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.
Operating System Differences
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 "Noeton eMail Protect" in the registry.
To avoid the list becoming too large, all VIRUSES are shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions.
Alternatively use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.
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
Use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.
| X | w32 | w32.exe | Added by the SOKEVEN TROJAN! | |
| X | W32.Scran | Scran.exe | Added by the NARCS WORM! | |
| X | w32alanis | mope.scr | Added by the SINALA WORM! | |
| X | W32Load | [random filename].scr | Added by the CASPID WORM! | |
| X | w32sup | w32sup.exe | Adult content dialler | |
| X | W32Tc | WTC32.scr | Added by the VOTE.D or VOTE.K WORMS! | |
| X | W3KNetwork | rundll32.exe w3knet.dll, dllinitrun | Advertising spyware. Check here for more info on this particular one | |
| Y | W75P2PSERVER | W75P2PS.EXE | Printer utility which is required in order to make the printer work correctly | |
| ? | W815DM | W815DM.exe | ?? | |
| N | Wanadoo Messenger.exe | Wanadoo Messenger.exe | Wanadoo ISP instant messenger client | |
| Y | WanMPSvc | WanMPSvc.exe | An AOL component, the Wan miniport (ATW) service. If you delete this and logon, AOL reports a problem with your internet connection, and reinstalling AOL doesn’t help | |
| X | WAPI | wts**.exe [* = random char] | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| N | war-ftpd.exe | WAR-FTPD.EXE | War FTP Daemon from JGAA's Internet - FTP client | |
| X | Wardo | syslaunch.exe | Added by the ADLCICKER.G TROJAN! | |
| X | WareOut | WareOut.exe | Malware masquerading as a spyware and dialer remover, see here | |
| N | warez | warez.exe | Warez P2P client | |
| U | Warner | warner.exe | Also known as "CyberWarner". From G-Tek Technologies and pre-installed on some Packard Bell PCs. Protects critical files | |
| U | Warnet | warnet.exe | Warnet - system cleanup software | |
| U | Warning: do not remove it! | fpplock.exe | Part of Folder Password Expert by ZQS Software Team - "a software program to restrict access to the folders that contain your sensitive data" | |
| N | WARSVR | war-ftpd.exe | "War FTP Daemon - the original free FTP server for windows" | |
| U | WashAndGo - Cleanup of old Backupfiles | checker.exe | WashAndGo - temp file cleaner | |
| U | Washer | washer.exe | Windows Washer from Webroot Software. Useful utility that deletes safe to remove files, cookies, browsing history, etc. Available via from Start -> Programs. Disable within the program options - otherwise it is re-enabled in MSCONFIG | |
| N | Washerie.exe | washerie.exe | Cookie Washer for Internet Explorer from Webroot Software. Light version of Windows Washer, specific for cleaning the IE cache and cookies. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| U | washindex | washidx.exe | Windows Washer from Webroot Software. Useful utility that deletes safe to remove files, cookies, browsing history, etc. Available via from Start -> Programs. Disable within the program options - otherwise it is re-enabled in MSCONFIG | |
| X | Wast | wast.exe | Grokster ads updater | |
| N | Watch | watch.exe | Found to be used by a Trust USB scanner for auto starting the scanning software when the lid is lifted | |
| ? | Watch | 1200UBWATCH.EXE | ?? | |
| N | Watch Dog Program | watchdog.exe | For Compaq PC's. Associated with Compaq's internet services. Not required if you don't use services provided by them and may not be required even if you do | |
| N | Watchdog | Watchdog.exe | Definitely part of the Mustek scanner drivers and software (for 600 III EP Plus and maybe others), launches from the Startup folder in the Start Menu, but not required as they give instructions on removing it on their webpage | |
| ? | WatchDog | watchdog.exe | Part of Motorola "Mobile Phone Tools" v3 - in a "Mobiile Phone Tools" sub-directory of Program Files | |
| N | WaveTop Launcher | WaveTop.exe | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | WaveTop Receiver 1 | N/A | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | WaveTop Receiver 2 | N/A | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | WaveTop Upload Manager | N/A | WaveTop - "Get push content from TV without an Internet connection" - now possibly a defunct system in the US included as an optional part of WebTV in Win98 | |
| N | Wbiff | Wbiff.exe | Wbiff! E-mail checker - automatically checks your e-mail and notifies you if any new e-mail has been received | |
