Applicazioni in Esecuzione Automatica

Se siete stati reindirizzati qui da un altro sito, vi consiglio di leggere alcune istruzioni propedeutiche qui, vi sono inserite utili informazioni, incluso come identificare questi programmi, come disabilitarlie le istruzioni affinché possa accettare la segnalazione di nuovi elementi da inserire nella lista. Vi prego di  leggere questo prima di inviare segnalazioni di nuovi programmi da aggiungere alla lista. La segnalazione può essere fatta via E-mail o sulla Message Board

Alcuni elementi sono ripetuti poiché sistemi operativi diversi possono identificarli in maniera simile. Per esempio WinMe elenca "POPROXY.EXE" per "Norton eMail Protect" mentre in WinXP viene elencato come "Poproxy"

Se volete disabilitare un programma e mantenerne l'avvio manuale, ma non avete un link sul desktop o nei programmi, potrete sempre crearla voi.  

Aggiornamenti - le ultime variazioni alla lista (in inglese)

Premete F5 o il tasto "refresh" nel browser per avere la certezza degli ultimi dati disponibili.

Nota: Ci sono due virus tuttora in circolazione che qualche volta aggiungono degli elementi diversi nella lista dei programmi da avviare automaticamente. Entrambi aggiungono le istruzioni nella chiave di registro HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, permettendone così l'esecuzione all'avvio del sistema:

(1) PE_BISTRO - aggiunge XXXX = "C:\WINDOWS\XXXX.EXE" - dove XXXX è il nome di un file scelto casualmente e infettato
(2) PE_MAGISTR - aggiunge <Nome del Virus> = "<Percorso del Virus>\<Nome del Virus>.EXE"

Ultimo Aggiornamento :- 6 Ottobre 2002
1639
elementi elencati

Per trovare un programma in questa lista per "Nome", "Elemento di Avvio" or <NomeFile>.<estensione> (es. "systray.exe") utilizzate l'utility del vostro browsery. Per esempio in Internet Explorer potete usare CTRL+F.

Indice Alfabetico

Num  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Num

  Nome/Elemento di Avvio Comando Commenti
X %123456% rundll32.exe shell32.dll, Control_RunDLL ...%123456%.cpl Risultato dell'aggiunta del VIRUS KITRO.C (o DANDI.A)! %123456% può essere una qualunque combinazione di 4 o 6 numeri
N @Hoc Toolbar AtHoc.exe Funzionalità "One-Click" attivata dall'uso di varie toolbar utilizzate da alcuni siti web. Controllate qui per maggiori informazioni.
N @loha reminder.exe Rimando alla registrazione dell'utility E-mail @loha @ home  
U !NoLoad winrecon.exe WinRecon - programma di sorveglianza che registra qualunque cosa venga fatta sul computer, monitoraggio, spionaggio, dipende da come lo utilizzate.
? _x-Finder _x-Finder.exe ??
U 00THotkey 00THotKey.exe Per il portatile Toshiba serie Satellite per l'utilizzo dei pulsanti frontali play, stop, succ. e prec.
? 1: hpdrv.exe ??
N 1A:MacVisionTrayMonitor TrayMonitor.exe Inserito dal programma di monitoraggio delle icone MacVision (Nota : programma di Stardock)
N 1A:Stardock TrayMonitor TrayServer.exe Per il monitoraggio delle icone di sitema
N 3cdminic 3CDMINIC.EXE 3Com DMI (DynamicAccess Desktop Management Interface) Programma di controllo per le schede rete 3Com
? 3CM Link 3cmcnkw.exe Come sotto?
Y 3Cmlink 3CmlinkW.exe Per un US Robotics WinModem. Ppermette il collegamento a Windows e la CPU durante i processi di WinModems - non funziona senza. Vedere qui per ulterioni informazioni su WinModem
? 3cpipe-USRpdA USRmlnkA.exe Relativo a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)?
U 3Deep Control Panel 3DeepCTL.EXE Aggiunto dal correttore di luce, contrasto e colori  E-Color - 3Deep® per tutti i vostri giochi  2D e 3D.
N 3D Text 3D Text.scr Screensaver testo 3D
Y 3dfxv2ps.dll 3dfxv2ps.dll Aggiorna il registro con le informazioni che non possono essere mantenute per le schede video  3dfx Voodoo 2. Importante per i possessori di queste schede
X 3Dfx Acc GFXACC.EXE Aggiunto dal VIRUS GIBE!
Y 3dfx Tools 3dfxCmn.dll Aggiorna il registro con le informazioni che non possono essere mantenute per le schede video Voodoo serie 3/4/5. Importante per i possessori di queste schede
N 3dfx Task Manager 3dfxMan.exe Applicazione per la barra di sistema per le funzioni di 3dfx Voodoo 3/4/5 functions. Disponibile anche via  Avvio -> Programmi
U 3DLabsHelperDemon 3dldemon.exe Direttamente dall'autore dei programmi: "Piccolo programma istallato da Permedia2/3e probabilmente anche dalle schede serie Oxygen. Normalmente sta in background facendo assolutamente niente, così dovrebbe utilizzare tempo zero della CPU e, virtualmente, zero memoria, finché non verrà impaginato sull'HD". In motli casi può essere disabilitato tranquillamente.
U 3qdctl.exe 3qdctl.exe Aggiunto da Terratec 128i PCI e schede audio simili. Carica un profilo audio all'avvio, ripristinando il volume ed altri settaggi ai valori predefiniti. Simile a Creative Lab's AudioHQ
X 5-2-46-112 5-2-46-112.exe Dialer per materiale per adulti. Per la rimozione leggere queste istruzioni.

