"Added by the RBOT-EZ 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%"
"Actual Window Manager from Actual Tools - ""an innovative desktop organization application which introduces unconventional window controls and also automatic general window operations making your work more productive
"Added by the BREDO-AI WORM! Note - this is not the valid Windows 7 process which has the same filename and the file description is also ""Host Process for Windows Tasks"". It is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%"
"YahooPOPs - enables free POP3/SMTP access to Yahoo! Mail through a service on localhost that emulates the web interface. Available via Start -> Programs"
"Added by the RANKY.X 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 either a ""config""
"Added by the AGENT.AGV BACKDOOR! 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%\etc"
"Added by the RBOT.ARM 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%\winsock"
"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!"
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
"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.*)
"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%"
"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"
"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%"
"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"
"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%"
"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"
"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%"
"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"
"Signs a user into the People Near Me feature at login in Windows 7 and Vista. People Near Me enables you to use certain peer-to-peer (P2P) programs on a network - that ""identifies people nearby who are using computers and allows those people to send you invitations for programs such as Windows Meeting Space. They can only invite you to participate in programs that are installed on your computer."" Available via Start → Control Panel"
"Microsoft Sticky Notes - virtual sticky notes tool from Windows Vista. This implementation of the popular yellow ""Post-It"" tool is part of the Tablet PC features and allows you to enter either handwriting (via a pen or mouse) or record a voice note. AVailable via Start → All Programs"
"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
"Quick Hide Windows from CronoSoft - ""provides a quick and easy way for home and office PC users to quickly get sensitive materials off the screen without closing programs or losing documents"""
"Added by the RBOT-GXN WORM! 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%"
"WindowBlinds from Stardock. Skin application to change the appearence on Windows desktops. Available as an individual download or as part of Object Desktop. Required to restore settings if you use it. Available via right-click on the Desktop -> Properties -> Skins"
"Added by the SOBER.X 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%\WinSecurity and note the space at the beginning of the ""Startup Item"" field"
"Added by the POEBOT-J WORM! Note - the legitimate Windows Explorer (same filename) is located in %Windir% and would not normally appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you added it manually! This one is located in %System%"
"Added by the SOBER-Z 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%\WinSecurity"
"Added by the RBOT-UM 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 DLOADR-GW TROJAN! 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 a ""Windows"" subfolder"
"Added by the BANCBAN-QF 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%"
"Added by the SLOMIRC-A 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%"
"Notifications from the Parental Controls feature in Windows Vista. Note - disabling this entry does not disable Parental Controls and prevent it monitoring a users activity. On the controller account it prevents the pop-up on from displaying messages such as ""Reminder: View the Parental Controls activity report"". On the user account it prevents the warning messages appearing such as access has been denied and the Parental Controls icon appearing on the System Tray"
"Added by the BANKER-DY TROJAN! 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 %ProgramFiles%\Windows 2004\Tools"
"Added by Remote Storm - a remote control tool that is a network application that allows users to manage and control PCs or networks from a remote location"
"Added by the RBOT.EAB WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate winlogon.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup!"
"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! Note - this is not the legitimate winlogon.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup!"
"Added by the RBOT-ALB 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 a drivers\winsdriver subfolder"
"Added by the RBOT-DDG 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.AUN WORM! Note - this is NOT associated with the popular Winamp media player. The valid file for the Winamp Agent resides in a ""Winamp"" subdirectory of the Program Files directory"
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
"AGENT.H spyware. Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup!"
"Added by the ANTINNY-K 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 a ""drivers"" subfolder"
"Added by the POEBOT-J WORM! Note - the legitimate Windows Explorer (same filename) is located in %Windir% and would not normally appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you added it manually! This one is located in %System%"
"Added by the IRCBOT-YB WORM! Note - the legitimate Windows Explorer (same filename) is located in %Windir% and would not normally appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you added it manually! This one is located in %System%"
"Added by the BANKER-DM TROJAN! 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 a ""JavaBeans"" subfolder"
"Added by the FALTER-A TROJAN! Note - the legitimate Windows Explorer (same filename) is located in %Windir% and would not normally appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you added it manually! This one is located in %System%"
"Added by the PROXY-HT 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 %Windir%"
Part of First Aid by Cybermedia who were subsequently bought by McAfee (Network Associates). Protects your Windows system from application failure and crashes
Part of First Aid by Cybermedia who were subsequently bought by McAfee (Network Associates). Protects your Windows system from application failure and crashes
"Added by the SPYBOT.ANA WORM! Note - this is not the Mozilla Firefox web browser which is always located in %ProgramFiles%\Mozilla Firefox. This file is found in %System%"
"Added by the IRCBOT-AAC 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 %Windir%"
"Added by unidentfied MALWARE - see here! Do not confuse with Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare security software which is found in %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Windows OneCare Live. This one is found in %System% and runs from both the HKLM\Run & HKLM\RunServices registry keys"
