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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PersonalSec | X | psecurity.exe | Personal Security rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| PersonSecurity | X | psecurity.exe | Personal Security rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| PersSecurity | X | personalsecurity.exe | Personal Security rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| PersSecurity | X | psecurity.exe | Personal Security rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| Pest-Capture | X | PestCapture.exe | PestCapture rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| Pest-Patrol | X | Pest-Patrol.exe | Pest-Patrol rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| Pest-Patrol 2.1.0 | X | Pest-Patrol.exe | Pest-Patrol rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| PestCapture | X | PestCapture.exe | PestCapture rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| PestPatrol Control Center | U | PPControl.exe | PestPatrol Control Terminal - utility that launched PestPatrol features such as PPMemCheck and CookiePatrol before CA's acquisition | No |
| PestPatrolCL | ? | PestPatrolCL.exe | PestPatrol's command line scanner, combines with the Windows Task scheduler and is required in cases where schedules for regular scanning are set | No |
| pestsweeper | X | pestsweeper.exe | PestSweeper rogue security software - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| PestTrap | X | PestTrap.exe | PestTrap rogue spyware remover - not recommended, removal instructions here | No |
| PFM3.0 | U | PFM30.exe | Management software for the Philips 8FF3WMI/27 digital PhotoFrame. Used to configure the device, transfer photos from a PC by drag and drop and on this wireless model, you can also use it to download RSS feeds to and display Internet photos on the device. Only required if you use the wireless features - otherwise it can be started when you manually connect the device. May also be included with other models but currently only available for this one | Yes |
| PFM30 | U | PFM30.exe | Management software for the Philips 8FF3WMI/27 digital PhotoFrame. Used to configure the device, transfer photos from a PC by drag and drop and on this wireless model, you can also use it to download RSS feeds to and display Internet photos on the device. Only required if you use the wireless features - otherwise it can be started when you manually connect the device. May also be included with other models but currently only available for this one | Yes |
| PFW_CfgEngine | ? | PFWCFG~1.EXE | Personal Firewall related? | No |
| PFW_PullSrv | ? | PULL.EXE | Personal Firewall related? | No |
| pg | U | pg.exe | 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, History and Address Bar" option is selected under "Browsers" when the users selects "Clean Your Computer". This startup entry is only created when Privacy Guardian is installed on XP. Also included in PC Tools Desktop Maestro (which incorporates Privacy Guardian) | Yes |
| Pghist | Y | PgHist.exe | 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, History and Address Bar" option is selected under "Browsers" when the users selects "Clean Your Computer" and is only created when Privacy Guardian is installed on XP. Also included in PC Tools Desktop Maestro (which incorporates Privacy Guardian) | Yes |
| PgHist.exe | Y | PgHist.exe | 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, History and Address Bar" option is selected under "Browsers" when the users selects "Clean Your Computer" and is only created when Privacy Guardian is installed on XP. Also included in PC Tools Desktop Maestro (which incorporates Privacy Guardian) | Yes |
| PgIndex | Y | PgIndex.exe | 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 "Index.dat" option is selected for IE under "Browsers" when the users selects "Clean Your Computer". Index.dat files keep a track of pages, images, cookies or sounds from web sites you have visited, even if these files are deleted from your system. Also included in PC Tools Desktop Maestro (which incorporates Privacy Guardian) | Yes |
| PgMonitr | X | PgMonitr.exe | Delfin Promulgate adware variant | No |
| PGPSDKSVC | Y | pgpsdkserv.exe | PGPsdkServ.exe is the new SDK service which is responsible for performing all PGP key management and cryptographic functions. This functionality was moved into a service to allow multiple modules simultaneous read/write access to the keyrings, among other things. As you can imagine, it is necessary for PGPsdkServ to be running in order to perform practically any PGP functionality | No |