Torna all'indice alfabetico

A

  Nome/Elemento di Avvio Comando Commenti
U A1000 Settings Utility cpqa1000.exe Software per la stampante Compaq A1000 Print Fax All-in-One. Richiesto all'avvio per poter scannerizzare, stampare, fotocopiare o mandare fax. Indispensabile solo se utilizzate questi servizi
N AAATraySaver TraySaver.exe System Tray management utility from Mike Lin which allows you to hide, show, restore icons that are lost in an Explorer crash, remove dead tray icons, minimize any window to the System Tray
X ABC keylogger.exe Monitors keystrokes so you can check if someone has typed anything while your away from your PC. Reported as spyware by SpyCop in their FAQ. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that may remove it
N ABBYY Community Agent CAGENT.EXE Installed with the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software that comes bundled with a Compaq A3000 all-in-one printer/scanner. Its function appears to be to link you to the internet in an attempt to buy the 5.0 version of the software
X ABsr absr.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
X abtu mp3serch.exe
or
lopsearch.exe
Loads the executable for Lop.com. mp3serch.exe is the final version whilst lopsearch.exe is the beta version
N Access Ramp Monitor armon32.exe Monitors your progress on the internet; hang-ups, connection speeds, internet congestion and traffic flow. It prevents some games from running also. To disable the Access Ramp Monitor (1) Open Windows Explorer (2) Open the Program Files folder (3) Open the MindSpring folder (4) Open the AccessRamp folder (5) Double-click on the ARMCfg32.exe file (6) Uncheck Enable Dialup Monitor and click OK (7) Restart the computer and try again
N AccessRamp Monitor01 ARMon32a.exe From a visitor "Just wanted to provide you with some info on Access Ramp software installed with Verizon DSL accounts in those areas that use the Winpoet PPPoE software. The Access Ramp TSRs are installed as part of IP Insight software (can't remember the software maker). You can decline to install IP Insight during Winpoet setup, or go into Add/Remove programs uninstall IP Insight by hand if it's already installed. It really doesn't do a darn thing for you. It was intended to help DSL techs monitor QoS, but the backend part was never implemented (at least as of earlier this year). This will not affect the user's ability or inability to access their DSL service."
N AccessRampLAN01 ARUpld32.exe Version of the above for LAN connections - a history uploader. The key in turning it off is a file named ARUCfg32.exe. This file (ARUCfg32.exe) does not show up in the startup process. If you have this file, you can execute it and remove all the monitoring activities it does. Removing all the checks in all the boxes (both tabs) still calls ARUpld32.exe to start when you start the dial up. You can block it from sending info if you have Zone Alarm installed. Renaming the extension of ARUCfg32.exe to ARUCfg32.exe1 works. The ARUpld32.exe is not loaded when launching the dial up client
? AcerPowerkey ?? PowerKey utility for Acer TravelMate notebook PCs. What does it do and is it needed?
X acocash fastdown.exe Adult content dialler
U acoustic acoustic.exe Control panel program for Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard. Not required unless changed settings aren't retained
? acpart agpart11.exe ??
N Acrobat Assistant ACROTRAY.EXE If you want to create a PDF using Acrobat Distiller, you can execute this program manually just before doing so
N Action Manager 32 am32.exe Associated with a Plustech scanner. Small utility that runs in the background for doing fax/copy/etc. Available via Start -> Programs
N ActiveEyes ActiveEyes.exe ActiveEyes from TFI Technology
U ActiveMenu ActiveMenu.exe Goes with WildTangent demo games that come with some HP computers. Unchecking it can prevent the games from running occasionally
U ActivePlus activeplus.exe Interactive Agents Plugin for Messenger Plus! (MSN Messenger add-on)
? AD2KClient AD2KClient.exe Related to AutoDisk for an Iomega disk.What is it and is it needed?
N Adaptec DirectCD Directcd.exe DirectCD primarily allows you to drag and drop files onto a suitably formatted CD-RW disc. Unless you use this on a frequent basis it isn't required and is available via Start -> Programs. Start the program before inserting a DirectCD formatted CD-RW in the drive. A re-boot is recommended if you close Adaptec DirectCD before re-opening it again later
N Adaware Bootup ad-aware.exe Ad-aware from Lavasoft. Checks your PC for "Spyware" which reports back your internet activities to "base". Check here or here for information about Spyware. Available via Start -> Programs
U Ad-Muncher ADMUNCH.EXE Ad Muncher removes adverts, pop-ups and general annoyances in your browser, file-sharing and messenger programs. Causes conflicts with Outlook, game sites and web-building applications
U Adobe Gamma Loader Adobe Gamma Loader.exe Adjusts monitor colours across all programs, including Photoshop. It is needed by some graphics professionals who want their monitor calibrated. Most home users will not need it. In my case I can verify this as Photoshop loads fine
? Ad Online Guide adonlineguide.exe ??
X adp adp.exe Spyware installed by Net2Phone, Limewire, Cydoor, Grokster, KaZaa, and who knows what all else. DEFINITELY not needed. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that may remove it
N ADQuickAccess Adtray.exe After Dark for Windows. Screen saver creation program produced before screen savers became integrated into Win95
U ADService ADService.exe Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
U AdsGone Adsgone.exe AdsGone - pop-up stopper
N ADSL Diagnostic Tools mapiicon.exe System tray access to ADSL modem diagnostic tools. Available via Start -> Programs
U AdSubtract adsub.exe AdSubtract blocks ads, cookies, pop-up windows, animations, music, and more
U ADUserMon ADUserMon.exe Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
N Advanced Tools Check ADVCHK.EXE Checks when you install a new version of a Norton product that you have uninstalled all previous versions. Serves as a reminder if you forget
N AELaunch AELaunch.exe Audio Applications Launcher for the Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard
U AEZBProc aptezbp.exe IBM Aptiva keyboard customizer - enables certain special buttons on keyboard for CD operation, volume control, and few quickstart buttons. Keyboard will work without it but you lose the special functions
N Agent Agent.exe Cyberlink Power VCR II 3.0 is a TV tuner recording utility. If you want to schedule recordings you'll need this, otherwise can be disabled. Available via Start -> Programs
? AgfaCLnk AgfaCLnk.exe Monitor for the connection of an Agfa digital camera?
N AGSatellite AGSatellite.exe Program from AudioGalaxy that lets you download some Mp3’s from their server. Available via Start -> Programs
? AHQInit ahqinit.exe Possible addition to/replacement for AudioHQ for later versions of Soundblaster Live! Liveware software?
N AimingClick AimingClick.exe AimingClick from AimingTech. Web searching tool. Available via Start -> Programs
N AIM aim.exe AOL Instant Messenger. If connected to the internet, automatically runs up AIM. Convenience more than anything. Available via Start -> Programs
X AIM reminder AIM reminder.exe Added as a result of the BUDDY VIRUS!
N AIMster ?? Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing client that runs over the AOL Instant Messenger network. Available via Start -> Programs
? AlarmWatcher AlarmWatcher.exe Associated with SynTPEnh and SynTPLpr which are from Synaptics for touchpads on laptops. What does it do and is it required?
N Album Fast Start ABMTSR.EXE Scanner software, not required for scanner to work
N Alexa Alexa.exe? Alexa Toolbar "is a downloadable toolbar that helps you navigate the Internet as you surf, by instantly providing you with related information about the site you're viewing". Available via Start -> Programs
? ALFY Accellerator AlfyAC~1.exe ??
U Alogserv Alogserv.exe From McAfee VirusScan for logging scanning activities. In some cases, if left running it can cause CPU % usage to go between 5-95% or go to and stay at 100%. Disabling it impacts on the reported last scan date. It is reported to cause jerky graphics response in many games. As of version 6, this is a critical component of McAfee and disabling it can cause a PC to lock up
U AlpsPoint
or
Apoint
Apoint.exe Touchpad software for laptop PC's. For instance it is found on the Panasonic machines and allows part of the touchpad to be used for document or Web-page scrolling. Required for proper functioning of the pointing software but not required for the laptop to work
N America Online *.* Tray Icon aoltray.exe Puts AOL icon in System Tray (*.* denotes version if present). Connect to AOL via the desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
N Announcements Annclist.exe Microsoft WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
Y Amon AMON.EXE Monitoring part of Eset's NOD32 virus-scanner
? AntiVirusProtection qumk.exe ??
U anvshell anvshell.exe System Tray tool for ASUS video cards. If disabled you lose all the ASUS specific video card options in Control Panel -> Display Properties -> Advanced as well as the System Tray shortcuts toolbar
N AolFix AolFix.exe Run on Gateway Astra computers, and maybe a few others. Designed to repair a bad registry key in Gateway computers that would not allow AOL  to run correctly. Not seen much any more and should only run once
X Aornum aornum.exe Installed along with iWon Prize Machine. Based upon their privacy statement this can be regarded as spyware
Y apc_tray apc_tray.exe Part of the APC UPS software loaded with the BACK-UPS CS 350 unit. Required to monitor the APC unit in case of power failure.
U Appcon vAppCon.exe Vital Application Console - part of POS-partner 2000 point-of-sale software from Vital. This is the taskbar icon and is enabled at startup by the "Auto-start when OS starts" option. Required for a connection to be established
U AppExtender AppExtCB.exe Loads the Confimax add-in for popular E-mail programs to confirm E-mails have been sent and received
Y Apwheel Apwheel.exe Wheel support for an Alps mouse 
? Apvxd APVXDWIN.EXE Part of Panda Anti-Virus. What is this part and is it required?
? Apvxdwin APVXDWIN.EXE Part of Panda Anti-Virus. What is this part and is it required?
N ARCSolo Recovery N/A Backup software by Computer Associates - no longer supported
Y AspireTimeMachine acertmb.exe System recovery software supplied with some Acer notebook PCs. Similar to GoBack and the restore program in WinXP, allowing you to restore a PC back to a working state with minimal re-entry
? Astro Atro.exe Quicken option
N ASUSKey V38SHELL.EXE System tray Icon for quickly changing video modes
U ASUS SmartDoctor VGAProbe.exe ASUS video card fan/thermal monitor
U ASUS TweakEnable astart.exe Restores manually changed settings for ASUS based video cards such as overclocking. Only required if you use non-standard settings
? Ati2cwxx Ati2cwxx.exe For some ATI video cards. Probably used to access features and may not be required - for example the ATI Radeon works fine without it 
? Ati2mdxx Ati2mdxx.exe For some ATI video cards. Probably used to access features and may not be required
U AtiCwd
AtiCwd32
AtiCwd.exe
AtiCwd32.exe
Ati2cwad.exe
This utility adds the ATI tab in the advanced display properties (gives the option for TV out). Do not uncheck if there is TV out on the video card
N ATI GART Set-up Utility Atigart.exe Program that checks the motherboard chipset and determines which GART driver bundle to install on ATI video cards. If you have one, once installed it shouldn't be needed
N AtiKey AtiKey32.exe
atiptkad.exe
System Tray access and key-combo shortcuts to common display functions on ATI video cards. Can be run from Start-> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
U ATIPOLAB ati2evxx.exe ATI External Event Utility EXE Module. This task can comsume lots of CPU resournces  on some computers, but it can help with graphics card problems. Leave enabled unless it consumes too many CPU resources
U AtiQiPcl AtiQiPcl.exe Used for hardware DVD decoding on ATI video cards supporting this feature. Not required unless you regularly play DVD's
U AtiPTA
or
atiptaxx
Ati2ptxx.exe
Atiptaxx.exe
Control panel for the ATI series of video cards allowing access to such features as display resolution, colour depth, etc. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display. Some users may need it if they have optimised their settings
U ATI Lauchpad launchpd.exe Convenient way to start all your Multimedia Center applications (DVD, Video CD, CD Audio, File Player). You can right-click LaunchPad, and uncheck Load on Startup in the menu
N ATI Scheduler Atisched.exe Component that remains resident in memory and automatically launches the ATI VIDEO PLAYER at a user selected time and date. Delete the shortcut in the Start -> Programs -> Startup folder as well. Functions could re-enable the program to load at start-up and re-introduce the shortcut. Try it and see
? ATISmart ati2s9ag.exe ??
N ATI Task Application (Atikey) Atitask.exe System Tray access and key-combo shortcuts to common display functions on ATI video cards. Can be run from Start-> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
N ATI Task Application Atitkad.exe System Tray access to common display functions on ATI video cards. As above
N ATnotes atnotes.exe Loads the ATnotes program for virtual sticky notes for your desktop. Available via Start -> Programs
N Atomica atomica.exe Atomica runs from the System Tray and allows the user to find out more about a word or phrase on any screen by pointing at it with the mouse and clicking button one while holding down the Alt key
U Atrack atrack.exe New feature of Norton Internet Security (NIS) and Norton Personal Firewall (NPF) 3.0 is the Alert Tracker, an instant notification feature. The Alert Tracker displays information about events as they happen. This way, when a rule has been triggered or an access to the Internet made, you know about it immediately rather than finding out about it when you check your logs or notice that the NIS icon indicates a security alert
U ATTBroadbandUpdate SAUpdate.exe Big Brother from Quest Software. System and network monitor
U ATTRedUpdate AutoUpdate.exe Additional item added to start-ups after AT&T took over the now bankrupt Excite@home high-speed internet service. Included for automatically downloading and installing updates. Leave it unless you plan to regularly run it to check for updates
X AttuneClientEngine attune_ce.exe "Attune is a revolutionary service that provides you with targeted Intelligram messages to help you avoid common computer problems. Attune may also let you know when you need a specific product, service, or upgrade to optimise the use of your computer". Not required - treated as adware
X AttuneContentUpdater attune_cu.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
X AttuneDiscovery attune_di.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
X AttuneSystray attune_st.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
U AU Agent AUagent.exe Au Agent from Zilab Software. Win2K/NT enhancement tool. Allows you to run applications under any security context without closing the whole logon session to process a new logon
N AudioHQ Ahqtb.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. System tray application for SB Live! functions. Available via Start -> Programs
N AutoEA Ahqrun.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. Specify for any audio application what audio preset to automatically associate with currently active speaker output. Available via AudioHQ
N AutoMate Task Service  automate.exe Task scheduler for Unisyn Automate 4 task automation/macro running software. Available via a desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
N Automatically launches the United Devices Agent when you start your computer UD.EXE The United Devices Agent can recycle your PC's unused resources and use them to perform valuable scientific and medical research without disturbing your usual computer use - similar to SETI@home but for medical research. Available via Start -> Programs
Y Aureal A3D Interactive Audio sa3dsrv.exe For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled
Y Aureal A3D Interactive Audio Init A3dInit.exe For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled
X ausvc ausvc.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
N AUTOPROP REGPROP.EXE
WMPADDIN.DLL
Both the files are in the MS Office/Bots/FP_WMP directory. Apparently, it registers the FrontPage WiMP extension
? autoupd autoupd.exe ??
N AUXXTRAY au30setp.exe System Tray application for Aureal Vortex based soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
? AutoShutdown pssvc.exe Utility to fix vCard Export in Microsoft Outlook 2000 - although why are these together?
Y Avast32 Astart32.exe Avast32 anti-virus - scanner
U AvconsoleEXE Avconsol.exe From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x and Dr Solomon's VirusScan. Used to schedule regular scans. If you don't have scans scheduled you don't need it
X AveoAttune atmdlusr.exe Related to AttuneClientEngine above
U AVG_CC
or
avgcc32
avgcc32.exe AVG anti-virus control center - loads the System Tray icon. Also enables scheduled tests, Outlook E-mail plug-in and automatic updates. Only required if you use these features and is available via Start -> Programs. Note that Avgserv9.exe below is the main scanning engine which is required 
Y AvMaiSrv Avmaisrv.exe Avast32 anti-virus - E-mail scanner
Y Avgserv9.exe Avgserv9.exe Background monitoring program for AVG anti-virus
Y avx communicator xcommsur.exe Anti-virus part of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
Y avxlni avxinit.exe Anti-virus part of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
? awhost32 awhost32.exe Part of Symantec's pcAnywhere remote PC management software. What does it do and is it required?

