"Added by the RBOT-CVY WORM! Note - this malware actually changes the value data of the ""(Default)"" key in HKLM\Run and HKLM\RunServices in order to force Windows to launch it at boot. The name field in MSConfig may be blank"
Installed with the drivers for internal software modems based upon Lucent/Agere Systems chipsets - required if you use the SoftModem Assistant to configure the modem
Installed with the drivers for internal software modems based upon Lucent/Agere Systems chipsets - required if you use the SoftModem Assistant to configure the modem
"""Away Mode"" feature added with Update Rollup 2 for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 that allows the computer to appear off to the user while it continues to perform tasks that do not require user input
"Part of the IBM ThinkVantage Productivity Center. ""The Message Center sends automatic notification on ThinkVantage Technologies integrated with your system. Once you're online"""
"""Away Mode"" feature added with Update Rollup 2 for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 that allows the computer to appear off to the user while it continues to perform tasks that do not require user input
"Configuration wizard for BitDefender internet security products. Only runs once the product has been installed. Guides you through the steps necessary to configure the BitDefender modules
"Configuration wizard for BitDefender internet security products. Only runs once the product has been installed. Guides you through the steps necessary to configure the BitDefender modules
"Related to the CardScan business card reader range of products. May be related to synchronization with E-mail software and mobile devices (see here)?"
Detects whether your are plugged into a digital telephone line and displays the information graphically. Installed by Dell (and maybe others) and is included with all Connexant V.92 and Broadcom modems
"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"
"Lightning Download from Headlight Software - shareware download manager for resuming downloads. Start it manually unless you want to intercept download links from your browser"
"Lightning Download from Headlight Software - shareware download manager for resuming downloads. Start it manually unless you want to intercept download links from your browser"
"Added by the YENO.B and YENO.C WORMS! Note that wscript.exe is a legitimate Microsoft file used to launch script files and shouldn't be deleted. The ""LGuarg.exe.vbs"" file is located in %Windir%"
"Registration reminder from Leader Technologies for Logitech software such as SetPoint for their range of wired and wireless keyboards and pointing devices (mice
Part of SYSagent - small utility for retrieving all the hardware and software information required by anyone administering a machine and/or the network it's a part of
"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"
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)
If you don't have ZoneAlarm or ZoneAlarm Pro running you don't need this. This must be enabled if programs such as VisualZone Report utility or ZoneLog Analyzer are in use
"NetWaiting/Modem-on-Hold - allows you to place your Internet connection on hold while you take a voice call (if Call Waiting is supported by your phone company). See here for more information"
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"
"Part of Privacy Guardian from PC Tools - which ""is a safe and easy-to-use privacy protection tool that securely deletes online Internet tracks and program activity records that are stored in your browser and other hidden files on your computer"". This startup entry runs only on the next reboot if the ""Cache
"Part of Privacy Guardian from PC Tools - which ""is a safe and easy-to-use privacy protection tool that securely deletes online Internet tracks and program activity records that are stored in your browser and other hidden files on your computer"". This startup entry runs only on the next reboot if the ""Cache
"Pick-a-tag - ""freeware utility for random selection of your taglines. This utility randomly picks a tagline out of a list of taglines. It will create a signature file which your mailer can use to place under your messages"""
"Part of Privacy Guardian from PC Tools - which ""is a safe and easy-to-use privacy protection tool that securely deletes online Internet tracks and program activity records that are stored in your browser and other hidden files on your computer"". This startup entry runs only on the next reboot if the ""Cache
Spyware utility installed by the manufacturers of some laptops (Sony) used to monitor browsing habits and send them back to whoever installed it - released by SoftBank
USB driver for downloading from within Napster and iTunes to portable MP3 players. Only required at startup if you use it all the time - otherwise start it manually when required
For an external Alcatel ADSL high-speed modem. A diagnostic tool and can be run from the Start menu when required. The only reason it might be useful on startup is if you like seeing an 'at-a-glance' status indicator on the taskbar (the icon is a different colour depending on the status of the device/line)
"USRobotics Wireless Network Utility - used to configure security settings for connecting to WEP encrypted Access Point through the USR Wireless adapter. You must uncheck ""Use Windows to configure my wireless settings"" for the program to work properly. Has Site Survey capabilities
"PaqKeylog is a surveillance software program that logs keystrokes and can run in stealth mode. Uninstall this software unless you put it there yourself"
For Compaq PC's. Associated with Compaq's internet services. Not required if you don't use services provided by them and may not be required even if you do
"""HP Wireless Assistant is a user application that provides a method for controlling the enablement of individual wireless devices (such as Bluetooth or WLAN devices) and that shows the state of the radios for these wireless devices"""
"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 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"
"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"
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.