Startup Applications List
Unfortunately, due to a change in my circumstances, the startup programs database here at Sysinfo.org will no longer be updated and the off-line downloads are no longer available. The version at Pacman's Portal will, however, continue to be updated and it's recommended that you refer to that site for more up to date information. The reason for this change in policy cannot be disclosed at this time but I hope you have enjoyed using the database here and thank you for your support and kind comments over the years.
Paul Collins
If you're frustrated with the time it takes your Windows 7/Vista/XP PC to boot and then it seems to be running slowly you may have too many programs running at start-up - and you 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 accurate and comprehensive. Services are not included - see below. The database is mirrored in a slightly different format at Pacman's Portal.
"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 you may want to also visit this page.
For further information on random startup entries please visit the Startups Info page.
Last update :- 29th July, 2011
24133 items listed
"Status" key:
| Name or Startup Item | Status | Command or Data | Description | Tested? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cpl | X | s_menu.exe | Added by the TACTSLAY.C TROJAN! | No |
| cpntmgc | X | simcss.exe | Added by the MAGICON.A TROJAN! | No |
| CPQEASYACC | U | StartEAK.exe | Easy Access Button Support for Compaq PCs. Allows the use of programmable keys on multimedia keyboards. Required if you use the additional keys | No |
| CPQEASYACC | U | STARTDRV.exe | For Compaq PC's. Allows the use of programmable keys on multimedia keyboards. Required if you use the additional keys | No |
| CPQSTUTFIX | Y | stutfix.exe | For Compaq PC's. Fixes audio stutter problems for ESS Maestro soundcards. You can download it here. This is a Compaq originated file and has been verified as free from viruses by McAfree/Norton | No |
| CRC Value Verifier | X | svchost32.exe | Added by the RBOT-OA WORM! | No |
| Creates stractures for system management | X | stacture.exe | Added by the SDBOT-DHS WORM! | No |
| Creative PCI Audio Configuration Utility | N | starter.exe | 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 | No |
| CrisysTec Sentry | X | Sentry.exe | CrisysTec Sentry rogue privacy program - not recommended | No |
| Crnsava | X | scrnsave.pif | Added by the SDBOT-ZV WORM! | No |
| Crnsavsund | X | scrnsund.pif | Added by the SDBOT-AJQ WORM! | No |
| csaRem | N | spqmdmui.exe | Compaq modem country selection | No |
| csoftok | X | softok.exe | Added by the QQPASS.G TROJAN! | No |
| csrss | X | ssms.exe | Added by an unidentified malware | No |
| CSScheduleCheck | Y | SCHWIZEX.EXE | Part of ConfigSafe - lets you identify changes to the registry, INI files, System asset files, system hardware, network connections, and operating system versions - provides a restore function. This part takes a snapshot of your system following a healthy re-boot | No |
| ctfmon | X | svhost.exe | Added by the BACKDR-EL BACKDOOR! | No |
| CTFMON.EXE | X | svchost.exe | Added by the JUEGO-B WORM! 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 %Windir% | No |
| ctfnom.exe | X | SVOHOST.exe | Added by the DIGIDOR-A TROJAN! | No |
| CTHELPER | X | svhost.exe | Added by the SDBOT-RZ WORM! | No |
| cursor | N | Screendragon_VS_Taskbar.exe | ScreenDragon video player | No |
| cvmsyslpd | X | sdservss.exe | Added by the MAILBOT-BY TROJAN! | No |
| Cyber Trio | U | showmode.exe | From G-Tek Technologies. Allows you to set the PC in one of three modes, Standard, Enhanced and Kiddo. Standard is full function, Enhanced prevents accidental damage and Kiddo is a play environment for kids. Pre-installed on some Packard Bell PCs | No |
| Data | X | System.dat.vbs | Added by the BISCUIT.A WORM! | No |
| dbar_starter | X | starter.exe | Deskbar adware - adds a search bar to your Windows taskbar which performs searches on www.w-w-w-dot-com.com | No |
| dc2k5 | X | SVIQ.EXE | Added by the COIDUNG-A WORM! | No |
| DCPstrApp | Y | SecurityDeviceInfoSetRegistryString.exe | Part of the Dell ControlPoint Security Manager - which "provides access to your security, user identification, fingerprint readers, and smartcard security technology". Dell ControlPoint is "designed to simplify and unify the execution of what should be simple system functions" and "integrates best-of-breed software and utility solutions into one helpful solution" | No |