Back to alphanumeric index

B

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X b3d BDEsecureinstall.exe B3d Projector - installed along with the KaZaA file sharing utility. Causes a program called "ZUPDATE.EXE" to periodically try and access the internet. (1) Uninstall it via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. (2) Remove the BDEsecureinstall.exe if still present in C:\Windows\System. (3) Disable and ideally delete it from the registry. (4) Remove the "BDE" directory and all its contents
X b3dUpdate Zupdate.exe Same as above but not installed via KaZaA
N Babylon Translator Babylon.exe "Babylon-Pro is a powerful information tool that instantly provides relevant information, translations & conversions for any word or value you click on"
N BackWeb backweb.exe Automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates. Typical on Compaq and HP PC's but not restricted to those OEM's. Resource hog and often causes malfunctions. Available via Start -> Programs
N Backwork Backwork.exe Backwork trojan detector
X bargains bargains.exe BARGAINS.EXE (Bargain Buddy) - advertising spyware installed with Net2Phone & LimeWire amongst others. Some further information here. Check here or here for information about Spyware
N Batchreg1 N/A Part of the Windows System Recovery process. Added to the registry via Msbatch.inf. The existence of this key or process after the last reboot during installation indicates an unsuccessful installation, as that key should be deleted automatically. See here
U Battery Scope batmgr.exe Monitors battery levels on a notebook/laptop PC
U BayMgr DockApp.exe Hot-swappable drive management on laptops allowing you to change drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices 
U Bayswap bayswap.exe Hot-swappable drive management on Compaq Notebooks which allows you to swap drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices
U Bayswap2 TbUpdate.exe Hot-swappable drive management on Compaq Notebooks which allows you to swap drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices
U BCDetect bcdetect.exe Bcdetect.exe searches the system to make sure Creative drivers are installed for the video card. It loads the BlasterControl when the drivers are detected. Your choice - try it and see
U BCMHal bcmhal9x.dll,bcinit BlasterControl for Creative video cards - controls for desktop settings, monitor configuration, colour adjustments and performance tuning. May be needed to retain settings
Y BCMDMMSG bcmdmmsg.exe For BCM V.90 56k modems - "modem messaging applet". Required for dial-up if you have one of these modems
U BCTweak bctweak.exe BlasterControl for Creative video cards - controls for desktop settings, monitor configuration, colour adjustments and performance tuning. May be needed to retain settings
N BearShare bearshare.exe BearShare file sharing client. Versions known to include spyware - see here
N BHOCop BHOCop.exe ZDNet's BHO Cop that lets you see what browser helper objects are installed. Useful for detecting spyware
N bigfix BIGFIX.EXE BigFix can automatically download and read technical support information provided by computer and software manufacturers and other technical support experts (published in the form of Fixlet® Messages) and can automatically check your computer for bugs, configuration conflicts, and security holes. Should only be started manually as it's a resource hog
N Billminder Billmind.exe Can be setup in Quicken to remind user of due payments. Available via Start -> Programs
Y bitdefenderlive avxlive.exe Main program of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
N bjcfd cdf.exe Loaded from the install disk along with tgcmd.exe when Charter Communications changed over from @Home to their own Pipeline high speed cable service. A visitor states "In an e-mail to Charter asking what it did, I was told it's a troubleshooting tool that was not fully developed yet. It had asked for server rights through my fire wall". Disabled without causing a problem
N BJ Status Monitor 500 CJSTR2V.EXE Canon printer status monitor. Not required as you can check the printer status via My Computer -> Printers
N BlackIce Utility blackice.exe Loads the user interface for the BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall program. From the parent site - '(the user interface) starts in the "Startup" menu and adds itself to the taskbar. The user interface is independent from the rest of the system and only displays the output or reconfigures the system. It does not need to be running for the rest of the system to run.' See also LoadBlackD
U BlockAds
or
blads
blads.exe A Tweak-XP component, blocks advertisement banners in Internet Explorer. Can be enabled/disabled via Tweak-XP / Internet Tweaks
N BLSTAPP blstapp.exe Puts access to Creative's BlasterControl in the System Tray
N BMail Installation FTP_back.exe Part of iMesh - a file sharing system. Reported by Norton AntiVirus as a trojan. Once deleted does not prevent file sharing working. Older versions of iMesh re-instate this but the newer versions do not
U BMO MasterCard Wallet EWALLET.EXE The wallet conveniently stores billing, shipping and payment information on your PC
N BMupdate BMupdate.exe Related to BookmarkCentral below. Typically added after downloading drivers for Visioneer scanners for example, and you install the driver self-install
X Bnexe %filename% Added as a result of the KITRO.D (or ARGEN.A) VIRUS! %filename% can be anything
Y BOCleanautostart Boclean.exe NSClean's BOClean anti-trojan software
U bombshel BOMB32.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. Protects your Windows system from application failure and crashes - similar to Norton Crashguard. Your choice - may cause problems
N Bonzi Buddy ?? Spyware - read here.  Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for removal instructions 
N BookmarkCentral BMLauncher.exe Bookmark Express - "offers a more flexible way to manage Web site bookmarks, regardless of which browser you use"
X boot boot.exe Added as a result of the ELEM VIRUS!
U BootStatus BOOTST~1.EXE Visual Basic program that pops up a small window on startup telling you how many times the machine has been booted that day.  Once you exit it, it has no more effect on resources
N Bose Wave/PC Monitor wavepcmonitor.exe System Tray access for this system (more info on the system here). Available via Start -> Programs
U bpcpost.exe bpcpost.exe Microsoft TV Viewer Post Setup Program. Part of Microsoft WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
Y Brindys BriTray BRITRAY.EXE Main process for the following applications: GEDEX, SICARIO, BRINOTES, BRIRESPA, SICURE, TRASGO, UNDOCS, FRESH & BRIFAME (all of them from Brindys Software). Performs the following tasks [un]installation, web software autoupdate, notification windows, interprocess communication, tray bar icons & menus, alarms (brinotes), and common web launching from the mentioned applications. Can be stopped safely once run if so desired
N Broadband Wizard bbwiz.exe Starts Broadband Wizard so it runs in the System Tray. This application tests and optimizes your Cable or DSL connection. Available via Start -> Programs
? browser aid browseraid.exe ??
N BrowserWebCheck loadwc.exe Checks to make sure that IE is still your default browser
? B'sCLiP BSCLIP.exe Possibly related to NEC CD rewriter?
U bugwatcher service bugwatcher.exe Bugtoaster is a service that sends reports on system/program crashes (certain types) back to Bugtoaster. They relay information to program authors and provide, if available, any known solutions to the crashes. It doesn't take up any room in memory, just activates in the event of certain program failures
U Button Server bttnserv.exe Found on a Compaq PC, for the extra buttons on the keyboard for the speaker volume, media player, sleep and internet buttons. If the buttons aren't used on the keyboard or your's doesn't have them, then it isn't required
U Buzof.exe buzof.exe Buzof from Basta Computing "enables you to automatically answer, close or minimize virtually any recurring window including messages, prompts, and dialog boxes"
N Buzme Bmui.exe Buzme by RingCentral, Inc - internet call waiting. Intercepts telephone calls like an answering machine and plays the voice message on your PC. Only required when you're on-line and via dial-up modem
X Bymer.Scanner ?? Added as a result of the BYMER VIRUS!

