Startup Applications List
If you're frustrated with the time it takes your Windows PC to boot and then it seems to be running slowly you may have too many programs running at start-up - and have come to the right place to identify them. This is the original startup programs (as opposed to processes/tasks) list - one of the most comprehensive and most accurate!
"Name or Startup Item" in the table below refers to how an entry is displayed in MSConfig, Windows Defender or the registry "Run" keys. "Command or Data" refers to the program the entry runs. For further information on this and how to identify and disable startup programs please visit the Startup Content page.
For further information on random startup entries please visit the Startup Info page. For the next few months and foreseeable future I'll be verifying many of the Y, U, N & ? entries via virtual machines. If you can verify/identify those entries with a "?" status (especially hardware specific - such as laptops and motherboards) then please E-mail me (address at bottom of the page) or use the new Message Board.
Last update :- 31st August
21939 items listed
"Status" key:
Variables:
| Name or Startup Item | Status | Command or Data | Description | Tested? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| shell | X | explorer.exe | Added by the KAKKEYS 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% | No |
| Shell | X | Explorer.exe iexplore.exe | Added by the KIPIS-U WORM! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files. The legitimate Internet Explorer (iexplore.exe) is always located in %ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %System%\Microsoft | No |
| Shell | X | Explorer.exe winupdate.exe | Added by the AGENT-FD TROJAN! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files. The "winupdate.exe" file is located in %System% | No |
| Shell | X | Explorer.exe [path] ibm[RANDOM 5 DIGIT NUMBER].exe | Added by the ANSERIN TROJAN! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files | No |
| Shell | X | Explorer.exe winsys32.exe | Added by the DELF.CP BACKDOOR! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files. The "winsys32.exe" file is located in %Windir% | No |
| Shell | X | explorer.exe msbnc.exe | Added by the AGENT-PL BACKDOOR! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files. The "msbnc.exe" file is located in %System% | No |
| Shell | X | Explorer.exe kbdsys.exe | Added by the DAPROSY WORM! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files. The "kbdsys.exe" file is located in %AppData%\Microsoft\Keyboard | No |
| Shell | X | Explorer.exe init32m.exe | Added by the DLSW-B TROJAN! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files. The "init32m.exe" file is located in %System% | No |
| Shell | X | Explorer.exe smssnt.exe | Added by the AGOBOT.EE TROJAN! Note - do not delete the legitimate Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) which is located in %Windir% and can be used to launch other files. The "smssnt.exe" file is located in %System% | No |
| Shell32 | X | explorer.exe | Added by the SDBOT-NF 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% | No |
| smsys | X | Explorer.exe | Added by the CLICKER-C BACKDOOR! 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 a "Template" subfolder | No |
| Start aThe Roll | X | enotxa2.exe | Added by the RBOT-PV BACKDOOR! | No |
| Start The Roll | X | enotax2.exe | Added by the RBOT.XO WORM! | No |
| startkey | X | explore32.exe | Added by the BDOOR-MT BACKDOOR! | No |
| startkey | X | explorer.exe | Added by the BCKDR-MLD BACKDOOR! 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% | No |
| Status Monitor XE | N | ENGSS.EXE | The Xerox Document WorkCentre XE Series Status Monitor displays information about your printer and currently active or waiting print jobs. You can use it to control your printing environment and manage your printing operations. Available via Start -> Programs | No |
| Sustem | X | explorer.exe | Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or 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! | No |
| SustemUpdate | X | explorer.exe | Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or 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! | No |
| svc | X | expseny.exe | Added by the PWS-ANG TROJAN! | No |
| SYS1 | X | explorar.exe | Added by the SILLYFDC.BDJ WORM! | No |
| sysMett1 | X | explorer.exe | Added by the LEGMIR-Y 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 %ProgramFiles% | No |
| Syss | X | ehuupdate.exe | EHU adware | No |
| Systam13 | X | exp.exe | Added by the RBOT.ESD BACKDOOR! | No |
| system | X | Explorer.exe | Added by the GRAYBIRD BACKDOOR! 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% | No |
| System Executable DLL Library | X | EXECDLL32.exe | Added by the RANDEX.AZ WORM! | No |
| System Service | X | exp0lrer.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! | No |
| System Update2 | X | explorer.exe | Added by the AUTOTROJ-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! This one is located in %System% | No |
| System-Service | X | EXPLORER.SCR | Added by the BENJAMIN.A WORM! KaZaA file-sharing users beware! | No |
| SystemExplorer | X | explore.exe | Homepage hijacker - file located in the "Services" folder in Common Files | No |
| sys_Runtt1 | X | explorer.exe | Added by the LINEAGE-M 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 %ProgramFiles% | No |
| Syzmy3 | X | exp1orer.exe | Added by the LINEAG-AIO TROJAN! Note the number "1" in the filename | No |
| SyztMy | X | expiorer.exe | Added by the LINEAG-AIN TROJAN! | No |
| taetae | X | Exit to DosPrompt.pif | Added by the GATINA-B WORM! | No |
| taskmgr | X | explorer.exe | Added by the ZAPCHAS-AC 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% | No |
| The Assistant | N | eSched.exe | Related to WinTotal from a la mode inc. FormFiller for appraisers | No |
| The Ethernet | X | ethernet.exe | Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! | No |
| TK8 EasyNote | N | EasyNote.exe | TK8 EasyNote - desktop post-it notes | No |
