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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop iCalendar | U | Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe | Desktop iCalendar Lite by Desksware - "is a free desktop calendar for Windows. It allows you to manage your events, to-do list on desktop. It allows subscribing public Google Calendar, such as holidays, election or NBA. It is full customizable. A build in skin editor makes it easy to set the skin by your own taste" | Yes |
| Desktop iCalendar | U | Desktop iCalendar.exe | Desktop iCalendar by Desksware - "is a handy desktop calendar for Windows. It stays on your desktop and shows the days of the current month. It can sync with your Google Calendar, share calendars with your family and friends. It also uses high-quality fonts, looks pretty, and has lots of skins" | Yes |
| Desktop iCalendar Lite | U | Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe | Desktop iCalendar Lite by Desksware - "is a free desktop calendar for Windows. It allows you to manage your events, to-do list on desktop. It allows subscribing public Google Calendar, such as holidays, election or NBA. It is full customizable. A build in skin editor makes it easy to set the skin by your own taste" | Yes |
| Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe | U | Desktop iCalendar Lite.exe | Desktop iCalendar Lite by Desksware - "is a free desktop calendar for Windows. It allows you to manage your events, to-do list on desktop. It allows subscribing public Google Calendar, such as holidays, election or NBA. It is full customizable. A build in skin editor makes it easy to set the skin by your own taste" | Yes |
| Desktop iCalendar.exe | U | Desktop iCalendar.exe | Desktop iCalendar by Desksware - "is a handy desktop calendar for Windows. It stays on your desktop and shows the days of the current month. It can sync with your Google Calendar, share calendars with your family and friends. It also uses high-quality fonts, looks pretty, and has lots of skins" | Yes |
| Desktop Maestro | N | deskmech.exe | Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which "combines the features of our award winning products, Registry Mechanic and Privacy Guardian to ensure that you have the range of tools at your fingertips to ensure optimal system performance, stability and user privacy". This entry is created when Desktop Maestro is installed on XP and loads the System Tray icon and runs a registry scan at startup - if either are enabled. Run manually at regular intervals | Yes |
| Desktop Maestro Vista Tray | N | RMTray.exe | Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which "combines the features of our award winning products, Registry Mechanic and Privacy Guardian to ensure that you have the range of tools at your fingertips to ensure optimal system performance, stability and user privacy". This entry is created when Desktop Maestro is installed on Vista and loads the System Tray icon (deskmech.exe) on runs a registry scan at startup - if either are enabled. Run manually at regular intervals | Yes |
| DesktopArmor | Y | DesktopArmor.exe | Desktop Armor from Headlight Software - "watches dozens and dozens of important settings on your computer and warns you if any program has changed them" including those made by malware | Yes |
| DesktopMaestro | N | deskmech.exe | Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which "combines the features of our award winning products, Registry Mechanic and Privacy Guardian to ensure that you have the range of tools at your fingertips to ensure optimal system performance, stability and user privacy". This entry is created when Desktop Maestro is installed on XP and loads the System Tray icon and runs a registry scan at startup - if either are enabled. Run manually at regular intervals | Yes |
| DesktopMaestro | N | RMTray.exe | Part of Desktop Maestro from PC Tools - which "combines the features of our award winning products, Registry Mechanic and Privacy Guardian to ensure that you have the range of tools at your fingertips to ensure optimal system performance, stability and user privacy". This entry is created when Desktop Maestro is installed on Vista and loads the System Tray icon (deskmech.exe) on runs a registry scan at startup - if either are enabled. Run manually at regular intervals | Yes |
| DesktopX | N | DesktopX.exe | System Tray access to DesktopX from Stardock Corporation - "is a desktop utility designed to enable users to build their own desktops, widgets, and gadgets." Note - if this entry is disabled and DesktopX has been configured to load any desktops, objects or widgets they will still load, along with DesktopX. Also part of the Object Desktop suite | Yes |
| DesktopX | Y | IconX.exe | IconX from Stardock Corporation - "a program that enhances your Windows desktop icons so that they can be any size, zoom on mouse over, have shadows underneath them and generally make them more attractive and usable." Required if you want to use the features and themes provided. No longer supported - it was formally part of the Object Desktop suite and also available as a separate download | Yes |
| DesktopX Welcome | U | Welcome.exe | DesktopX Welcome widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Used to load/create widgets, objects and different desktops. Once started, Welcome.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Arcade.exe | 80's Arcade widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Allows you to play classic 1980's arcade games such as Pacman and Space Invaders on the desktop. Once started, Arcade.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Fishy.exe | Fishy widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays a fish swimming on the desktop. Once started, Fishy.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SI2992~1.exe | Silica Volume Control widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays a slider to control the speaker volume on the desktop. Once started, Silica Volume Control.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica Volume Control.exe" is shown as "SI2992~1.exe" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SI39E3~1.exe | Silica Weather widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays the current weather and forecast for up to 5 days for the selected location on the desktop. Once started, Silica Weather.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica Weather.exe" is shown as "SI39E3~1.exe" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SI90AE~1.exe | Silica To-Do List widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Adds a "to do" task list on the desktop. Once started, Silica To-Do List.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica To-Do List.exe" is shown as "SI90AE~1.exe" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SI985F~1.exe | Silica Word of the Day widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays the "Word of the Day" from Wordsmith.org on the desktop. Once started, Silica Word of the Day.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica Word of the Day.exe" is shown as "SI985F~1.exe" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SIF08B~1.exe | Silica Unit Converter widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Provides a unit conversion utility on the desktop. Once started, Silica Unit Converter.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 entry where "Silica Unit Converter.exe" is shown as "SIF08B~1.exe" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Calendar.exe | Silica Calender widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays a calendar on the desktop. Once started, Silica Calendar.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Clock.exe | Silica Clock widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays a clock on the desktop. Once started, Silica Clock.