Back to alphanumeric index

C

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U C2K CYB2K.EXE CYBERsitter 2000 or 2001 -  anti-porn filter primarily. Required if you want the sites you visit filtered without having to load the software every time you launch your browser
N Cacheman Cacheman.exe Freeware disk cache tweaker from Outer Technologies. Should only be run once and not loaded at start-up
? CAgent ?? ??
X cAgOu <filename>.hta Added as a result of the KAKWORM VIRUS!
N CallControl ftctrl32.exe FaxTalk Messenger Pro is a Windows TAPI based 32-bit application. When installed, the software automatically loads FaxTalk CallControl when you start Windows. When FaxTalk CallControl is running, any TAPI compliant application can request to use the modem from Windows
N Camio Viewer 3.2 ixapplet.exe Image viewing program that comes with digital cameras. Shows pictures that are in the camera before downloading them
N Cal Reminder Shortcut calrem.exe Produces a pop-up reminder of events scheduled using the MS Office Calendar
N Card Monitor REGCNT09.exe For the USB connection on a Panasonic PV-DV701 Digital Camcorder. Available via Start -> Programs
? CARPservice carpserv.exe Related to Zoltrix modems
U CBWAttn CBWAttn.exe Required for Bitware to answer incoming faxes, can cause sleep mode problems
U CBWHost CBWHost.exe Required for Bitware to answer incoming faxes, can cause sleep mode problems
? CBWUser CBWDial.exe Associated with Bitware that integrates fax, voice, pager, and data communications on your desktop
X CC2KUI comet.exe Comet Cursor - displays different mouse pointers dependent upon the site your visiting. Reported as spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for removal instructions
Y CcApp ccApp.exe Part of Norton AntiVirus 2003. Auto-protect and E-mail check will not function without this
Y CCDoctorLogonTesting ccdoctor.exe Checks your system to make sure it's configured properly for running Rational ClearCase, a source code management tool. ClearCase is fairly sophisticated so there are a lot of system-related things that can cause it grief. If you run ClearCase you should not disable this as it provides a valuable service, but technically it isn't required to use the ClearCase product
? CcEvtMgr ccEvtMgr.exe Part of Norton AntiVirus 2003. Perhaps an event manager for scheduling weekly scans and or automatic virus updates?
Y CcRegVfy ccRegVfy.exe Part of Norton AntiVirus 2003. Auto-protect and E-mail check will not function without this
N ?? CDANTSRV.exe C-Dilla License Management software. Used for any program that uses C-dilla Protection, example: 3D Studio Max 4.x. It loads as a service automatically but is not needed unless you run said program. Can be started and stopped manually
N CDInterceptor cdi.exe CD indexer for measuring the speed of CD players
N CDTray ?? On HP PCs, this is the small CD icon next to the time
N CFD CFD.exe BroadJump Client Foundation. Broadband troubleshooting software by Cox Communications for example. Note that Cox "discontinued using this type of broadband troubleshooting software" and recommend you remove it via Add/Remove programs
? CGServer cgserver.exe Associated with an Eicon Networks Diva ISDN or ADSL modem. What does it do and is it required?
U ChamClock ChamClock.exe Chameleon Clock - system tray clock replacement
? ChangeLines chngline.exe ??
N Check for One Touch Update wiseupdt.exe Checks for updates for Visioneer OneTouch scanners
U CheckIt ToolBox.exe CheckIt Toolbox from WinCheckIt Diagnostic Software. Toolbox automatically backs up critical system files (such as .ini files and the Windows Registry), and performs a check on various system parameters at intervals you specify
Y CheckMsgPlus MsgPlusH.dll,
VerifyInstallation
Added by MSN Messenger Plus, a third party extension to MSN Messenger. This is the auto-update feature - see here for more info.
U CherryKeyMan KeyMan.exe Multimedia keyboard manager for the Cherry keyboard series. Only required if you use any of the special keys
? CHKADMIN CHKADMIN.EXE Factory installed on Compaq computers. Purpose not known
X Choke Choke.exe-blahh Added as a result of the CHOKE VIRUS!
U CHotKey mhotkey.exe
or
MK9805.EXE
Enables special keys on Chicony keyboards. Special combinations include Internet, E-mail, vol+, vol-, mute, etc. Only required for extended features
N Christmas Music Player TTEST6.EXE "Christmas Music Player brings the music of the Christmas Holiday to your desktop"
? ChromeMark keysh.exe Related to this. Don't know what keysh.exe does though and if it's required
N CIJxP2PSERVER CIJxP2PS.EXE Compaq printer utility which is required in order to make the printer work correctly - "x" depends upon the model, ie, for IJ300 x=3, for IJ700 x=7
N CISrvr Program CISRVR.EXE Related to internet setup on Compaq PC's
U CleanSweep Smart Sweep- Internet Sweep Csinsm32.exe Automatic logging of installs from Norton CleanSweep - available via Start -> Programs
N CleanSweep Useage Watch CSUSEM32.EXE Quaterdeck/Norton CleanSweep component - tracks how often you use files and alerts you to files that have not been used for a specified period of time
? Click Radio Tuner clickr~1.exe ??
U Clickoff Clickoff.exe Clickoff automatically dismisses annoying dialog boxes
X CLICKTHEBUTTON CTB.EXE Price comparison based spyware
N Client Access Check Version cwbckver.exe LOGIN Part of IBM AS/400 Client Access. Checks the software version on your PC to that of the AS/400 it is connected to. Not required - and can be turned off in the Client Access properties. It's a waste of resources
N Client Access Help Update cwbinhlp.exe Part of IBM AS/400 Client Access. It only updates the help files on your PC to match the level of the attached AS/400
N Client Access Service CwbSvStr.Exe Part of IBM AS/400 Client Access. Useful if you are going to access the AS/400 through Windows Explorer to move files back and forth between Windows folders and AS/400 folders. This is a tool that is only used by Client Access administrators (usually) so it is not required - a waste of resources
N Clik Status Monitor toolsclickstat.exe Part of Iomega Tools to let you know whether an Iomega PocketZip (nee Clik) removable drive cartridge is installed
N ClipMate5x ClipMt5x.exe Clip Mate 5.x by Thornsoft. Utility that allows you to store more than one item in the clipboard. Available via Start -> Programs
N Clipomatic Clipomatic.exe Mike Lin's Clipomatic is a clipboard cache program - it remembers what was copied to the clipboard even after new data is copied, and allows you to retrieve the old data
U CLMFrontPanel clmpanel.exe System tray status/display/configuration utility for a number of modems. Can be disabled by right-clicking on the tray icon. If disabled, connection status is lost
N CloneCD CloneCDTray.exe System tray for CloneCD - the only useful option is "Hide CDR Media" only available via this tray
? Cmaudio Rundll32 cmicnfg.cpl,
CMlCtrlWnd
Control panel for C-Media based soundcards - often included on popular motherboards with in-built audio?
? CME cme.exe ??
N C-Media Mixer Mixer.exe C-Media produce audio chipsets that are often found on popular motherboards with on-board audio. Provides System Tray access to change audio settings. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel or Start -> Programs
X CmeSYS CMEsys.exe Part of Gator advertising spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for removal instructions
X CmeUPD CMEupd.exe Part of Gator advertising spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for removal instructions
U CMPDPSRV CMPDPSRV.EXE Printer Driver Plus from ViewAhead Technology (formerly DeviceGuys, Inc.). "Printer Driver Plus seamlessly integrates all the necessary components of a printer driver, plus more." Installed with some Compaq and Lexmark printers
X N/A CNBABE.EXE Appears to be spyware added by KAZAA (and maybe others) that displays pop-up ads whilst you're browsing. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that may be able to remove it
X CnsMin Rundll32.exe CNSMIN.DLL, Rundll32 Appears as "Chinese Keywords" in the Add/Remove programs box and symptoms are a whole list of rubbish URL's in your Internet Explorer history. Clear history does not remove these. For more information see here
? CnxDslTaskBar CnxDslTb.exe Samsung AHT-E310 Modem
U coloreal coloreal.exe Makes colours sharper and brighter, but will only work with coloreal capable monitors
N Colorific Control Panel Hgcctl95.exe From E_Color. Colorific delivers accurate gamma and color temperature across your entire system - monitor to printer and digital camera to monitor
N COM-IP COMIP.EXE COM-IP Virtual Modem Driver (COM-IP Creates a Fake Serial Port that allows you to use older DOS Based Communications Programs over Telnet. Type atdt host.domain.com instead of atdt 5551212)
X Comcast Support tgkill.exe \/cleaneahtiaga/start Comcast (the cable folks who are replacing @home in some parts of the USA) have struck a deal with Tioga to provide an "enhanced" support and self-repairing tool. This is "beta" at present and was made available to download by mistake at present. Remove via Start -> Settings -> Add/Remove Programs
N CommCtr commctr.exe "Net2Phone CommCentersmsmsm is the latest in Internet voice technology allowing you to place calls easily all over the world right from your PC!". Available via Start -> Programs
U Compaq Alerter CPQAlert.exe Compaq's Insight Manager Agent - a tool that allows for "fault, performance, and configuration management". Recommended for corporate users only. It's best removed if installed but not wanted, rather than disabled at startup. See here for more information
? Compaq Computer Security Rundll32.exe SECURE32.CPL, Service ??
? CompaqHW Comp Manager cpqhcm.exe Running on a Compaq laptop - any ideas?
N Compaq DMI cpqdmi.exe Compaq version of the Desktop Management Interface
N Compaq Internet Setup inetwizard.exe For Compaq PC's. Runs Compaq internet setup wizard and offers you to signup from ISP list
U Compaq Knowledge Center silent.exe & matcli.exe For Compaq PC's. "matcli.exe is a motive Assistant Command line interface that gathers information about your system's identity like your name email address, city, state, etc and gets written to a log file while silent.exe executes matcli.exe quietly in the background. Compaq Knowledge Center is required to run with the Help and Support program. If you uncheck Compaq Knowledge Center and and then run help and Support it will add another Compaq Knowledge Center in the startup menu. If you remove the Compaq Knowledge Center in the add/remove program some help menus in help and support will not be available like Fix my Presario, Preference, and Contact Technical Support". You decide.
U Compaq PK Daemon cpqkl.exe For Compaq laptops for programming user configurable keys. Not required unless you use them
N Compaq Video CD Watcher ?? For Compaq PC's. MPEG viewer
N CompaqPrinTray printray.exe Puts printer icon in the System Tray. When this option is disabled you will no longer be able to access the Control Program or Printer Driver directly from your desktop
N Compaq Message Server COMPAQ-RBA.EXE Applies to CPQBootPerfDB below as well. These files generate some kind of server or servlet that attempts to connect with Compaq online. They are like Trojans, but fairly harmless. They send information on the "Compaq Advisor/Compaq Message Screener" application that comes with every Compaq computer and provide feedback on how computer users use the Message Advisor. These messages appear occasionally and instruct and advise users on their computer and its use. They generally attempt to get you (these messages) to connect to Compaq's website. They may be safely disabled via (1) MSCONFIG or (2) Start -> Programs -> Compaq Advisor -> Advisor Settings under the "advanced" tab. Not required and can cause problems
N CompaqSystray cpqpscp.exe Compaq System Tray icon
N COMSMDEXE comsmd.exe 3Com tray icon
U ConfigSafe CFGSAFE.EXE
or
AUTOCHK.EXE
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. Your choice
N ConfigServices ?? Part of initial setup
X Configuration Loader loadcfg32.exe Added as a result of the LOADCFG VIRUS or variants of the SDBOT VIRUSES!
X Configuration Loader CNFGLD32.EXE Added as a result of the SDBOT.B VIRUS!
X Configuration Manager CNFGLD32.EXE Added as a result of the SDBOT VIRUS!
N Configuration Utility CONFIG.EXE Controls linksys wireless connection. Available from the Desktop
N Configuration Wizard Cfgwiz32.exe Added as a result of a variation of the HACKTACK VIRUS! Not to be confused with the valid Microsoft "ISDN Configuration Wizard" (Cfgwiz32.exe) in C:\Windows\System
U ConMgr.exe conmgr.exe Starts WinFax Pro at startup.  Required for Winfax to answer incoming faxes. You decide. Also part of Earthlink
N Controller WFXCTL32.EXE From Symantec's TalkWorks Pro and WinFax. Appears if you chose to have the program appear in the taskbar (System Tray) during installation and displays a yellow fax/telephone icon. Available via Start -> Programs
N control panel smctrlw.exe System Tray icon for a Silicon Motion LynxEM based PCI Graphics Card
U Cookie Cop 2 CookieCop.exe Cookie Cop 2 from PC Magazine - cookie manager. Allows you to decide which internet sites can add "cookies" related to their sites for the next time you return
U CookieJar Cookiejar.exe Cookie Jar cookie manager from Jason's Toolbox. Allows you to decide which internet sites can add "cookies" related to their sites for the next time you return
U Cookie Pal CPBRWTCH.EXE Kookaburra Softwares Cookie Pal cookie manager. Allows you to decide which internet sites can add "cookies" related to their sites for the next time you return
U Cool Desk cdesk.exe Cool Desk is a virtual desktops manager. "Ever you wished to have several screens on your computer? Cool Desk creates up to 9 virtual desktops and offers you to have different windows on each of them". Not required but may be of use to you
N CoolSwitch taskswitch.exe ALT+TAB replacement Powertoy for Windows XP - enhances the graphics displayed when you want to switch between programs running full-screen
? CopernicPerUserTaskMgr CopernicPerUserTaskMgr.exe ??
N CorelCENTRAL 10 I_26dadCC.exe CorelCENTRAL 10 - personal information manager (PIM). Supplied as part of Corel WordPerfect Office 2002. Available via Start -> Programs
N Corel Desktop Application Director dad.exe?? The Desktop Application Director (DAD) gives you easy access to all Corel applications. Available via Start -> Programs
N Corel Registration Remind32.exe If you don't want to register Corel products and be reminded about it every 2 weeks disable it
N Corel Registration Reminder Remind32.exe If you don't want to register Corel products and be reminded about it every 2 weeks disable it
? CorelMedia FoldersIndexer8 MFINDE~1.EXE ??
? CORESYS coresys.exe ??
X CoreSrv coresrv.exe Some IRC trojans/worms use this - see here for more information
N CountrySelection pctptt.exe Country selection for a PCtel HSP56 based modem. Often found in OEM (Dell,Compaq, HP, etc) systems for their modems included on the motherboard or as a separate card. Once you've set the modem up to the chosen country it's not required
U CP32NOT CP32BTN.EXE For the programmable "one-touch" buttons on HP laptops (and others?). Safe to disable if you don't use these buttons
? CPA9P2PSERVER CPA9P2PS.exe Found on a Compaq Presario but what is it?
U CPBrWtch CPBrWtch.exe Kookaburra Softwares Cookie Pal cookie manager. Allows you to decide which internet sites can add "cookies" related to their sites for the next time you return
Y CPD_EXE CPD.EXE Firewall bundled with McAfee VirusScan 6.*
? CPortPatch cppatch.exe CPortPatch is a utility is required for Dell laptops that are using a docking station. Is it needed though?
Y CPQAcDc CPQAcDc.exe Compaq PowerCon power management software for laptops
U CPQAlert CPQAlert.exe Compaq's Insight Manager Agent - a tool that allows for "fault, performance, and configuration management". Recommended for corporate users only. It's best removed if installed but not wanted, rather than disabled at startup. See here for more information
N CPQBootPerfDB CPQBootPerfDB.EXE See Compaq Message Server above
Y CPQCalib CPQCalib.exe Compaq PowerCon power management software for laptops
N CPQDFWAG CpqDfwAg.exe For Compaq PC's. Runs Compaq diagnostics on every boot
U CPQEASYACC cpqeadm.exe For Compaq PC's. Allows the use of programmable keys on mulimedia keyboards. Required if you use the additional keys
U cpqeaui cpqeaui.exe For Compaq PC's. Allows the use of programmable keys on mulimedia keyboards. Required if you use the additional keys
U CPQInet Runtime Service CpqInet.exe For Compaq PC's. Allows AOL and Compuserve to use the Easy Access buttons for the internet. Is not required if you don't use the ISP providers
N CPQINKAGENT cpqinkag.exe That is the Compaq Ink Agent for some inkjet printers, it lets users know when their ink cartridges are getting close to empty (by how many pages they have printed)
Y CPQSTUTFIX 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
U CPUcool Cpucool.exe Program to keep the processor cool when idle in "overclocked" systems. Also available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
X cqlyg world_cup_.bat Added as a result of the WCUP VIRUS!
? CQSCP2P SERVER ?? "Compaq printer utility which is required in the startup menu in order to make the printer work correctly". Personally I doubt whether it is actually needed
? CQSCP2PS ?? "Compaq printer utility which is required in the startup menu in order to make the printer work correctly". Personally I doubt whether it is actually needed
N CrazyTalk Serve rundll32.exe CrazyTalk.dll, DIIServeMediaFile CrazyTalk from Reallusion - "the worlds only facial animation tool that gives you the power to create talking animated images from a single photograph, complete with emotions." Can apparantly be installed without your knowledge as well as being a legitimate download in it's own right from sites such as TUCOWS
N CreateCD Createcd.exe Adaptec Easy CD Creator system tray application (pre version 5). Available via Start -> Programs
N CreateCD50 Createcd50.exe Adaptec Easy CD Creator version 5 system tray application. Available via Start -> Programs
N Creative AGP Wizard agpwiz.exe Part of Creative's BlasterControl
N CreativeDiscNotifier CTNOTIFY.EXE For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. Detects when you insert a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
U CreativeMixer CTMIX32.EXE Creative soundcard System Tray access to, for example, volume slider controls as normally provided by the "speaker" icon. Not required unless you adjust any settings otherwise available via the standard icon
N Creative Launcher CTLauncher.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. Adds a quick-launch bar to the top of the display and a System Tray icon. Available via Start -> Programs
N Creative Service for CDROM Access Ctsvccda.exe Resident program for Creative's PlayCenter included with Soundblaster Audigy sound cards - speeds up detection of some media CDs if the system doesn't natively support them. Available via Start -> Programs
N Creative PCI Audio Configuration Utility 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
N CriticalUpdate Wucrtupd.exe Microsoft Windows Critical Update Notification. If you want to keep Windows up-to-date, check the Windows Update site
U CSINJECT.EXE CSINJECT.EXE Part of Quarterdeck/Norton CleanSweep. For a full description see here. An excerpt - "Csinject must be loaded in order for Smart Sweep to automatically monitor installations and properly track registry changes."
U CSS_Central CSS_1631.EXE CSS Communication Agent (95 Host) from Command Software Systems "CSS Central™ provides administrators with a powerfully proactive tool to effectively manage and maintain the anti-virus strategy from a centralized console."
? ct ct.exe Found on a HP PC and stored in the C:\program files\HPSelect\Frontend directory. What does it do and is it required?
N CTAVTray CTAvTray.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. Plays the EAX animation on start-up and adds a System Tray icon for it. Available via AudioHQ
U ctfmon ctfmon.exe CTFMon is involved with the language/alternative input services in Office XP. CTFMON.exe will continue to put itself back into MSConfig when you run the Office XP apps as long as the Text Services and Speech applets in the Control Panel are enabled. Not required if you don't need these features. For more info on ctfmon see here
? CTHELPER CTHELPER.EXE Added with Compaq driver release for Creative Labs Soundblaster sound cards in their PCs (see here)
N CTRegRun CTRegRun.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. Reminds you to register your card with Creative
N CTStartup CTEaxSpl.exe Splash screen with sound on every boot up. Installed with a Sound Blaster Audigy soundcard
U CTsysVol CTSYSVOL.exe Creative sound card volume controls
? cttdpsrv cttdpsrv.exe ??
? cuo cuo.exe ??
N CursorXP CursorXP.exe CursorXP from Stardock - tool for creating mouse cursors
N CuteMX CuteMX.EXE File sharing utility
N CXMon Hpi_Monitor.exe Autodetects when a HP camera is attached to the computer and launches the "HP Photoimaging Software". Available via Start -> Programs
N Cyber cyberchk.exe Likely to be found in a directory called "Belkin" and pops up a dialog box saying "It's time to Clean your Laser lens", with the window title "PMC Laser Lens", referring the CD/CDRW/DVD drives. If you find anything more please let me know
N CyberMedia Agent CMAGENT.EXE Part of CyberMedia's Oil Change program. Not normally required. Note - if you have TextBridge, CyberMedia Agent may attach itself to TextBridge and cause TextBridge to crash everything if this is disabled
U Cyber Trio 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
X CyDoor CD_Load.exe Adware. Check here for information about Cy-Door and here for a program that can remove it

