?	gramdate	2Stop.exe	"??"
X	HP Desktop	ccappms.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-TG WORM!"
U	HPBootOp	HPBootOp.exe	"""HP Boot Optimizer intelligently and dynamically launches software during startup
U	HPLaptopGamesActiveMenu	ActiveMenu.exe	Wild Tangent demo 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	HydarVisionDesktopManager	desk95.exe	"ATI's HydraVision desktop management software
U	HydraVisionDesktopManager	desk98.exe	ATI/Appian HydraVision Desktop Manager software - monitors and regulates window and dialog box placement according to user preferences when using a multi monitor setup
U	HydraVisionDesktopManager	HydraDM.exe	"Part of HYDRAVISION - ATI's software for managing mutliple displays and virtual desktops. This is the HYDRAVISION Desktop Manager - which ""customizes the behaviour of windows and dialog boxes
U	iDesktop	idesktop.exe	"Immersion TouchWare Desktop software for devices such as the Logitech iFeel Mouse"
N	InControl Desktop Manager	DMHKEY.EXE	For Diamond Multimedia video cards. Allows System Tray access to desktop utilities such as screen resolution. Available via Start -> Programs
X	InfeStop	InfeStopRemover.exe	"InfeStop rogue spyware remover - not recommended
X	Laptop Access	Sage.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-NB WORM!"
N	LDM	LogitechDesktopMessenger.exe	"Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades and new products
X	Logitech Desktop	ApPache.exe	"Added by the RBOT-YP WORM!"
X	Logitech Desktop	IPCONN.EXE	"Added by the SDBOT-WE WORM!"
X	Logitech Desktop Controller	wrcam.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
N	Logitech Desktop Messenger	setup-8876480.exe	"Installer for Logitech Desktop Messenger included with older versions of the software for Logitech products - which automatically checks for software upgrades and new products
N	Logitech Desktop Messenger	ldmconf.exe	"Installed with older versions of the software for Logitech products. Configures the options for Logitech Desktop Messenger to activate notifications about software upgrades and/or new products
N	Logitech Desktop Messenger	LogitechDesktopMessenger.exe	"Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades and new products
N	Logitech Desktop Messenger Agent	ldmconf.exe	"Installed with older versions of the software for Logitech products. Configures the options for Logitech Desktop Messenger to activate notifications about software upgrades and/or new products
N	LogitechDesktopMessenger	LogitechDesktopMessenger.exe	"Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades and new products
Y	Look 'n' Stop	looknstop.exe	"Look 'n' Stop personal firewall"
Y	Lto Manager	DesktopLtoManager.exe	"Related to Global Positioning System (GPS) found on HP iPAQ hw6500 unit and others"
X	MalwareStopper	MalwareStopper.exe	"Malware Stopper rogue security software - not recommended"
Y	McAfee Desktop Firewall Tray	FireTray.exe	"McAfee Desktop Firewall"
Y	McAfee Managed Desktop Agent	MYAGTSVC.EXE	"Part of the now obsolete McAfee Managed VirusScan anti-virus and anti-spyware security tool for small businesses. Starts via a registry ""RunServices"" key on Windows 98/Me and as a service on Windows NT/2K/XP"
N	Microangelo Desktop	Muamgr.exe	"Using MicroAngelo On Display
X	Microsoft Desktop Manager	msdesk32.exe	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
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.*)
U	Motorola Desktop Suite	DesktopSuite.exe	"Related to Motorola Desktop Suite - PC software managing Motorola mobiles such as the A1000"
U	Motorola Desktop Suite mRouter Config	mRouterConfig.exe	"Configuration for Motorola's version of Intuwave's m-Router - ""that enables easy connectivity between mobile devices and PCs across Bluetooth
X	msmautoprotect	msmssgs.exe	"Added by the BIFROSE-AJ TROJAN!"
X	MSStartOptimizer	Iexpres.exe	"Added by the DASMIN-E TROJAN!"
X	MSStartOptimizer	WINUPD.EXE	"Added by the DASMIN-E TROJAN!"
X	MSStartOptimizer	SCVHOST.EXE	"Added by the DASMIN-E TROJAN!"
X	Office Desktops	imag.exe	"Added by the SPYBOT.AQR WORM!"