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Picture Frame.exe | Silica Picture Frame widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays either a static user selected picture or slide show in a resizable picture frame on the desktop. Once started, Silica Picture Frame.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Search.exe | Silica Search widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Provides a search box powered by Google on the desktop. Once started, Silica Search.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica To-Do List.exe | Silica To-Do List widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Adds a "to do" task list on the desktop. Once started, Silica To-Do List.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Unit Converter.exe | Silica Unit Converter widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Provides a unit conversion utility on the desktop. Once started, Silica Unit Converter.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Volume Control.exe | Silica Volume Control widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays a slider to control the speaker volume on the desktop. Once started, Silica Volume Control.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Weather.exe | Silica Weather widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays the current weather and forecast for up to 5 days for the selected location on the desktop. Once started, Silica Weather.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Word of the Day.exe | Silica Word of the Day widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays the "Word of the Day" from Wordsmith.org on the desktop. Once started, Silica Word of the Day.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SILICA~1.EXE | Silica Calender widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays a calendar on the desktop. Once started, Silica Calendar.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica Calendar.exe" is shown as "SILICA~1.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Silica Clock.exe | Silica Clock widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays a clock on the desktop. Once started, Silica Clock.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica Clock.exe" is shown as "SILICA~2.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SILICA~3.EXE | Silica Picture Frame widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays either a static user selected picture or slide show in a resizable picture frame on the desktop. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica Picture Frame.exe" is shown as "SILICA~3.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | SILICA~4.exe | Silica Search widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Provides a search box powered by Google on the desktop. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Silica Search.exe" is shown as "SILICA~4.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Welcome.exe | DesktopX Welcome widget included with the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Used to load/create widgets, objects and different desktops. Once started, Welcome.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Aero Gmail.exe | Aero Gmail widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Checks for new E-mail on Google via their Atom feed. Once started, Aero Gmail.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | AEROGM~1.EXE | Aero Gmail widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Checks for new E-mail on Google via their Atom feed. Once started, Aero Gmail.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 entry where "Aero Gmail.exe" is shown as "AEROGM~1.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Clear meter bar .exe | Clear Meter Bar widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays free drive space, free memory, CPU usage and system running time on the desktop with a clear background. Once started, Clear meter bar .exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | CLEARM~1.EXE | Clear Meter Bar widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays free drive space, free memory, CPU usage and system running time on the desktop with a clear background. Once started, Clear meter bar .exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 entry where "Clear meter bar .exe" is shown as "CLEARM~1.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Core Calendar.exe | Core Calendar widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Once started, Core Calendar.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Core Weather.exe | Core Weather widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays the current weather and forecast for up to 5 days from The Weather Channel for the selected location on the desktop. Once started, Core Weather.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | CORECA~1.EXE | Core Calendar widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Once started, Core Calendar.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Core Calendar.exe" is shown as "CORECA~1.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | COREWE~1.EXE | Core Weather widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays the current weather and forecast for up to 5 days from The Weather Channel for the selected location on the desktop. Once started, Core Weather.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Core Weather.exe" is shown as "COREWE~1.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | DIGITA~1.EXE | DigitalMETER widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays free drive space, free memory, CPU usage and system running time on the desktop. Once started, DigitalMETER.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "DigitalMETER.exe" is shown as "DIGITA~1.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | DigitalMETER.exe | DigitalMETER widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Displays free drive space, free memory, CPU usage and system running time on the desktop. Once started, DigitalMETER.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Glassy Calculator II.exe | Glassy Calculator II widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Once started, Glassy Calculator II.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Glassy Calendar.exe | Glassy Calendar widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Once started, Glassy Calendar.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | GLASSY~1.EXE | Glassy Calculator II widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Once started, Glassy Calculator II.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Glassy Calculator II.exe" is shown as "GLASSY~1.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | GLASSY~2.EXE | Glassy Calendar widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Once started, Glassy Calendar.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Glassy Calendar.exe" is shown as "GLASSY~2.EXE" | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | Gmail Checker.exe | Gmail Checker widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Checks for new E-mail on Google via their Atom feed. Once started, Gmail Checker.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Windows Defender entry | Yes |
| DesktopX Widget | U | GMAILC~1.EXE | Gmail Checker widget for the DesktopX desktop utility from Stardock Corporation. Checks for new E-mail on Google via their Atom feed. Once started, Gmail Checker.exe loads a file called "DXWidget.exe" and exits. This is the Vista/7 MSConfig entry where "Gmail Checker.exe" is shown as "GMAILC~1.EXE" | Yes |
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