"System Tray access to the ThinkVantage Access Connections connectivity-assistant program for IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or 3000 Family notebook computers - ""allowing users to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless environments
"Part of the ThinkVantage Access Connections connectivity-assistant program for IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or 3000 Family notebook computers - ""allowing users to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless environments
"Adds the AOL icon in the System Tray (*.* denotes version if present) for versions of AOL up to and including 9.0. Start AOL via the desktop or quick launch shortcuts or via Start → All Programs"
"Vital Application Console - part of POS-partner 2000 point-of-sale software from Vital. This is the taskbar icon and is enabled at startup by the "Auto-start when OS starts" option. Required for a connection to be established"
"Part of Ashampoo® HDD Control from Ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG - a hard drive monitoring utility which also incorporates defragmentation and cleaners for browsing history and unnecessary files. This entry loads the Ashampoo HDD Control Guard component on startup which runs in the background and monitors the hard drives and provides System Tray access"
From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x and Dr Solomon's VirusScan. Used to schedule regular scans. If you don't have scans scheduled you don't need it
C-Media produce audio chipsets that are often found on popular motherboards with on-board audio. You may need it if you use the echo control feature of C-Media Mixer
"Colorific® from E-Color - ""delivers accurate gamma and color temperature across your entire system - monitor to printer and digital camera to monitor."" Now superseded by ColorWizzard™"
"Added by the RBOT-AGX WORM! Note - the executable is spelt with a lower case ""L"" rather than an lower or upper case ""i"" which is the case with Internet Explorer"
"Added by the SDBOT-KW 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 SDBOT-SO 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 AUTORUN-DV 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 a ~A~m~B~u~R~a~D~u~L~ subfolder"
Connection Manager as used by Earthlink and others. If you need this to ensure a proper connection but don't want to connect at startup try creating your own shortcut
"Automatic update scheduler for the Sony CONNECT Player originally supplied with their range of USB or hard disk based MP3 players and used in conjunction with the CONNECT Music store download service - now replaced by SonicStage CP"
"System Tray access to change update settings for the Sony CONNECT Player originally supplied with their range of USB or hard disk based MP3 players and used in conjunction with the CONNECT Music store download service - now replaced by SonicStage CP"
"""Connection Keeper is an invaluable time-saving tool for dial-up users. This free program simulates Internet browsing (at a random interval) to prevent your connection from appearing idle
SBC Yahoo DSL service connection manager. You can connect from the network connections. Users having problems with this have been advised to uninstall the connection manager via Add/Remove Programs and it won't affect the service
"Automatic update scheduler for the Sony CONNECT Player originally supplied with their range of USB or hard disk based MP3 players and used in conjunction with the CONNECT Music store download service - now replaced by SonicStage CP"
"Unidentified malware! 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 ""Level4"" subfolder"
"Added by the BANCBAN-ET 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 ""Central de Segurança"" subfolder"
From Symantec's TalkWorks Pro and WinFax. Appears if you chose to have the program appear in the taskbar (System Tray) during installation and displays a yellow fax/telephone icon. Available via Start -> Programs
"System Tray icon to configure a Creative Soundblaster PCI soundcard. Not required and re-instates itself when un-checked. Try one of the solutions on this special page. Similar to EnsoniqMixer"
Sets the colour of your monitor when running games that recognise E-Color so that you get 'what the game designer intended' when you see the game. Also allows monitor callibration through a program called 3-Deep. If you play a lot of games it can be useful. Can be disabled from starting up from within the program
"Associated with an Eicon Networks ISDN or ADSL modem. Watch protocols your connection with numbers and duration. You need callvu.exe (from Start Menu) to see your connection statistics. You can manually start watch.exe before you go online. Needs diinfo.exe (started by DiTask) to work correctly which can be started manually"