| PGPSERVICE | U | pgpservice.exe | PGPservice.exe has two main purposes: (1) it handles a large part of the PGPnet functionality (along with the PGPnet driver) and (2) it allows efficient access to the PGP preferences database. The individual PGP modules normally access the preferences through PGPservice, but they are capable of a "fall-back" mode where they can handle such access on their own. Thus, if you are not running PGPnet, you may not immediately notice much of a difference if you disable PGPservice. If you are running PGPnet, you will notice a big difference | No |
| PGPtray | N | pgptray.exe | PGP 7.x. Provides icon tray shortcuts to PGP programs from Network Associates. Available via Start -> Programs | No |
| PGQL | X | pgql.exe | Added by the BCKDR-PQN BACKDOOR! | No |
| pgtaff | X | pgtaff.exe | AdRotator adware variant | No |
| PhiBtn | Y | PhiBtn.exe | Snapshot and Launch button application from Philips belonging to Philips SPC 900NC Camera | No |
| Philips Intelligent Agent | U | Philips Intelligent Agent.exe | Philips Intelligent Agent searches automatically the correct update for your recordable drive in only three simple steps | No |
| Philips PhotoFrame Manager | U | PFM30.exe | Management software for the Philips 8FF3WMI/27 digital PhotoFrame. Used to configure the device, transfer photos from a PC by drag and drop and on this wireless model, you can also use it to download RSS feeds to and display Internet photos on the device. Only required if you use the wireless features - otherwise it can be started when you manually connect the device. May also be included with other models but currently only available for this one | Yes |
| PhilipsRemote | U | PhilipsRemote.exe | Remote control support for MusicMatch Jukebox on Philips audio players such as the AZ2555 Sound Machine - see here | No |
| PhoneFree version 6.2 | U | PHONEF??.EXE | An Internet telephony application. Complicated registration and ad banners tailored to your profile - see here | No |
| Photo Loader supervisory | N | Plauto.exe | Casio's Photo Loader software. Hook up your camera to the USB port, and it pops up and asks you if you want to load your pictures | No |
| PhotoCAL Startup | N | PhotoCAL.exe | PhotoCAL wizard driven monitor calibration software from ColorVision for beginners and photo enthusiasts | No |
| PhotoManager | U | PhotoManager.exe | Management software for Philips digital PhotoFrame range. Used to edit photos and transfer them directly from a PC via a USB cable. Start manually when you connect the device | Yes |
| photo_id | X | photo_id.exe | Added by the AGENT-LTF TROJAN! The file is located in %System% | No |
| PhraseExpress | U | phrase.exe | "PhraseExpress organizes your frequently used text phrases and allows pasting them into any application" | No |
| PI Notify | N | PINotify.exe | Property Intellect from Wild Rabbit Software Ltd - "is widely used in the residential lettings markets to help landlords, investors and managing agents deal with the day-to-day aspects of looking after property" | No |
| PIC SYSTEM | X | picx.exe | Added by the MYTOB.LL WORM! | No |
| Picaboo | N | PicabooMain.exe | Picaboo - "Easily create stunning photo books and cards with your digital photos" | No |
| Picasa Media Detector | N | PicasaMediaDetector.exe | Media detector for Picasa's automatic photo organizer | No |
| Pickatag | N | pickatag.exe | 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" | No |
| PicoZip | U | PicoZipTray.exe | System tray access to PicoZip - "an easy to use Zip and UnZip utility that runs on all 32-bit Windows platforms such as Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000 and XP" | No |
| PICPRTR | N | PICPRTR.EXE | Program for viewing and measuring a variety of 3D CAD data formats | No |
| picsvr | X | picsvr.exe | Delfin Promulgate adware | No |
| picview | X | picview.exe | Added by the DWNLDR-FPH TROJAN! | No |
| Pidgin | U | pidgin.exe | Pidgin IM client - "a multi-protocol Instant Messaging client that allows you to use all of your IM accounts at once" | No |
| PiDunHK | U | PIDUNHK.EXE | Part of the Prodigy Internet software - part of the dialer/DUN. Presumably needed for users of that service otherwise you may not be able to connect, although you may try creating your own shortcut and see what happens | No |
| pigglett | X | pigglett.exe | Added by a variant of the SMALL.EP TROJAN! | No |
| pilif | X | pilif.exe | Added by the FILI WORM! | No |
| Pinger | N | pinger.exe | Pinger is the resident program for Toshiba updates. Periodically checks to see if there are any software/driver upgrades for your particular computer model. If it finds any, it posts a notification | 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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