windows Live Messenger

NEW HijackThis automated log analyzer! Get your logs analyzed INSTANTLY!

Page

If you're not finding what you're looking for please go to this forum and submit a new startup entry.

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	Windows Live Messenger	msnmsgr.exe	"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%"
X	Windows live Messenger	msn.com	"Added by the IRCBOT-AAV WORM!"
X	Windows Live Messenger	msnlive.exe	"Added by the RBOT.BMV BACKDOOR!"
X	windows Live Messenger	iexplore.exe	"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%"
N	Windows Live Messenger	msnmsgr.exe	"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.*"
X	Windows Live Messenger	[random].exe	"Added by the RBOT-GVL WORM!"
X	Windows Live Messenger	msnd.exe	"Added by the BCKDR-QQQ BACKDOOR!"
X	Windows Live Messenger 8.12	ctfmon.exe	"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%"
X	Windows Live Messenger Addon	wllivemsngr.exe	"Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! See here"
X	Windows Live Messenger Servicer	msmgslive.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN! See here"
X	Windows Live Messenger Services	msgrlive.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN! See here"
X	Windows Live Messenger!	livemsngr.exe	"Added by the IRCBOT.AWE BACKDOOR!"
X	Windows Live Messenger!	msgrlive.exe	"Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN! See here"

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.