"Associated with an Eicon Networks ISDN or ADSL modem. Watch protocols your connection with numbers and duration. You need callvu.exe (from Start Menu) to see your connection statistics. You can manually start watch.exe before you go online. Needs diinfo.exe (started by DiTask) to work correctly which can be started manually"
Part of Sierra/Hallmark Card Studio - System Tray notification of events such as birthdays and anniversaries that you've scheduled with the customizable Event Planner
"Added by the DLDR-G TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate Console IME process of the same filename which is located in %System%. This one is located in %Temp%"
This allows the software to handle incoming and outgoing communications without requiring the FaxTalk Communicator application to be loaded into memory. Can be started manually
Fortis Bank Home Banking part. Installed during the installation of the software necessary to run the Home Banking. According to Fortis Bank this will not in any way be harmful to the system or relay system information
"NTL's Gearbox software for configuring internet connections with their NTLWorld software - does a similar job to the Internet Connection Wizard which can be used instead using the dial-up details available here"
"Roxio's (nee Adaptec) GoBack software which allows you to revert back to a previously working state on you hard drive if you install a new program and your system goes faulty - performing the same functions with extra features as System Restore on WinMe/XP systems. Disable before running Scandisk or Defrag. Not required for WinMe/XP users
"Microsoft Windows Program Group Converter - used by installers (ONLY in the RunOnce keys) - provides the translation of groups and group items to folders and links. Also see this MS Knowledge Base article"
"ADSL modem monitor from Eicon Networks (as used by BT for its Broadband internet service for example). Can safely be disabled without affecting the connection - all this does is give an indication of connectivity and access to the diagnostic facilities"
"From a visitor - "I must keep it active in start up or my Lexmark printer and RCA Cam program cannot discover a working port to work". From the file properties
"Part of Ashampoo® HDD Control from Ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG - a hard drive monitoring utility which also incorporates defragmentation and cleaners for browsing history and unnecessary files. This entry loads the Ashampoo HDD Control Guard component on startup which runs in the background and monitors the hard drives and provides System Tray access"
"Part of Ashampoo® HDD Control from Ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG - a hard drive monitoring utility which also incorporates defragmentation and cleaners for browsing history and unnecessary files. This entry loads the Ashampoo HDD Control Guard component on startup which runs in the background and monitors the hard drives and provides System Tray access"
"Added by the LINEAGE-C 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!"
"Added by the DLDR-G TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate Console IME process of the same filename which is located in %System%. This one is located in %Windir%"
"Utility used by the LINKSYS LINKSYS wireless USB Adapter (WUSB11) and indicates when a wireless access connection is made by a screen colour change. Also used for configuration"
"Utility used by the LINKSYS wireless USB Adapter (WUSB11) and indicates when a wireless access connection is made by a screen colour change. Also used for configuration"
"Added by the SDBOT-UL 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%"
"System Tray access to the LightScribe Control Panel for CD/DVD writers based upon HP's LightScribe laser-etching process - which allows you to burn a label straight onto specially coated blank disks. Part of the main LightScribe System Software (LSS)"
"System Tray access to the LightScribe Control Panel for CD/DVD writers based upon HP's LightScribe laser-etching process - which allows you to burn a label straight onto specially coated blank disks. Part of the main LightScribe System Software (LSS)"
"System Tray access to the LightScribe Control Panel for CD/DVD writers based upon HP's LightScribe laser-etching process - which allows you to burn a label straight onto specially coated blank disks. Part of the main LightScribe System Software (LSS)"
"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
"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
"Mediafour Xplay - allows you to use an Apple iPod digital music player with a PC running Windows. If not used regularily start manually before connecting the iPod"
"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 FORBOT-DV WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate msconfig.exe which should only appear in Msconfig/Startup if you leave the warning box unchecked after changing an Msconfig entry and rebooting"
"Added by the RBOT-ZI WORM! - NOTE - do no confuse with the legitimate Msoicons.exe file described here. The latter wil not be listed among your startups!"