Back to alphanumeric index

D

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N D066U Utility D066UUTY TWAIN driver for the CanoScan D660U flatbed scanner. Start scanning via your scanner management software
Y DadApp dadapp.exe "DadApp is the SW utility that controls the programmable buttons on Dell Laptops. Not required, but should be left in because it can create a hassle and doesn't always restore functionality to those buttons once unchecked and rechecked" - direct from Dell
N DACONFIGEXE daconfig.exe 3Com NIC Diagnostics. Available via Start -> Programs
N Daemon DAEMON32.EXE Pre-loads game profiles for MS Sidewinder game controllers prior to release 2.0 of the software. Recommend upgrade. Available via Start -> Programs
X Date Manager datemanager.exe Date Manager - calender program. Spyware/adware based provided by The Gator Corporation
? DashIE N/A Could be related to "Dash Power Shopping" tool bar in IE?
? DataCaching FlashKsk.exe Related to SmartMedia Card management. This program appeared with the installation of a SanDisk reader for a camera's SmartMedia card. What does it do and is it required?
N Data LifeGuard BACKWE~1.EXE Data LifeGuard diagnostic tools for Western Digital's series of hard drives
? Datechecker N/A Could be related to this?
? DAW9532.exe DAW9532.EXE Loaded during installation of some 3Com network cards. Enables their DynamicAccess desktop management software. Is it required?
N ?? dbserv.exe Database Server for Norton Ghost on Win2k Pro. Ghost works fine when it is disabled
N DCfssvc dcfssvc.exe Associated with digital cameras and known to cause problems which disappear if disabled. If this program is unchecked in startup, your camera will not cause your computer to open a pop-up window when you connect it. It is even money if you will be able to read the files off the camera without this
X DDCMan DDCMan.exe Digital Distribution Channel from WildTangent - adware
X DDCActiveMenu DDCActiveMenu.exe As above
U ddeproc ddeproc.exe Associated with Webcelerator - spyware. Read eAcceleration's privacy statement here
? DDT N/A ??
X Debug DebugW32.exe Added as a result of the GUBED VIRUS!
U defwatch defwatch.exe Detects out-of-date virus definitions for Norton Anti-Virus Corporate Edition and runs the Defwatch Wizard. Only required if you don't update the virus definitions manually on a regular basis
U Delay delayrun.exe On HP PCs this program is used to help prevent conflicts or timing issues on fast computers
U DELLMMKB
or
DellTouch
DELLMMKB.EXE Multimedia keyboard control for Dell based PCs - only required if you use the multimedia keys
N DeltTray deltray.exe System Tray access to the control panel for the M-Audio Delta 44 PCI Analog Recording Interface. Available via a desktop shortcut, Start -> Programs or Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
U DepFrez frzstate.exe Deep Freeze from Hyper Technologies. "Freezes" the current software configuration so that an a re-boot all changes made refer back to their original settings. Not required for most users - more likely to be used by system administrators, for example
? Description of Shortcuts *.exe * seems to be a sequence of alphanumerics that can be different, i.e., 1960F8A9, 4EBD23F5, etc. Each of these files would appear to be a shortcut, i.e., 4EBD23F5 is actually Works Calender Reminder (found via a registry search)
N DeskColor DESKCOLOR.EXE Provides transparent icon text backgrounds and coloured icon text
N Desktop Architect DATRAY.EXE Desktop theme manager available here - for managing the desktop appearance, fonts, sounds, etc
U DesktopX DESKTOPX.EXE A program that replaces the regular Desktop and Taskbar, and can be changed to the user's liking
N deskup deskup.exe Adds Iomega Zip drive icons to the desktop
U detect idetect.exe iNTERNET Turbo from Clasys Ltd. "It accelerates any Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP internet connection in seconds". If you find it helps your connectivity leave it enabled
? detect turbodetect.exe ??
N Detector detector.exe USB port detector for LG scanners. Sits in the System Tray, and when it detects the scanner through the USB port, you can run the scanner software from the tray. It is not required at all, since you can use the scan software from almost any photo editing software
U devldr16 devldr16.exe Associated with some Creative Labs sound cards.  Provides audio support for DOS applications.  Not needed if you don't have those. Required if you use "Sound Play Control" and "Sound Recorder". To disable: (1) Disable via MSCONFIG (2) Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System -> Device Manager then disable "Creative SB16 Emulation" under Creative Miscellaneous Devices
N Dialog Box Assistant OSDEx.exe Dialog Box Assistant from Duality Software. Helps with the standard Open and Save As dialog boxes by showing recently used files and folders
N Dialog Helper PDDLGHLP.EXE Dialog Helper from PowerDesk Pro by Ontrack. Helps with the standard Open and Save As dialog boxes by showing recently used files and folders. Available via Start -> Programs
N DigiGuide CLIENT.EXE
or
client01.exe
TV guide and reminder
N Digital Dashboard devgulp.exe For Compaq PC's. Loads Digital Dashboard options
N Digital River eBot downlo~1.exe Digital River Systems EBOT for downloading software from their site. In some cases, if you purchase software online for a download from a software manufacturer, you will be sent to this online company's site for the download after the purchase is complete. Read more here
U Dimension4 d4.exe Atomic clock synchronisation freeware - starts-up, adjusts the system clock, then shuts down
? Dino3 dino3.exe ??
U DIRECTVDSL Directvdsl.exe Starts Direct TV DSL modem at boot up. Can also be started manually
N DirectCD DirectCD.exe DirectCD primarily allows you to drag and drop files onto a suitably formatted CD-RW disc. Unless you use this on a frequent basis it isn't required and is available via Start -> Programs. Start the program before inserting a DirectCD formatted CD-RW in the drive. A re-boot is recommended if you close Adaptec DirectCD before re-opening it again later
U Dirkey Dirkey.exe Dirkey - small utility that allows you to bookmark up to 9 folders by using the Ctrl+Alt+1..9 shortcut keys in an Open/Save File dialog or in Windows Explorer. After this the Ctrl+1..9 shortcut keys can be used in the same or another window to go to any of the 9 bookmarked folders 
? DISKMON.EXE DISKMON.EXE ??
N Disknag disknag.exe Dell program that reminds you to make your  backup diskettes
N Disc Detector CtNotify.exe For Creative sound cards. Detects when you insert a CD, DVD, etc
? disc detector qnetquestnotifty.exe ??
? discoveg discoveg.exe ??
N DiscoverDeskshop Deskshop.exe Discover Deskshop - single use "virtual" credit card
N Distiller Assistant 3.01 DISTASST.EXE From Adobe. Creates PDF universal files for Acrobat Reader. Available via Start -> Programs
U distributed.net client DNETC.EXE Dsitributed computing projects client from Distributed.net where numerous computers are used to share a projects workload - similar to SETI@Home and Folding@Home. Also prone to being distributed by viruses
? DiTask.exe DiTask.exe Associated with an Eicon Networks Diva ISDN or ADSL modem. What does it do and is it required?
N DJREGFIX regedit /s c:\hp\djregfix.reg DJRegFix showed up first in WinME as a "clever" way to ensure that all Hewlett-Packard DeskJet printers actually worked with WinME - since most were having major problems. This "utility" adds the functionality and compatibility HP forgot to add in its WinME drivers
U DkService DkService.exe From Executive Software's Diskeeper defragmenting utility - a replacement for Windows ScanDisk. Used to schedule defragmenting on a regular basis and not required if you do so manually on a regular basis
N dla tfswctrl.exe Drive letter access to HP's and Veritas' version of DirectCD. Does the same thing as DirectCD. You'll need to start this before inserting a suitably formatted CD
N DlaTray ?? On HP PCs, tray icon for dla above
X dlder dlder.exe Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that may remove it. Considered to be the worst so far - even creating a fake "explorer.exe" file. Can be installed via versions of "Grokster", "Lime Wire" and "KaZaA" amongst other file-sharing utilities (see here). Reported in the past as a virus
N DLF_00000B00 Vcdlf.exe Known to cause problems with "Out of memory" errors (see here). Otherwise, it's purpose is unknown
? DLForcerExe DLForcerEXE.exe ??
N DLHelperEXE WATCH.exe Download helper distributed with some software that allows the software installation to redirect download locations. Not required once the installation is finished
N DMILDR dmildr.exe Part of Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation - software that allows remote management application programs to access information about, monitor the status of or change the state of the client computer, such as shutting it down remotely. Uses the DMI and/or common information model (CIM) protocols, which are systems management protocols defined by industry standards. Available via Start -> Programs 
N DMISL DMISL.EXE DMI (Desktop Management Interface) Service Layer for Intel TokenExpress network card software. DMI support for the Intel network card managed through the Desktop Management Interface. See here for more information
N DMISLAPP DMISLAPP.exe DMI similar to above
X Dnar Dnar.exe Unknown, except that it is not necessary. Tends to phone home a lot. DMI related - see here
Y DNE Binding Watchdog rundll dnes.dll, DnDneCheckBindings Deterministic NDIS Extender (DNE). DNE is an NDIS-compliant module which appears to be a network device driver to all protocol stacks and a protocol driver to all network device drivers. Part of Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Required if you have this system. Also installed by Winproxy - a proxy program for sharing internet connections through one computer. Required if you want it to work
Y DNE DUN Watchdog rundll dnes.dll, DnDneCheckDUN13 Deterministic NDIS Extender (DNE). DNE is an NDIS-compliant module which appears to be a network device driver to all protocol stacks and a protocol driver to all network device drivers. Part of Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Required if you have this system. Also installed by Winproxy - a proxy program for sharing internet connections through one computer. Required if you want it to work
? DNS2GoClient dns2goclient.exe DNS2Go is a Domain Name System that will make your computer accessible anytime, anywhere by associating a domain name of your choice to your currently assigned IP address. Is it required?
X DocTor Doctor.exe Added as a result of the DOTOR VIRUS!
U Don't Panic dontpanicdemodp.exe 30-day trial version of Don't Panic privacy software from Panicware. "Clean up Internet tracks and quickly hide personal documents with this privacy suite."
U Don't Panic Pop-Up Stopper
or
dpps2
dpps2.exe Pop-Up Stopper Companion from Panicware. Pop-up blocker integrated into the IE toolbar. Note that the Pro version doesn't load in startup as it is installed as an Internet Explorer toolbar. Can cause problems with IE if you use WinXP and uninstall Service Pack 1. Uninstalling the software leaves it in the startup group
X DownloadWare dw.exe Executes arbitrary code from advertisers and not considered to be adware but is a security risk (see here). If a network connection is available it will connect to its servers, which can direct it to download and install software from advertisers. Installed along with programs such as MovieNetworks, Medialoads and PAgent
N Download Wonder DownloadWonder.exe Download Wonder from Forty Software. Download manager for resuming downloads, amongst other features
N Download Accelerator Plus 5.0 DAP.exe Download Accelerator Plus from Speedbit. Download manager for resuming downloads, amongst other features. Available via Start -> Programs. Note that the free version is "adware" based
N DPAgnt DPAgnt.exe digitalPersona fingerprint scanner
Y DPCProxyLoadOnStartup dpcstart.exe DirecWay from DirectTV satellite based high-speed internet access
Y Dpcstart dpcstart.exe DirecWay from DirectTV satellite based high-speed internet access. Proxy software
? DragDrop DragDrop.exe ??
? dregfix ph_finder.exe ??
? dRMON SmartAgent SmartAgt.exe 3Com networking software
X drmu W95Mm.exe Homepage hijacker installing a toolbar: http://tdko.com/. Lop.com in disguise. See this thread
X Driver 32 Scam32.exe Added as a result of the SIRCAM VIRUS!
U DS Clock dsclock.exe Digital desktop clock including synchronization with atomic servers - see here
Y DSLagentexe DSLagent.exe Used in conjunction with USB connected ADSL modems from Eicon Networks (as used by BT for its Broadband internet service for example). Required for a permanent ADSL connection
N DSL Monitor spdstrm.exe Comes with Efficient Networks DSL Modems. Little red/green/yellow flashing icon in system tray
X DSS dssagent.exe DSSAgent by Brøderbund - spyware. Sends encrypted emails about the system back to the originators of the program. Also a resource hog. See here for more info
? DSSSGENS dssagens.exe ??
N DU Meter DUMETER.EXE Hagel Technologies internet bandwidth monitor
N dumprep 0 -k
or
dumprep 0 -u
dumprep 0 -k
or
dumprep 0 -u
Used in connection with memory dumps - you can disable these by - right clicking on My Computer, selecting Properties and then the Advanced tab. Click on the Settings button in 'Startup and Recovery'. In the bottom pane - under 'Write debugging information' - click on the down arrow and then select 'None' - OK your way out
Y Dvp95 Dvp95.exe Scan engine for F-Secure and Command antivirus software based on the F-Prot AntiVirus engine
? dvpapi9x DVPAPI9X.exe Part of Command AntiVirus for Windows 95/98/Me. Is it needed?
? DXDllRegExe dxdllreg.exe Appears to be a MS patch that reregisters some of the DirectX DPlay DLL's?
N DXM6Patch_981116 p_981116.exe Win32 cabinet self extractor. More info here
? DZKillMe DZSAVEME.EXE ??