| ? | Wbutton | Wbutton.exe | Related to the Wacom Penabled driver on Acer Tablet PCs. Appears to do nothing so is it required? | |
| N | WCESCOMM | WCESCOMM.EXE | Active sync for use with Windows CE based palm PC | |
| U | wcmdmgr | wcmdmgrl.exe | Web Driver delivery system for WildTangent on-line games. Periodically checks for updates - can be disabled within the programs control panel. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case | |
| N | wcmdmgr.exe | wcmdmgr.exe | Web Driver delivery system for WildTangent on-line games. Periodically checks for updates - can be disabled within the programs control panel. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case | |
| U | wcmdmgrl | wcmdmgrl.exe | Web Driver delivery system for WildTangent on-line games. Periodically checks for updates - can be disabled within the programs control panel. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case | |
| U | WCOLOREAL | coloreal.exe | Makes colours sharper and brighter, but will only work with coloreal capable monitors | |
| ? | WCPC | wintsvcc.exe | ?? | |
| X | WCPI | wintsvit.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| X | WCPS | Wint**.exe [* = random char] | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| X | WCPT | wintsvtr.exe | PurityScan/Clickspring adware | |
| U | WD Button Manager | WDBtnMgr.exe | Button manager installed with a western digital external disk drive. Allows you to back up your system with one click | |
| X | WDInfo | wdinfo.exe | Added by the DLUCA.B TROJAN! | |
| X | wdskctl | wdskctl.exe | IEPlugin spyware | |
| X | wdwctrl | wdwctrl.exe | Added by the DLUCA.E TROJAN! | |
| N | WEATHER | WEATHER.EXE | Weatherbug provides current outdoor temperature in the System Tray, also weather alerts. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| N | WeatherCast | Weather.exe | Weather reporting in the System Tray. Available via Start -> Programs. Installed via Radlight | |
| X | WeatherOnTray | WeatherOnTray.exe | Hotbar's Weather Forecast tool for your desktop - adware | |
| N | WeatherWatcher | ww.exe | WeatherWatcher - weather reporting in the System Tray | |
| X | web | ******.exe [* = random char] | Added by a variant of the EASTO.A TROJAN! | |
| ? | Web Search | ?? | ?? | |
| X | Web Service | [random filename].exe | Added by the ADMINCASH TROJAN! | |
| Y | web3trap | web3trap.exe | PC-Cillin 2000 anti-virus software -> ActiveX filter. Guards against malicious ActiveX programs, etc | |
| X | webalize | webalize.exe | Searchcentrix hijacker | |
| N | WebArmyKnife | WAK.exe | Web Army Knife - a suite of web site developer's tools | |
| X | webassist | webassist.exe | Adware popup generator | |
| ? | Webcam Go Sti Service Application | wbcgosvc.exe | Control software for the portable Creative Video Blaster Webcam Go digital camera/PC web cam. What does it do and is it required? | |
| N | WebcamRT.exe | WEBCAMRT.exe | For Logitech Web Cams. Not required - camera works fine without it | |
| X | Webcelerator | webcel.exe | Webcelerator from eAcceleration speeds your Web browsing by both remembering where you have been and anticipating where you will go. Only needed if you find it improves web browsing. Spyware and troublesome - see here | |
| X | WebCheck | WebCheck.pif | Added by the CONE.C or CONE.F WORMS! | |
| X | WebCpr0 | WebCpr0.exe | Web_CPR/TopMoxie adware | |
| X | Webdav.exe | webdav.exe | IRC DDoS bot which gives the hacker full control over your system | |
| X | WebHancer Agent | whagent.exe | System Tray application that starts up Webhancer software. Software that optimizes your web browser and is also advertising spyware that you can find out about here | |
| X | webHancer Survey Companion | whSurvey.exe | WebHancer foistware - traffic measurement service that uses a client agent that is stealth installed on user machines, gathering detailed data about sites visited, their performance and, most important, what the user actually does while there | |
| X | WebInstall | WebInstall.exe | ClipGenie adware downloader | |
| X | WebInstall2 | WebInstall.exe | ClipGenie adware downloader | |
| N | WebKey | WebKey.exe | WebKey from JB Utilities. Utility to keep track of login data required when browsing the internet | |
| N | WebOutfitterTray | sttray.exe | Intel WebOutfitter service System Tray icon | |
| N | Webposition Gold 2 | wpsche~1.exe | Scheduler for Web Position Gold - utility to help optimize the position of web-sites in search engines | |
| X | WebRebates0 | WebRebates0.exe | WebRebates adware | |
| X | WebRun | [Trojan filename] | Added by the ADWARELOADER TROJAN! | |