Entry that appears when you uncheck an item in the MSConfig Startup group and will disappear if on the next reboot you select the option to not be reminded that you are running in Selective Startup mode. Located in %System% (98/Me/Vista) or %Windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries (XP)
"Added by the RBOT.AWS WORM! Note - do no confuse with the legitimate Msoicons.exe file described here. The latter should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup!"
Entry that appears when you uncheck an item in the MSConfig Startup group and will disappear if on the next reboot you select the option to not be reminded that you are running in Selective Startup mode. Located in %System% (98/Me/Vista) or %Windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries (XP)
"CoolWebSearch MSConfig parasite variant. Note - this overwrites the legitimate msconfig.exe which should only appear in Msconfig/Startup if you leave the warning box unchecked after changing an Msconfig entry and rebooting"
"Added by the WINUR WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate msconfig.exe which should only appear in Msconfig/Startup if you leave the warning box unchecked after changing an Msconfig entry and rebooting. This one is located in c:\winrun"
"RapidBlaster variant (in a ""msconfig"" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here. Note - this is not the valid Windows Msconfig which has the same executable name"
"RapidBlaster variant (in a ""msconfig"" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here. Note - this is not the valid Windows Msconfig which has the same executable name"
Entry that appears when you uncheck an item in the MSConfig Startup group and will disappear if on the next reboot you select the option to not be reminded that you are running in Selective Startup mode. This particular entry is specific only to 98/Me and is located in %System%
"Added by the AGOBOT.AAU WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate msconfig.exe which should only appear in Msconfig/Startup if you leave the warning box unchecked after changing an Msconfig entry and rebooting"
"System tray access to NeroNET - Ahead Software's network-capable extension of their CD/DVD burning program. NeroNET allows a burner to be shared across a network"
"Part of HTML2POP3 - ""Convert Webmail to POP3.Is also included a SMTP/POP3 tunneling system that allow send and receive email in a private network HTTP PROXY based. All connection are plugin based. Over 250 email server supported and tested"""
Driver/controller for the Philips SpeechMike 6174. As the Philips FreeSpeech application is no longer supported it can be disabled but the Mike can still be used for certain functions using this driver
"Part of IBM Access Connections - forerunner to the current ThinkVantage verison. Connectivity-assistant program for IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or 3000 Family notebook computers - ""allowing users to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless environments
"Remote Control background application for Cyberlink's PowerDVD version 4 and above. Enables you to use a remote control with your DVD drive if your drive came with one. Not required if you don't have a remote control
"Remote Control background application for Cyberlink's PowerDVD version 5 and above. Enables you to use a remote control with your DVD drive if your drive came with one. Not required if you don't have a remote control
"Remote Control background application for Cyberlink's PowerDVD version 8. Enables you to use a remote control with your DVD drive if your drive came with one. Not required if you don't have a remote control
"AT&T or ComCast BBClient - monitors system and network-delivered services for availability. Your current network status is displayed on a color-coded web page in near-real time. When problems are detected
"SanDisk ImageMate CompactFlash card reader SDDR-31 (USB). Very little use except to place the Sandisk icon beside its drive designation in Windows Explorer. The reader itself will work fine without it. The simplest thing is to just unplug the reader when you're not using it. It may slow the startup by a few nanoseconds
Used to create and connect your SBC Yahoo DSL connection. This program has been reported to cause problems for some users. If you find that it causes you pc to become slow or unstable you should uninstall it (using Add/Remove programs) and manually connect your DSL connection
Installs as part of the Hubble Space Telescope screen saver (and possibly others). Lets you control your installed screensavers from a System Tray icon
"Added by the CIADOOR-F 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%"
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
"Note that there is a strange symbol in the command field and in logs it's shown as ""O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShowLOMControl] [strange symbol]"". Additional registry information for the entry is ""Reg_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)"". It means Show ""LAN on Motherboard"" Control. On systems where you can install an external LAN interface