Back to alphanumeric index

E

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X Eac_Cnry canary.exe Added as a result of the CANARY VIRUS!
X Eac Download download.exe Associated with Webcelerator - spyware. Read eAcceleration's privacy statement here
U EACLEAN eaclean.exe For Compaq PC's. Easy Access button support for the keyboard
? Eac_rnvdl ANTIVIRUS_INSTALL.EXE ??
X EanthologyApp EANTHO~1.EXE Stop-Sign from eAccelerration. Detects spyware, malware, viruses and keyloggers and stops popups. Spyware itself - read their privacy statement here
N eFax.com Tray Menu HotTray.exe eFax Messenger Tray Menu system tray icon for eFax Messenger Plus. Available via Start -> Programs. Disabling instructions available here
N Eapcisetup sbsetup.exe Rockwell RipTide soundcard application software. Sound works without it
N EarthLink ToolBar 5.0 etoolbar.exe EarthLink Toolbar is a tool to help you get to all of the resources of the internet. EarthLink 5.0 Setup adds a few basic buttons to the Toolbar, but you can delete these or add more buttons any time
? Easy Key easykey.exe Possibly one touch keyboard settings for an E-Machine PC?
U EasySync Pro XCPCMenu.exe EasySync Pro is a Lotus program for synchronizing a PDA with Lotus Notes
U eBoard
or
eMachines eBoard
Eboard.exe eMachines multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the extra keys
N eBot DownloadWizard.exe eBot from Digital River - "helps ensure your computer always has the latest technology, fixes, add-ons, upgrades and 'cool stuff'." Can optionally be installed with software such as Net Nanny internet filtering software. Available via Start -> Programs
? Eicon TechnologyLAN_DAEMON watch.exe Associated with an Eicon Networks Diva ISDN or ADSL modem. What does it do and is it required?
X eixfi china.bat Added as a result of the WCUP VIRUS!
? Elbycheck ElbyCheck.exe From Elaborate Bytes who make CloneCD - monitors the installed filters of CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs. Is it needed? Note - under Win2K removing this from startup causes the CD drive in the computer to not be recognized in the OS and after rechecking it prompts that the driver has been corrupted and asks you to restart the computer to fix it
X Element Element.txt Added as a result of the ELEM VIRUS!
N elm Elmenv.exe ViaTech eLicense for securing, distributing and selling music online
Y ElsaCapiCtl Rcapi.exe Assumed to stand for Remote Common Application Programming Interface (RCAPI), this was installed with an Elsa Microlink ISDN modem. If it is not there you can not bring up the dialog box which is sometimes needed to reset the modem
U EM_EXEC EM_EXEC.EXE Logitech Mouseware driver. Needed to support some additional functionality of Logitech mice/trackballs such as "SmartMove". If you disable it and find you don't need it leave it disabled
N EN4060C Taskbar en4060ct.exe Comes with Efficient Networks DSL Modems. Little red/green/yellow flashing icon in system tray
N Encarta Dictionary Quickshelf QSHLFED.EXE Provides quick access to Encarta's Dictionary features?
U Encompass_ENCMONTR ENCMONTR.EXE Optional simple browser from Yahoo (Encompass)
N ENCMONITOR monitor.exe The Encompass Monitor. This program is the Connect Direct Program.  It is more trouble than it is worth and few use it
N Encoder Agent WMENCAGT.EXE Microsoft Windows Media Encoder, which already has a shortcut in the Start Menu if installed
N EnsoniqMixer starter.exe Puts the Ensonic mixer in system tray. Not required and re-instates itself when un-checked. Try one of the solutions on this special page.
Similar to Creative PCI Audio Configuration Utility
U eonemng eOneMng.exe eOne Manager, provides access to the buttons on the keyboard and on the front of the console for the eMachines eOne PC
N EPSON Background Monitor STMS.EXE Supposed to keep an Epson printer ready for quick printing.  Users report little difference whether it is on or not
U EPSON CardMonitor EPSON CardMonitor1.0.exe Monitors the PCMCIA memory card slot on EPSON cameras and printers and launches PhotoStarter or PhotoPrint
U EpsonPhotoStarter EPSON_PhotoStarter.exe Only needed if you want to make full use of the capabilities of an Epson printer that included this 
N EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check e_srcv03.exe According to the Epson info: "Use this utility to automatically check for errors and also check the level of ink remaining." This utility can also be started on demand when about to print as follows: File menu > Print to bring up the print dialog box. Click on the Properties button which will bring up a display with 4 tabs. Click the Utility tab to get a list of utilities that can be executed including the Status Monitor 3 Environment Check
? Equipmen Equipmen.exe ??
N EReg reg32.exe EReg is a software registration tool incorporated on products such as those by Brøderbund, Connectix, Hewlett-Packard, The Learning Company, and Sierra. Needless to say you don't need it
Y Essdc essdc.exe Related to an ESS Solo soundcard. Seems as though it's required
Y ESSOLO ESSOLO.exe Sound card driver that re-instates itself every time it's removed
Y esspk esspk.exe ESS Technology modem speaker driver file. Required to get on-line with this modem
N Ethernet tcaudiag.exe 3Com NIC Installation/Diagnostic MFC application. Diagnostics may be run from the Start -> Programs
N Etraffic JavaRun.exe Marketing software from TopMoxie
Y eTrustCIPE ezdsmain.exe eTrust EZ Deskshield from Computer Associates. Protects against malicious email attachments and unauthorized use of email by detecting and blocking unusual behavior
U EVENTLISTENER EvLstnr.exe Used with a Nikon digital camera to recognize when the camera is plugged in
N eventmgr eventmgr.exe Used with a Microtek scanner. Manages the scanner's button events. Available via Start -> Programs
N Event Planner Reminders PLNRnote.exe Sierra Event Planner tray icon
N Event Reminder pmremind.exe A calendar/alarm program that installs with Brøderbund Printmaster
U Evidence Eliminator ?? Evidence Eliminator - cover the tracks of your browsing habits and E-mails if you think you need to
N evntsvc evntsc.exe Application Scheduler installed along with RealOne Player. Once installed, it runs independently of RealOne Player. Not required - see here for more information, including how to disable it
U EW Message Server msg32.exe Conexant (older versions are Brooktree) Wavestream Message Server - associated with Conexant based audio devices
N Excite Platform Exlaunch.exe Loads an Icon in the startup tray that allows you to receive service update notices for Excite@Home if you desire (note that since Excite@Home appears to be winding down this becomes irrelevant). May also allow you to kill the Excite Toolbar that automatically loads in Internet Explorer
U Exif Launcher Exiflaquickdcr.exe USB mass storage driver used by some digital cameras such as the Fuji Finepix. Only required if you use it regularly
N ExciteAssistantEXE ASSISTANT.EXE With Excite Assistant, you can access a wide variety of online information, including email, news, and stock quotes without having to have a browser window open
? Excite Private Messenger Pipe x8impipe.exe ??
U explorer explorer.exe Starts Windows Explorer. Unless this has been manually added to startups or added by another program it could be a virus such as PE_BISTRO
N Explorer32 Expl32.exe Added as a result of the HACKTACK VIRUS!
U Exshow95 EXSHOW95.exe Support software for some of the Kensington mice. Provides access to extra features like those available with enhanced Logitech and Microsoft devices
? Extranet AutoDial AutoExt.exe Nortel Networks Contivity Extranet Switching Software
N Eye Tide Launcher oneeyetideone.exe Nascar wallpaper
N EZDesk EZDESK.EXE Utility that remembers icon locations for each user and resolution. Available here
X eZmmod mmod.exe Ezula
X eZuluMain eZuluMain.exe Comes with "KaZaA" installation. Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it. Not required but KaZaA won't work
X ezula eZmmod.exe Regarded as "theftware" and bundled with the popular iMesh and KaZaA file-sharing programs. Read here for more information

Back to alphanumeric index

F

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N FastUsr
or
fast
fast.exe Installs as part of Windows XP PowerToys as an option for very-fast user switching (allowing a keystoke to switch users instead of using the login screen). It is only used for the hot-key switch and yet it hogs 1.5 megs of memory in two separate processes (one run by the user & one by the system). Optional install in PowerToys
U FatPipe DHCP Software enabling high speed internet browsing (2-4 times faster) and internet connection sharing for up to 5 users
U Fatpipe Dialer fpdialer.exe See above
U FBDirect FBDirect.exe Software that monitors the status of a Visioneer OneTouch scanner button and allows you to scan, fax, copy, print, and easily communicate by simply dragging and dropping scans on your PaperPort Desktop!. The **** represents the model, 5300, 7600, etc. Available via Start -> Programs
U FEELitDeviceManager feelitdm.exe Associated with Immersion TouchSense devices (Logitech Wingman Force Feedback Mouse and possibly other peripherals)
U Filterguard Filtrgrd.exe An icon located in the lower left of the screen and looks like a lifesaver. This icon is a “short-cut” to access the basic features of SOS-Guardian, SOS-KidProof Lite, SOS Best Defense and SOS Pro such as Internet filtering utility. You can access this menu by “right-clicking” on the icon
X Find Fast Findfast.exe Complete utter waste of space! Part of Microsoft Office - searches disk drives for Office file types to make opening them easier
? Find Virus Launch Program fvlaunch.exe ??
N FinePrint Dispatcher v4 FPDISP4A.EXE FinePrint is a pseudo printer driver that intercepts normal single sided A4 jobs and turns them into double sided A5 booklets
Y Fix-it mxtask.exe Part of Ontrack's Fix-it Utilities Suite. Loads a System Tray icon that lets you access the full program. Needed if you run the crash guard, intellicluster, anti-virus, or autoupdater. Otherwise not required
Y Fix-it AV memcheck.exe Part of Ontrack's Fix-it Utilities Suite anti-virus. Performs a quick check of memory for signs of any virus. Exits afterward and returns all resources used in one user's experience. Not required but could be left without a drain on resources
N FlashPath Status
or
FlashPath Monitor
SDSTAT.EXE
or
FLSHSTAT.EXE
Launches a System Tray icon that you can't get rid of - and does not need to run!. Tells you what the battery status is in the floppy disk adapter for the smartmedia cards. Available via Start -> Programs
U Flexicd Flexicd.exe CD player - part of the Win95 Power Toys
Y FltProcess msinet.exe Part of Cyber Patrol internet filtering software to restrict access to certain types of material on the internet. It can be disabled but do not ask how it's done
X FlyswatDesktop flydesk.exe Whenever you load a new page, flyswat analyses the entire contents and creates on-the-fly hyperlinks -- called "flycons" -- for words and phrases it recognizes. More information here. Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
U FmctrlTray Fmctrl.EXE Genius SM-Live Control Panel. Enhances audio output through Genius sound cards (makes a big difference and worth the 3MB Ram used)
N Folding@home WINFAH.EXE Folding@Home is a distributed computing project which studies protein folding, misfolding, aggregation, and related diseases - must be running in order to access the internet to upload to the servers. Available via Start -> Programs
N FontFix fontfix.exe Not required but what is it?
Y FoolProof fpwinldr.exe FoolProof Security PC security software from SmartStuff
Y FoolProofSweep ?? Part of FoolProof Security PC security software from SmartStuff
? Forget Me Not AGRemind.exe Associated with American Greetings® CreataCard®. Registration reminder?
N FotoStation Easy AutoLaunch FotoStation Easy AutoLaunch.exe Installed with a Nikon digital camera. Used to collect photos uploaded from camera program NkVwMon.exe. If your camera is not connected (via USB port) you do not need this program loaded either
Y FP Loader loadfp.exe FoolProof Security PC security software from SmartStuff
N Fpx mnmsrvc.exe Remote Desktop Sharing service part of Microsoft's Netmeeting allowing users to share items on their screens across remote locations
Y Freedom Freedom.exe Zero Knowledge Freedom - Anti-Virus, Personal Firewall and Parental Control, it also blocks ads, safeguards your personal information, encrypts your passwords, and much more
? Free Downloads Monitor fdcmon.exe ??
U FreeMemVn2 FreeMem.exe Some users swear by memory management utilities such as FreeMem Pro but others say you don't need them - especially if you have Win98 or WinME. See this article and make up your own mind
U FreeMem Pro FMEMPRO.EXE Some users swear by memory management utilities such as FreeMem Pro but others say you don't need them - especially if you have Win98 or WinME. See this article and make up your own mind
U freesurfer fs20.exe EMS Free Surfer mk II - pop-up stopper
? frguk shdrkmck.exe ??
N FriendlyWebQuick-Launch SELFCERT.EXE selfcert.exe is a stand alone program for creating your own digital certificates for macros - the .exe is installed as an extra basically by clicking on Microsoft Office in add/remove programs and selecting remove - also I would do away with the FriendlyWebQuickLaunchBar as well
? FSDPSRV FSDPSRV.exe ??
N FSScrCtl FSScrCtl.exe Screen saver control applet used by the "Stardust Screen Saver Toolkit" and "SolidWorks Screen Saver"
Y F-StopW F-StopW.exe F-Prot anti-virus background scanner by F-Risk Software
U Ftpqueue Ftpsched.exe Part of WS_FTP Pro from Ipswitch. Queueing facility for scheduling FTP transfers
N fwrastrc fwrastrc.exe Dial-up software for Friendly Technologies/1NationOnLine free ISP