"System Tray access to and notifications from Windows Live Family Safety - optionally installed as part of Windows Live Essentials. ""With Family Safety
"Added by a variant of the RBOT 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%"
"Added by the BCKDR-QTS BACKDOOR! 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 %Windir%"
"Windows Live Messenger (was MSN Messenger) utility - available via the Start menu. Disable by clicking on the ""Show menu"" icon and select Tools → Options → Sign In → deselect ""Automatically run Windows Live Messenger when I log on to Windows"". This is the Windows Defender/Vista MSConfig entry for version 14.*"
"Added by the LIPARK-A WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate ctfmon.exe process associated with alternate text inputs which is always located in %System%. This one is located in %UserProfile%"
"System Tray access to and notifications from Windows Live OneCare - now superseded by Microsoft Security Essentials. ""OneCare helps keep your PC safe and secure while making your life easier. From virus scanning and file backups
"Windows Live Sync from Microsoft (formerly known as Windows Live FolderShare) - ""a free-to-use internet-based file synchronization application by Microsoft that is designed to allow files and folders between two or more computers be in sync with each other on Windows (Vista and later) and Mac OS X based computers"""
"System Tray access to and notifications from Windows Live OneCare Family Safety - part of the Live OneCare range and now superseded by Windows Live Family Safety which is part of Windows Live Essentials. Allows you to decide how your kids experience the Internet by limiting searches
"Added by the KEYLOGGER.AVK 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 %ProgramFiles%\Common Files"
"Added by the AGOBOT-UC 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%"
"Added by the VB.HE VIRUS! 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 %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\system"
"Added by the CIADOOR-L TROJAN! 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%"
"Added by the POEBOT-LR WORM! Note - this is NOT the popular Winamp media player which resides in a ""Winamp"" subdirectory of the Program Files directory"
"Added by the DWNLDR-HGR 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 %UserProfile%"
"Added by the VB-EBV 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 %UserProfile%"
"Added by the WARBOT 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%"
"Windows Media Connect from Microsoft - stream digital media files on your computer to digital media receivers (DMRs) that are connected to your home network"
"Added by the KELVIR.G WORM or variants! Note - this is not the valid Windows Media Player as the file is located in %System% rather than %ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player"
German software (comes with some Toshiba CD writers) that helps convert Powerpoint files to ASF (Streaming Media) files. Available via Start -> Programs
"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! See here. 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%"
"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! 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)"
"Added by the IRCBOT.AKZ WORM! 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)"
"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"
"Added by the ANTINNY.AX 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 a ""Microsoft"" subfolder"
"Added by the SDBOT-AYI WORM! Note - dissables the automatic startup of other software and deactivates the Microsoft Internet Connection Firewall (ICF)"
"Added by the RBOT.ABIK BACKDOOR! 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%"
"Added by the SPYBOT-OI WORM! Note - do not confuse this with the Nokia service of the same name which resides in %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\PCSuite\Services or %Program Files%\PC Connectivity Solution. This one is located in %Windir%"
"Added by the CONE.B 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%"
"Detected by Kaspersky as the IAMBIGBROTHER.91 TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate taskmgr.exeprocess which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in a ""fonts\svc"" sub-folder"
"Added by the SDBOT-WT WORM! Note - the legitimate Windows Explorer (same filename) is located in %Windir% and would not normally appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you added it manually! This one is located in %System%"
"Added by the RBOT-WE 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 a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! 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%"
"Added by the AGENT-MVC TROJAN! 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%"
"Added by the TOGER-V 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 %Windir%"
"Added by the IRCBOT-ZQ 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 MYTOB.ET 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 OPANKI-V WORM! Note - the legitimate Windows Explorer (same filename) is located in %Windir% and would not normally appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you added it manually! This one is also copied to %System%"
"Added by the IMBOT.AC 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 BANKER-HM TROJAN! 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%"
"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT BACKDOOR! See here. 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 %Windir%"
"Added by the FORBOT-GV 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%"
"Messenger Blocker rogue security software - not recommended. 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 %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\System"
"Messenger Blocker rogue security software - not recommended. 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 %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\System"
"Messenger Blocker rogue security software - not recommended. 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 %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\System"
"Added by the ECUP 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 %Temp%"
"Added by the ASTEF or RESPAN WORMS or AGENT-V TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which should NOT appear in Msconfig/Startup!"
"Added by the AUTORUN.DIB WORM! 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 a ~A~m~B~u~R~a~D~u~L~� subfolder"
"Added by the AGENT.QG 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 %Windir%"
"Added by the BABA-B 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 the root folder (ie
"Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup!"
"Added by the PADMIN-A 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%\Repair"
"Added by the YODO WORM! Note - the legitimate Windows Explorer (same filename) is located in %Windir% and would not normally appear in Msconfig/Startup unless you added it manually! This one is located in %System%"
"Added by the SOBER.X 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%\WinSecurity"
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.
Copyright 2003-2013 iamnotageek &/or Martin Krohn.