X	Optim1	regdtopt.exe	"Added by the RAMVICRYPE TROJAN!"
X	Optim2	regdtopt.exe	"Added by the RAMVICRYPE TROJAN!"
X	Optim3	regdtopt.exe	"Added by the RAMVICRYPE TROJAN!"
X	Optim4	regdtopt.exe	"Added by the RAMVICRYPE TROJAN!"
X	Optim[NUMBER]	[path] egdtopt.exe	"Added by the RAMVICRYPE TROJAN!"
N	OptusNet Desktop Service Centre	DSC.exe	OptusNet DSL or Dial-Up connection software
U	OutlookOnDesktop	OutlookDesktop.exe	"""Outlook On the Desktop is a program that displays Outlook as a transparent
U	P3000x_S2P	ScanToPc.exe	Dell Laser MFP 1600N network application for scanning files to the PC
N	Palm Desktop	Palm.exe	"Palm Desktop Software for use with Palm handheld devices. Available via Start -> Programs"
N	PC Pitstop Optimize Reminder	Reminder.exe	"Registration reminder for the PC Pitstop Optimize 2.0 system optimizatoon utility by CA. Located in %ProgramFiles%\PCPitstop\Optimize2"
U	PC Pitstop Optimize Scheduler	PCPOptimize.exe	"Scheduler for the Optimize system optimization utility from PC Pitstop"
N	PCPitstop Registration Reminder	Reminder.exe	"Registration reminder for the Exterminate antimalware package from PC Pitstop"
U	PCPitStopEraser	PCPitStopErase.exe	"""PC PitStop Erase is both a free privacy scanner and paid tracks cleaner"""
U	PdaNet Desktop	PdaNetPC.exe	"PdaNet from June Fabrics Technology Inc. Use Windows Mobile Smartphone or PocketPC Phone as wireless modem for your PC"
U	PlainSight Desktop Calendar	Calendar.exe	"PlainSight Desktop Calendar by Desksware - ""It can display Microsoft® Outlook® data
U	Pop-Up Stopper	dpps2.exe	"Pop-Up Stopper Companion from Panicware. Pop-up blocker integrated into the IE toolbar. Note that the Pro version doesn't load in startup as it is installed as an Internet Explorer toolbar. Can cause problems with IE if you use WinXP and uninstall Service Pack 1. Uninstalling the software leaves it in the startup group"
X	PopUp Stopper	NO POPUP.EXE	"Added by the SPYBOT-DC WORM!"
U	PopUpStopperCompanion	PSComp.exe	"PopupStopper Companion popup blocker"
U	PopUpStopperFreeEdition	PSFREE.EXE	"Panicware's Pop-Up Stopper - free limited features version"
U	PopUpStopperProfessional	PopUpStopperProfessional.exe	"Panicware's Pop-Up Stopper - paid for version"
Y	PP2000 Real Time Scan	PPVstop.exe	Protector Plus anti-virus software - real time scanner
X	REGRUNM	autoprotect.exe	Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN!
U	Remote Desktop Computing	marspc.exe	"Marspc Remote Desktop Computing"
X	Remote Desktop Help Session Manager	WinRDH.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!"
U	RestoreDesktop	RestoreDesktop.exe	"Softwarium Restore Desktop ""is a Windows Context Menu addition that automatically saves and restores the icons' positions on the Windows desktop after a resolution change"""
N	SetupICWDesktop	icwconn1.exe	Appears to be the "Internet Connection Wizard" from Internet Explorer being set-up as a desktop shortcut. Appears under the RunOnce registry key but is available under Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communication (or similar) anyway
X	Software Soft Stop	Spyware Soft Stop.exe	"SoftStop rogue security software - not recommended"
U	SpyStopper	spystopper.exe	"SpyStopper - blocks intrusive spyware
X	Spyware Soft Stop	Spyware Soft Stop.exe	"SoftStop rogue security software - not recommended"
X	SpywareSoftStop	SpywareSoftStop.exe	"SoftStop rogue security software - not recommended"
X	SpywareStop	SpywareStop.exe	"SpywareStop rogue spyware remover - not recommended
U	StartStop	STARTSTOP.EXE	"StartStop from TFI Technology - startup manager"
X	StopingSpy	StopingSpy.exe	"StopingSpy rogue security software - not recommended
U	StopSignSsTsMon	"sstsmon.dll	VerifyStatus"
U	StopSignStatus	stopsinfo.dll	"eAcceleration Stop-Sign security software related. Previously not recommended
U	STOPzilla	Stopzilla.exe	"StopZilla! - pop-up killer"
U	STOPzilla Service	SZNTSVC.EXE	"StopZilla! - pop-up killer"
U	Super X Desktop Version 3.4	SXDesk.exe	"Super X Desktop - virtual desktop manager"
U	Sureshotpopupkiller	Stopthepop.exe	"Stop-the-Pop-Up popup blocker"
Y	Symantec Backup Exec Desktop Agent	DLOClientu.exe	"Part of Symantec's Backup Exec backup software"
Y	Symantec NetBackup Desktop Agent	DLOClientu.exe	"Part of Symantec's NetBackup backup software"
X	SysDesktop	fswanQQ.exe	"Added by the QQSEND-A TROJAN!"