Back to alphanumeric index

G

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
? GammaHotKeys setgamma.exe ??
X Gator gator.exe Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for removal instructions
? GazelDisplay gsyno.exe BT Digital Access USB
? GCC Reminder gccrem.exe Associated with AcraMax Greeting Card Creator. Is it a registration reminder?
N GDrive GDriver.exe Found on IBM systems. All it does is set the CDROM drive letter to G:. Set your drive letter manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System -> Device Manager
N GemStRmW GemStRmW.exe For a GemPlus smart card reader. If it doesn't start automatically when you insert the smart card, start it manually
N Gearbox confsvr.exe NTL's Gearbox software for configuring internet connections with their NTLWorld software - does a similar job to the Internet Connection Wizard which can be used instead using the dial-up details available here
N GetRight Tray Icon GETRIGHT.EXE GetRight from Headlight Software - download manager for resuming downloads and choosing multiple download locations. The freeware version is/was Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it. The registered version isn't if you don't install the Aureate/Radiate software. Available via Start -> Programs
Y GilatFTC ftc.exe For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems - associated with SkyBlaster modem. Required if you have this system
Y Gilat SOM Enumerator dllhost.exe For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems - associated with SkyBlaster modem. Required if you have this system
? GisdnLog gisdnlog.exe BT Digital Access USB
? Glide Glidew32.exe Associated with the Cirque range of touchpads. What is it and is it needed?
Y Gmouse Gmouse.exe Amouse mouse driver
Y GoBack Polling Service GBPoll.exe Roxio's (nee Adaptec) GoBack software which allows you to revert back to a previously working state on you hard drive if you install a new program and your system goes faulty. Required if you use such software
Y GoBack Tray Icon GBTray.exe System Tray icon access to GoBack (above).

In version 3.x of GoBack, Gbtray takes on the added function of presenting the File Rescue Window. After completing the revert hard drive option and logging back into Windows, Deluxe Edition users are automatically presented with the File Rescue Window. This window lets you open, review, and rescue any files that were changed or deleted after the time to which you reverted your hard disk.

Also has a feature that reportedly sends information back to Roxio that can be disabled via Options -> Interner -> un-checking "Periodically check the internet for important GoBack information or updates".

Note! - one of the programmers contacted me to let me know the functions GBTray.exe performs in addition to the tray icon (which can be disabled) and if you use GoBack it is needed. Unfortunately I lost this E-mail when I re-installed Windows so if the person who E-mailed me could do so again it would be much appreciated :)

X Go!Zilla Monster Downloads Go.exe Download manager for resuming downloads and choosing multiple download locations. Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
X Go!Zilla gozilla.exe A variant for the Go!Zilla download manager, see above
N GRA gra.exe Looks at system resources at startup and warns you if they have dropped. Contains links to the Disk Clean Up, Defrag and Start Up Menu. It does have a link to a startup configuration utility. Similar to msconfig but can keep a list of disabled apps. Not really necessary. Only appears if you load the Gateway Startup Utility
N GrpConv grpconv.exe To facilitate the upgrade from Windows 3.1 to Win95/98, an executable file named GRPCONV.EXE is included with Win95/98. This file provides the translation of groups and group items to folders and links unless you need to access Win 3.1 Group files 
U Gravis Appawareloader dbserver.exe Looks like it's associated with Gravis game controllers and the Keyset Manager, allowing the user to program the buttons for games that don't support them
X gshp zzgshp.vbs Homepage hi-jacker
N Gsiconexe Gsicon.exe ADSL modem monitor from Eicon Networks (as used by BT for its Broadband internet service for example). Can safely be disabled without affecting the connection - all this does is give an indication of connectivity and access to the diagnostic facilities
N GSOrganizer GSOrganizer.exe GoldenSection Organizer - personal information manager
X GStartup GMT.exe Gator spyware variant. See Gator
N GWMDMMSG GWMDMMSG.exe Used with internal modems on Gateway and vprMatrix PCs. This is the "GTW modem messaging applet" and is not required for the modem to work correctly
U GWMDMpi GWMDMpi.exe Used with internal modems on Gateway PCs such as the 450SX Notebook. Required for audio settings to be maintained and does not remain in memory once run. See here for more information
Y gw port controller PORTCT95.EXE From a visitor - "I must keep it active in start up or my Lexmark printer and RCA Cam program cannot discover a working port to work". From the file properties, the file is known as "Smart Thru Fax Drive Spy" and is supplied by Samsung
U gwum gwum.exe Gigabyte utility manager. Loads if you have a Gigabyte motherboard and got a full bundle of utilities installed. Monitors CPU, fans, BIOS etc. Only used by system "tweakers"