Appears on a Sony Vaio. Smart Connect Version 2.1 enables data transfer between Vaios via i.LINK cable. Smart Connect supports File and Printer Sharing for MS networks. You can copy files from your Vaio to another Vaio or print using a printer connected to a remote Vaio
Appears on a Sony Vaio. Smart Connect Version 2.1 enables data transfer between Vaios via i.LINK cable. Smart Connect supports File and Printer Sharing for MS networks. You can copy files from your Vaio to another Vaio or print using a printer connected to a remote Vaio
"System Tray access to change update settings for the Sony CONNECT Player originally supplied with their range of USB or hard disk based MP3 players and used in conjunction with the CONNECT Music store download service - now replaced by SonicStage CP"
"Added by the RANDEX.AD 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%"
"Task Monitor (on Dutch language versions of Windows) - checks the disk-access patterns of programs when they are started and stores this information in log files in the Applog folder. Task Monitor also records the number of times you use a program. The Disk Defragmenter tool uses this information to optimize your hard disk so that programs that you use frequently are loaded faster. Not required - but can be useful. Note: for Norton Anti-Virus 2002 users
"System Tray access to the ThinkPad Configuration utility for IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks. ""The ThinkPad Configuration utility is a control center to configure your ThinkPad hardware. With this utility
"System Tray access to the ThinkVantage Access Connections connectivity-assistant program for IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or 3000 Family notebook computers - ""allowing users to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless environments
"Part of the ThinkVantage Access Connections connectivity-assistant program for IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or 3000 Family notebook computers - ""allowing users to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless environments
"Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - ""monitors every process and actually stops malicious processes before they even start. It uses our impressive technology that is in fact a completely novel way of heuristic scanning and it is our response to the increasingly complex malware threats"""
"Part of 3Deep® from E-Color (now superseded by 3DxWizzard™) - ""With True Internet Color PCs can display the best color possible over the web. Enabled web sites will know how connected monitors display color and will send them color corrected images"""
"Uber Icon by Punk Labs. Creates a more customizable atmosphere on your desktop by extending Windows to perform new effects when you launch your icons and folders"
"Related to Viewpoint which is considered as foistware instead of malware since it is installed without users approval but doesn't spy or do anything ""bad"". This will change from what we know in 2006 according to this article. You can remove it via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs list..."
"Vista Firewall Control from Sphinx Software (forerunner to Windows 7 Firewall Control) - ""Protects your applications from undesirable network incoming and outgoing activity
"Added by the ABI.C WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate cmd.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 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%"
"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%"
"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 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! 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%"
From WinFax 10.0 and possibly earlier versions. Appears if you chose to have WinFax appear in the taskbar (System Tray) during installation and displays a yellow fax/telephone icon. Available via Start -> Programs
"Added by the WINUR WORM! Note - this is not the legitimate msconfig.exe which should only appear in Msconfig/Startup if you leave the warning box unchecked after changing an Msconfig entry and rebooting. This one is located in c:\winrun"
"Added by the COMBRA-B 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%"
"Utility used by the LINKSYS wireless PCI card (WMP11) and indicates when a wireless access connection is made by a screen colour change. Also used for configuration"
"User interface for the WatchGuard Security Event Processor (WSEP) Status/Configuration dialog box associated with the Firebox series of security products from Watchguard"
"Casio Pocket PC specific translator for XTNDConnect PC - ""award-winning desktop-sync application that enables you to easily synchronize your contacts
"Sony Ericsson IrMC (Infrared Mobile Connectivity) phones and smartphones specific translator for XTNDConnect PC - ""award-winning desktop-sync application that enables you to easily synchronize your contacts
"(IBM) Lotus Notes 4 specific translator for XTNDConnect PC - ""award-winning desktop-sync application that enables you to easily synchronize your contacts
"Windows Mobile Pocket PC specific translator for XTNDConnect PC - ""award-winning desktop-sync application that enables you to easily synchronize your contacts
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.