| TkBell.Exe | N | evntsvc.exe | Application Scheduler installed along with RealOne Player. Once installed, it runs independently of RealOne Player. See here for more information, including how to disable it. Also see evntsvc and Realsched. Note that eventsvc.exe no longer appears to be in a newer version. To disable "tkbell.exe" in the new version (1) Start RealOne Player (2) Tools -> Preferences (3) Automatic services in the Categories pane (4) Uncheck all options and then OK | No |
| TkBellExe | N | evntsvc.exe | Application Scheduler installed along with RealOne Player. Once installed, it runs independently of RealOne Player. See here for more information, including how to disable it. Also see evntsvc and Realsched. Note that eventsvc.exe no longer appears to be in a newer version. To disable "tkbell.exe" in the new version (1) Start RealOne Player (2) Tools -> Preferences (3) Automatic services in the Categories pane (4) Uncheck all options and then OK | No |
| TmNetDriver Monitor | X | exbce.exe | Added by the SDBOT-ABR WORM! | No |
| toolbar_eula_launcher | N | EULALauncher.exe | Related to Google Desktop | No |
| ttool | X | essledv.exe | Added by the ZBOT-KM TROJAN! | No |
| ttool | X | essldev.exe | Added by the AGENT-LWB TROJAN! | No |
| UNleaded Syn Manager | X | Edit.exe | Added by the SLINNBOT.ALD BACKDOOR! | No |
| uoltray | N | exec.exe | Netzero free ISP software - not required | No |
| Update Windows | X | EXPLORE.EXE | Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! | No |
| Update Windows | X | EXPLORE.EXE | Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM! | No |
| Video | X | explored.exe | Added by the GAOBOT.RF WORM! | No |
| Video Services | X | explore.exe | Added by the GAOBOT.GL WORM! | No |
| W32data | X | eworo.exe | Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM! | No |
Download Alternative Formats
The following files are available for people developing mirrors of the site and using the information presented here:
Startup XML File - Startup INI File - Startup HTML File
For IE users, right-click on the link and select "Save Target As..." - note that for the INI and HTML files the suggested filename will be "startuplist.htm" and you'll have to rename them "startuplist.ini" and "startuplist.html" respectively.
For Firefox users, I recommend downloading the zipped versions from here. Otherwise, you'll have to open the file and save it - which can take a long time due to the size.
NOTE: These downloads are password protected and free to anyone producing a mirror or free utility. If you produce a commercial/shareware utility please contact me to discuss options. If you don't fall into any of these categories and want to download any of these files you will need to either make a donation of $15/year or more via PayPal (or E-mail me) and you will be provided with the login details which will change at the beginning of each year. The donation will go towards researching new and existing entries for the database and creating these files. Since making these files available for download they've been available free of charge and downloaded thousands of times. I believe they are unique as to my knowledge, no similar site offers such a resource as the lists they offer are on-line only.
Warning
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.
NOTE: This is NOT a database of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a database 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 the Process Library from Uniblue, the list at PC Pitstop or one of the many others now available. 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.
To avoid the database becoming too large, all virus entries are only shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions. Otherwise there would be multiple entries for popular filenames that viruses often use - such as "svchost" above for example. Multiple viruses can also use the same startup entries, in this case only those with significant differences (such as file location) are repeated in this database.
NOTE : There are a number of virus and malware entried listed in this database where specific removal instructions haven't been given. If this is the case then you could try SDFix, a program written by AndyManchesta that can remove many different types of Trojans and Worms. See here for a tutorial on how to use the program and here for the latest ReadMe file detailing the fixes included.
IMPORTANT: A number of entries are repeated due to the way that different operating systems display startup items. For example, WinMe lists "POPROXY.EXE" as "Norton eMail Protect" in both MSCONFIG and the registry whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy" in MSCONFIG and "Norton eMail Protect" in the registry.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you're looking for a startup manager then why not try WinPatrol (by BillP Studios) or Advanced SystemCare Free (by IObit) - both include the option to search this database for a particular entry. Alternatively try Spybot - Search & Destroy (by Safer Networking Ltd) as the startup programs section (select the Advanced mode) includes descriptions from this database. You might also want to try their RunAlyzer and FileAlyzer tools.
There are an ever increasing number of rogue applications appearing these days and many of the removal guides referenced in this database use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (which now incorporates the now discontinued RogueRemover).
As there are more than 10,000 entries in this database related to viruses, trojans, worms and other malware I recommend you use a quality internet security package. Which ever you choose, keep it updated.
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Copyright
Presentation, format & comments Copyright © 2001 - 2010 Paul Collins
Portions Copyright © Peter Forrest, Denny Denham, Sylvain Prevost, Tony Klein, CastleCops & Bleeping Computer
Database creation and support by Patrick Kolla
Software support by John Mayer
All rights reserved
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