| U | websaverlive | websaverlive.exe | WebSaver Live! is a companion program to Websaver that retrieves information from the Internet on a schedule and displays it on your screen when your computer is idle | |
| X | WebSavingsfromEbates | WebSavingsfromEbatesrun.exe | Web Savings From Ebates Software, a shopping tool that opens pop-up windows | |
| X | WebSavingsFromEbates0 | WebSavingsFromEbates0.exe | Web Savings From Ebates Software, a shopping tool that opens pop-up windows | |
| X | WebScan | DEFSCANGUI.EXE | eAcceleration Stop-Sign related - not recommended, see note | |
| N | webscan | stopsignav.exe | eAcceleration Stop-Sign related - not recommended, see note | |
| Y | WebScanX | WebScanX.exe | From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x. Provides functionality for VShield Download Scan and Internet Filter modules. Enables internet scanning. Guards against malicious ActiveX programs, etc | |
| X | websearch | wjview ...websearch.exe | "Web Savings" From Ebates Software, a shopping tool that opens pop-up windows | |
| X | WebSecureAlert | WebSecureAlert.exe | WebSecureAlert. "Can help protect your browser security and privacy". However, it's by GAIN Publishing, and will display pop up ads on your computer screen based on your online Web surfing behavior | |
| ? | WebServer | VBI_SE~1.EXE | Related to a Pinnacle sound card. What does it do and is it needed? | |
| N | Webshots | Webshots Tray.exe | Screensaver program that automatically downloads from the webshots web site | |
| N | Webshots | websho~1.exe | Screensaver program that automatically downloads from the webshots web site | |
| X | WebSpecials | rundll32 [path] webspec.dll | WebSpecials spyware | |
| X | Websx | Int*****.exe | Adult content dialler - where ***** are random | |
| Y | Webtrap | webtrap.exe | Part of PC-Cillin anti-virus software. Checks web-sites for malicious Java and ActiveX elements in a similar way to McAfee WebScanX. A few users find it infuriating | |
| Y | WebTrapNT.exe | WebTrapNT.exe | Part of PC-Cillin Anti-Virus software. Checks visited web-sites for malicious Java and ActiveX elements | |
| U | WebWasher | wwasher.exe | Free Pop-up/ad/javascript filter program from Siemens. If not running then browsers will not be protected but will still work. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| N | Welcome | Welcome.exe | Launches the Welcome to Windows tutorial on boot up | |
| ? | WEPstat | Wepstat.exe | Cisco Aironet 340 Series PC Card driver. If it can be started manually it shouldn't be required if you don't use the PC card facility regularily - hence the status could be "U". Can anybody confirm this? | |
| X | wersds | doriot.exe | Added by the JECT.C TROJAN! | |
| N | WetSock | wetsock.exe | RoboMagic Wetsock - weather reporting in the System Tray | |
| N | WFGStartup | WFGStartup.exe | World Weather. "This midlet displays the current weather conditions for major cities around the world. This version is for memory limited mobile phones" | |
| U | wfips | iphider.exe | ICQ (messaging/chat program) anti-bomb software. "WFIPS is anti-bomb software for safeguarding ICQ Bomb before the bombing. 'ICQ Defoolder' is a tool for removing ICQ bomb after being exposed." For more information about ICQ bombs see here | |
| N | WFXCTL32.EXE | WFXCTL32.EXE | From WinFax 10.0 and possibly earlier versions. Appears if you chose to have WinFax appear in the taskbar (System Tray) during installation and displays a yellow fax/telephone icon. Available via Start -> Programs | |
| Y | wfxsnt40 | wfxsnt40.exe | WinFax 10.0 and maybe earlier versions. The program that opens the port for WinFax and not normally in the start menu. Needed if you want to run WinFax | |
| ? | WFXSwtch | WFXSWTCH.exe | Related to WinFax. What does it do and is it required? | |
| Y | WG511WLU | WG511WLU.exe | Netgear configuration programme for the 54g wireless lan card - required to monitor and manage the lan card | |
| U | WGWLocalManager | WGWLocalManager.exe | Part of Flash-Networks NettGain2000 product. NettGain 2000 is a combined hardware/software networking solution, which is designed to improve performance of satellite networks by increasing data transmission speeds and maximizing the existing bandwidth for complete utilization when sending TCP/IP applications over a satellite. It is needed when connecting to the internet via satellite to provide speed faster than 60k or so. It could be started by creating a shortcut, running it only when connecting to the internet. If internet is used often, it's recommended to leave it in startup so it starts with the system |
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