| ddoctorv2 | U | sprtcmd.exe /P ddoctorv2 | Comcast Desktop Doctor (provided by SupportSoft, Inc) is a free self-help tool for Comcast broadband users. Identifies and automatically fixes typical problems that may occur with your high-speed internet service | No |
| DDriver | X | svchost.exe | Added by a variant of the DELF.IT TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! The location of this file varies | No |
| Debug | X | SMSS.exe | DreamAd adware. 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 %Windir% | No |
| default | X | shell32.exe | Added by the BINGHE TROJAN! | No |
| defragsys | X | svchost.exe | Added by the BIFROSE-TH TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate svchost.exe process which should normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! | No |
| DefSysdify | X | Syst.exe | Added by the NAUGHTER.D TROJAN! | No |
| DelayShred | N | ShrCL.EXE | McAfee Shredder - not required at startup. You can run it manually via McAfee Security Center | No |
| Delete USB Error Key | Y | SPS3_USB_Driver_Setup.exe | Installed with SAMSUNG PC Studio and New PC Studio mobile device management utilities. The exact purpose is unknown at present and it runs only once on the first boot after installation is complete before exiting | Yes |
| Dell PanelMgr | U | SSMMgr.exe | Monitors ink levels, paper present and other parameters for some Dell printers | No |
| DellSupportCenter | U | sprtcmd.exe /P DellSupportCenter | Dell Support Center (provided by SupportSoft, Inc) is a free self-help tool for Dell users. Identifies and automatically fixes typical problems that may occur with your high-speed internet service | No |
| devenv | X | smvss.exe | Added by the DEDLER-G TROJAN! | No |
| DHCP | X | smss.exe | Added by the WINSPY.88 TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate smss.exe process which is always located in %System% and should not normally figure in Msconfig/Startup! This one is located in %Windir%\display | No |
| DHCP32 | X | services.exe | Added by the WINSPY.AG 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%\display | No |
| Direct settings | X | sdchost.exe | Added by the DAEMONI-I TROJAN! | No |
| directx | X | Sqlexploit.exe | Added by the SDBOT.D TROJAN! | No |
| DirectX Driver | X | stdhost.exe | Added by the SDBOT.GVJ BACKDOOR! | No |
| DirectX for Microsoft Windows | X | Sservice.exe | Added by the PRORAT TROJAN! | No |
| DirectX9 | X | svchost32.exe | Added by the RBOT.AQG WORM! | No |
| Disk Keeper | X | SECURITY.EXE | Daosearch adware | No |
| DiskRetter | X | SysRep.exe | DiskRetter, German rogue system error and cleaning utility - not recommended. A member of the ErrClean family | No |
| Diskstart | X | Snt.exe | Adult content dialler | No |
| Dll Link | X | svchoist.exe | Added by the AUTOSKY WORM! | No |
| Dll Link | X | svchost.exe | Added by the AUTOSKY WORM! 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 Documents and Settings\<User>\Favourites folder | No |
| DokterFix | X | SysRep.exe | DokterFix, Dutch rogue system error and cleaning utility - not recommended. A member of the ErrClean family | No |
Notes & Warnings
Variables:
DISCLAIMER: It is assumed that users are familiar with the operating system they are using and comfortable with making the suggested changes. We will not be held responsible if changes you make cause a system failure.
WARNING: 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 entries listed in this database where specific removal instructions haven't been given. If this is the case then you could try ComboFix, a program written by sUBs that can remove many different types of Trojans and Worms. See here for a tutorial on how to use the program
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.
SERVICES: "Services" from the NT/2K/XP/Vista/7 operating systems are not included. I fully understand that some programs with these OS's use "Services" as an alternative to load their component parts at startup but these are handled in a different way. We recommend you try BlackViper for information on services for the relevant operating systems.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you're looking for a startup manager then why not 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.
As there are more than 10,000 entries in this database related to viruses, trojans, worms and other malware we recommend you use a quality internet security package. Which ever you choose, keep it updated.
Copyright
Presentation, format & comments Copyright © 2001 - 2011 Pacman's Portal
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