U	System Mechanic Popup Stopper	Popupstopper.exe	"Popup stopper part of Iolo System Mechanic utility suite"
X	SystemB	MessengerStopper.exe	"MessStopper adware"
X	ToP	LSASS.exe	"Added by the WOWCRAFT.C TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate lsass.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%"
X	Top Tilecom	Tilecomtop.com	"Added by the RBOT.BXD WORM!"
?	ToPassSrv	Pktopass.exe	"Related to Caere Pagekeeper scanning software (now taken over by Scansoft)
X	topat	zlip.exe	"Added by the FLOOD-IG TROJAN!"
U	TopDesk	TopDesk.exe	"TopDesk windows management utility from Otaku Software Pty Ltd which allows you to quickly tile windows (all
?	topi	topi.exe	"Toshiba Online Product Information. What does it do and is it required?"
X	Topic cPanr	cPaner.com	"Added by the SDBOT.AJP WORM!"
X	Topic lnternet	lnternet32.exe	"Added by the RBOT-GLZ WORM!"
X	Topic MSNGR32	MSNGR32.com	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN!"
X	Topic Soft	Tilesoft.com	"Added by the RBOT.GDH WORM!"
X	Topic Tilesys	Tilesys.com	"Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!"
X	ToPicks Starter	Idhost.exe	"TOPicks adware"
U	TopmostClock	TopMostClock.exe	"TopMost Clock - transparent analog clock which displays on top of your other windows"
X	topmoxie	JavaRun.exe	"TopMoxie adware"
X	TopSearch	TopSearch.exe	"TopSearch adware variant"
U	TurboTop	TurboTop.exe	"TurboTop - make any window ""Always on top"""
N	Utopia Angel	Angel.exe	"Calculator for the online Utopia game"
N	WaveTop Launcher	WaveTop.exe	"WaveTop - ""Get push content from TV without an Internet connection"" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98"
N	WaveTop Receiver 1	N/A	"WaveTop - ""Get push content from TV without an Internet connection"" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98"
N	WaveTop Receiver 2	N/A	"WaveTop - ""Get push content from TV without an Internet connection"" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98"
N	WaveTop Upload Manager	N/A	"WaveTop - ""Get push content from TV without an Internet connection"" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98"
X	WeatherStudio Desktop	WeatherStudio Desktop.exe	"WeatherStudio adware"
Y	Webroot Desktop Firewall	WDF.exe	"Webroot Desktop Firewall"
U	webscan	stopsignav.exe	"eAcceleration Stop-Sign security software related. Previously not recommended
X	Windows Desktop Controler	windesktop.exe	"Added by the SDBOT-XH WORM!"
X	Windows Desktop Daemon	winpadg.exe	"Added by a variant of the SPYBOT WORM!"
N	Windows Desktop Search	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. On earlier versions this entry also runs the indexing function at startup which indexes files and e-mails items so you can quickly find words and phrases (replaced by a service in later versions). Disabling this entry does not affect the normal operation and indexing will occur when you next perform a search
X	Windows More Choice	TopContext.exe	"ZQuest adware"
X	winltmpv	wutop.exe	"Added by the TCXMEDI-C TROJAN!"
U	XStop95	XStop95.exe	"XStop - internet filter"

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.