Back to alphanumeric index

H

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U H/PC Connection Agent WCESCOMM.EXE Active sync for use with Windows CE based palm PC
U HaMFrontPanel hampanel.exe Displays a panel simulating modem lights for the Intel HaM internal modem. The lights are useful as a reminder to disconnect from the net if you are likely to forget, but otherwise pointless
U Hardware Sensors Monitor hmonitor.exe Utility to monitor fan speed and temperatures - similar to Motherboard Monitor. Only required if you're concerned about your system temperature - typically for "overclocked" systems
U HawkEye HAWK_95.exe Control Panel application for the old Number Nine graphics cards to change resolution, colour depth, etc. Available via Start -> Programs
N Hbinst Hbinst.exe Hotbar enhances the surfing experience offering a variety of innovative and fresh skins to the browser while providing users worldwide with access to various services of added value and fun. Also regarded as adware/spyware due to it's adds and browsing habits information gathering
N HCDetect HCDetect.exe MS HomeClick Network - simple home network setup and configuration program included with 3Com HomeConnect home networking products. Runs in the background for network printer notification, detection, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) taskbar icon. Not required - network can be set-up manually, also has a known memory leak problem
N HC Reminder hc.exe For Compaq PC's. Help Compiler, crunches help database, will run without being in startup when needed
? HDhelp tbhdhelp.exe Associated with Philips Edge series soundcards. Is it required?
N HDtray HDtray.exe Philips Edge Series Control Panel Tray Utility - system tray icon for a Philips Edge series soundcards. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
U Hermes Messenger DGDRHE~1.EXE A LAN messenger alternative to WinPopUp - Digital Dreams Software
N Hewlett Packard Recorder Remind32.exe HP multifunction registration
U Hf Hf.exe Hide Folders - hide your folders so only you can view them
? HiberMonitor HCount.exe ??
U Hibernation hib32.exe Reduces the power consumption when the laptop isn't being used to preserve battery power. Similar programs on other laptops reduce the processor clock rate, etc. Required if you run of battery regularly
U hidserv hidserv.exe This is the Human Interface Device Server for Win98SE/2000/Me/XP, it is required only if you are using USB Audio Devices you can disable via Msconfig. See here. Typical examples are USB multimedia keyboards with volume control and web-ready keyboards. For example - loaded by default with MS DSS80 Speakers because they have Volume, Mute and Bass controls on the speaker. Some users may experience problems disabling this - if this is the case then re-enable it. Equivalent to MMHid in Win98. On HP Computers, HIDSERV is the controller for the keyboard sound controls on the USB and PS/2 keyboards
N HistoryKill histkill.exe HistoryKill removes your web surfing path by removing the URL drop-list history, detailed history file, cache, and cookies in both IE and Netscape Navigator browsers. Available via Start -> Programs
U hkcmd hkcmd.exe Installed by the Intel 810 and 815 chipset graphic drivers. If you want the Ctrl+Alt+F12 or similar keypresses to access Intel's customised graphics properties, you need it, otherwise not. Can be disabled via the Display Properties in Control Panel
U hkserv HKserv.exe Keyboard manager program required to use programmable power and function keys on some laptops such as the Sony PCG R505TS
U hkss hkss.exe Compaq HotKey Support - multimedia keyboard support
U Hmonitor Hmonitor.exe Hardware sensor monitoring program. Only required if you overclock your system and want to check on the status
? HomeCentre WakeUp LGWAKEUP.EXE Associated with the no longer supported Xerox HomeCentre printer/scanner
? Honor honor.exe ??
U HookSys HookSys.exe SurfinGuard Pro - protects against all malicious code delivered through executables, scripting files, ActiveX and Java
U HotIDE hotide.exe HotIDE allows Acer TravelMate owners to hot-swap external drives without switching of their notebooks
X Hotbar Hbinst.exe Hotbar enhances the surfing experience offering a variety of innovative and fresh skins to the browser while providing users worldwide with access to various services of added value and fun. Also regarded as adware/spyware due to it's adds and browsing habits information gathering
U HotKeysCmds hkcmd.exe Installed by the Intel 810 and 815 chipset graphic drivers. If you want the Ctrl+Alt+F12 or similar keypresses to access Intel's customised graphics properties, you need it, otherwise not. Can be disabled via Control Panel -> Display Properties
U Hot Key Keybd 9910 Daemon SK9910DM.exe For programmable keys on a multi-function keyboard - such as provided by Gateway - for volume, one-button net connection. Required if you use the extra keys
? Hot Party 22 hotpart22.exe ??
N HotSync Manager hotsync.exe Installed when connecting a Palm HotSync cradle up to a USB port. The Blue and Red Arrow Icon that enables Palm / Handspring Synchronizing.  Available via Start -> Programs
N hpaiodevice hpodev07.exe Direct from HP - "Device Objects Server - detects all device events and handles all ongoing communication on the device. Loads in the Startup group (except when "portable" is chosen during installation)". Related to various HP all-in-one printer/scanner/copier devices. They print and copy fine with those files disabled, and the icon installed on the desktop that points to "hpodir07.exe" works just fine if you need to use the scanner
N HPAiODevice(hp psc 900 series) -1 hpobrt07.exe Installed with a Hewlett Packard 900 series colour printer, scanner, fax, photo card slot printer, copier. Assumed to perform an identical function to hpaiodevice above
N HPAIO_PrintFolderMgr hpoopm07.exe Directly from HP: "This process has one purpose - detects if the device moves to a different port, and notifies other processes to look on the new port." For various HP all-in-one printer/scanner/copier devices. They print and copy fine with those files disabled, and the HP icon installed on the desktop that points to "hpodir07.exe" works just fine if you need to use the scanner
N HP-Aio Flight Remind32.exe HP multifunction registration
? HP AutoIndexer ?? ??
N HP CD Writer hpcdtray.exe System Tray access to a HP CD-Writer's functions. Available via Start -> Programs
X hp center BACKWEB-137903.exe Based upon HP's own description from here - "With the My HP Center, consumers have access directly from the desktop to Internet sites featuring special offers for HP customers ranging from personal finance and shopping to digital imaging and music" I have classified this as advertising ware. The number may change - if yours is different let me know 
? HPCenterUI ?? ??
U HPDJ Taskbar Utility hpztsbol.exe
or
hpztsd02.exe
or
hpztsb04.exe
(1) Ghostscript device driver for printers understanding Hewlett-Packard's Printer Command Language - see here for more info
or
(2) Creates 1 or all 3 icons on taskbar. The 1st one has a yellow border around it warning that ink is low on the printer. The second one is HP Device Detection Software and the 3rd one is about a card being inserted into the Hp printer 
N HP_DLA ?? On HP PCs, tray icon for dla above
U HPHA1MON HPHA1MON.EXE Media card reader for some HP series printers allowing them to read digital camera memory cards directly. Only needed if you use this feature and known to cause system crashes in some cases
X Hphome hphome.js Homepage hijacker
N HPHmon03 HPHMON03.EXE Monitors the status of a HP printer. If you turn off the printer while still using the computer, a yellow triangle with exclamation mark will replace the original icon on task bar
? HP IDScheduler HPIDSCHD.exe HP Instant Delivery Scheduler
N HP Info Express ?? On HP PCs, allows the computer to automatically receive notifications from HP over the Internet. Associated with BackWeb
N HP Internet Center ?? Loads the HP Internet center surfboard on startup. HP Internet Center allows you to customize the multimedia keys on the fly without having to go the Control Panel --> Keyboards to change them
N HP JetDiscovery HPJETDSC.EXE HP JetAdmin software which monitors printing jobs on a network environment
? hpjsiroute hpjsira.exe Related to HP laserjet printers and IP addresses. An IP address is appended to the name field - ie "hpjsiroute192.168.1.2"
Y HpLamp HPLAMP.EXE HP Scanner Utility that controls your scanner’s light bulb. Needed if it's switched on. Also refer here for troubleshooting
U HPLogiFinder hp_finder.exe HP LogiFinder helps detect and allows the use of the centre button for the Logitech mouse. Can be disabled if not used
N hpodlb08 hpodlb08.exe HP OfficeJet Scan Button Monitor on a multi-function printer/copier/scanner. Start your scanning software manually
N hpodblia hpodblia.exe HP OfficeJet Scan Button Monitor on a multi-function printer/copier/scanner. Start your scanning software manually
? HP OfficeJet Series 700 Startup HPOSTR03.EXE ??
? HP Network Registry Agent hpnra.exe ??
N HP Parallel Port Test hppt.exe Associated with a HP Scan Jet scanner
? HP Port Resolver hpbpro.exe ??
? hpppta HPPPTA.exe Seems to be associated with HP printers/scanners. There is a help (*.HLP) file of the same name if you have this so check for more details in that
N HP Precision Scan hpmdlbwx.exe Same as HP ScanPicture below
? HPPROPTY HPPROPTY.EXE ??
U HPPWRSAV HPPWRSAV.EXE Power save related for HP Scanners. Many users have complained of system freezes with it running but it stops the light from remaining on all the time. Try  www.hp.com, pick your OS option under the SUPPORT tab, follow the instructions and you will find an updated lamp control patch
N HP RecordNow ?? From HP "Software for the CD writer. Do not prevent from starting unless the CD writer is never going to be used."
N HP ScanPicture hpsplmwa.exe HP multifunction scanner software. Available from HP Office Jet R Toolbox so not required
U HPSCANMonitor hpsjvxd.exe HP scanning software that enables you to scan images from your scanner. Needed if you're using the scanner
U HPScanPatch HPScanFix.exe HP patch for certain USB scanners
N hpsjbmgr hpsjbmgr.exe HP ScanJet Button Manager. It allows users of the HPScanJet scanners to indicate what the buttons on the scanner will do automatically if pushed. Not required at startup, unless the scanner is used every day, such as in a business environment
N HPStart hpstart.wsf This a script used by HP that runs the first time one of their computers is started. Can't imagine why it would be starting up after the first boot
? HP Status Server hpboid.exe ??
U hpsysdrv hspsysdrv.exe This item keeps track of how many times the system has been recovered and the times of the first and last recoveries done on the system. Leaving unchecked will sometimes prevent the Keyboard Manager program from detecting that the computer is an HP. Since this program/driver was only made to run on HP, if it can't tell that it is an HP it will not run. If unchecked, it can prevent the running of the Application Recovery CDs, the use of the multimedia keys, and the HP Instant Support. Also seen that without it running, the Riptide Sound card that was installed on some older HP computers stops working
N HP Simple Trax Hpcron.exe Supplied with HP CD-RW drives. Available via Start -> Programs or Desktop Icon
N HP Updates ?? On HP PCs, allows the computer to automatically receive notifications from HP over the Internet. Associated with BackWeb
Y HREF.OCX regsvr32.exe ....\HREF.OCX HREF.OCX is an ActiveX control developed by xFX JumpStart and used to provide HTML-alike clickable links on Windows-based programs such as PopUpKiller
N HPZTS04 hpzts04.exe Hewlett Packard printer toolbox shortcut that resides in the system tray
Y HWinst N/A For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Gilat rescue (Satellite system restore). Required if you have this system. Can cause a BSOD (blue screen of death) if left out
X HXDL.EXE
or
HXIUL.EXE
HXDL.EXE
or
HXIUL.EXE
Believed to be "Spyware" - made by a company called Alset. Also known as "HelpExpress". Will install itself if you have previously had Attune by Aveo installed as they're by the same company. Uninstall via Add/Remove programs

Back to alphanumeric index

I

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X I386 I386.exe Added as a result of the MYPOWER VIRUS!
? I81SHELL I81SHELL.exe Appears to be related to drivers for an Intel 810 graphics chipset on an ASUS motherboard
Y iamapp iamapp.exe AtGuard personal firewall engine. As Atguard was bought by Symantec some time ago, it's now the Norton Personal Firewall executable as well
? IBMUltraBayHotSwapSound IBMBAYSN.EXE Supports hot swapping in Thinkpad UltraBay Option on IBM ThinkPad laptops. Is it needed though - does it just play a sound? Related to the item below
U IBMUltraBayHotSwapCPLLoader IBMBAY2N.EXE Supports hot swapping in Thinkpad UltraBay Option on IBM ThinkPad laptops
N ICH Synth eusexe.exe Sound related and can be disabled without affecting performance although advanced sound features may be sacrificed. May be related to Compaq PC's with "SoundMAX integrated Digital Audio" (Analog Devices Inc.) devices
N iCn NAG.EXE iChoose - shopping browser enhancement that alerts you to cheaper deals for goods you want to buy, if they exist
N ICO ICO.EXE Found on a Sony Vaio laptop and seems to be related to Mouse Suite 98 Daemon according to the properties. Appears to cause a behaviour where the desktop suddenly flips back up when playing DirectX associated games
Y ICONCLNT iconclnt.exe APC PowerChute Tray Icon. Associated with the UPS listing
N Iconfig.exe Iconfig.exe Icon for LS-120 "Superdisk"
N Icon Animation HDE.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. Provides entertaining animation of your desktop icons
N Icon Hearit 95 hearit95.exe Audio desktop customization utility from Moon Valley Software. Resource hog
N Icon Hearit 98 hearit98.exe Audio desktop customization utility from Moon Valley Software. Resource hog
N ICQ Plus vplus.exe ICQ Plus is a freeware utility makes your ICQ skinnable (change the look). Available via Start -> Programs
? ICSDCLT rundll32.exe Icsdclt.dll, ICSClient Something to do with ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)? Is it required?
Y ICSMGR ICSMGR.EXE Monitors DNS and DHCP requests for ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). Needed if you’re sharing the internet on various computers
X ID8525 ID8525.exe ID8525 VIRUS and homepage hijacker!
N ID Commander IDCom.exe Caller ID utility for identifying incoming telephone numbers
? IDEDMA cfgdmaof.exe ??
U iDesktop idesktop.exe Immersion TouchWare Desktop software for devices such as the Logitech iFeel Mouse
N IDMan IDMan.exe Internet Download Manager - download files faster, schedule and resume
? IDW Logging Tool idwlog.exe Added with WinXP SP1. What does it do and is it needed?
U IFSplash.exe IFSplash.exe I-FORCE driver for force feedback steering wheel
? IEDriver IEDriver.exe The directory where this resides (C:\WINNT\System32\IEDriver\) includes a file "td.exe" for which the properties reveals a Product Name of "TurboDownload"
N igfxtray igfxtray.exe Quick access to the control panel via a System Tray icon for graphics based upon the Intel chipsets (ie, i810). These chipsets are often included on motherboards. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
? IKE Service 95 IKEService.exe Associated with PGP
U iKeyWorks IKEYMAIN.EXE A4Tech wireless keyboard driver and utility
Y Image & Restore IMAGE32.exe Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. Image/Restore can recover from drives that have been accidentally formatted or completely erased, if Image was recently run
N Imesh ?? Imesh is a file sharing system
N Imesh Auto Update ?? Update check for above. Turn the update off under "options"
N ImgIcon ImgIcon.exe Used by Iomega drives. Details of its purpose can be found here. Available via Start -> Programs
N ImgStart ImgStart.exe Used by Iomega drives. Details of its purpose can be found here. Available via Start -> Programs
N Imjpmig8.1 IMJPMIG.EXE Part of Microsoft's Input Message Editor (IME) for translating Japanese/Chinese text in IE, Outlook and Word
? immcheck.exe immcheck.exe Related to I-FORCE driver for force feedback steering wheel?
N iM Start Center iM_Tray.exe Installed with the Sound Blaster Audigy range of soundcards. A radio tuner installed if the user chooses during installation. Available via Start -> Programs -> iM Networks -> iM Radio Tuner
N InCD incd.exe Ahead InCD packet writing software. Similar to DirectCD. On my system there isn't one, on another visitor's there is
N InControl Desktop Manager DMHKEY.EXE For Diamond Multimedia video cards. Allows System Tray access to desktop utilities such as screen resolution. Available via Start -> Programs
N Incredimail incredimail.exe "IncrediMail is an advanced, feature-rich email program that offers you an unprecedented interactive experience. Unique multimedia features will enable you to tailor your email experience so that it fits your mood and personality"
U Inetd INETD32.EXE Windows Inet Daemon from Hummingbird Communications. "Hummingbird Inetd has the advanced ability to conserve PC resources by listening for connection requests and launching server daemons". Provides PCs with the full functionality of a UNIX workstation
U inetinfo.exe inetinfo.exe Executable used by Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS). If it's running, then so is IIS. Useful in knowing whether you require the patch for the Code Red worm. Comes with PWS (Personal Web Server) or NT4 and handles ASP-, PHP code (+ more)
? Infoplay.exe Infoplay.exe Written by New Media Properties, LLC and you're asked if you want to download and install it if you visit one of their search engine websites (which I chose not to). What does it do and is it needed?
Y Initialize8x8 8x8_init.exe Tool that initializes a Pinnacle PCTV card - maybe in capture or in showing overlay
N Ink Monitor InkMonitor.exe Associated with Epson (and maybe other) printers. Tells you when the ink's running low and asks if you want to buy another cartridge on-line
N InkWatch InkWatch.exe Associated with Canon (and maybe other) printers. Tells you when the ink's running low and asks if you want to buy another cartridge on-line
Y InoRT InoRT9x.exe Associated with the Realtime Monitor of eTrust Antivirus/InoculateIT version 6 virus scanners from Computer Associates. For NT/2K/XP users you may need a patch if seeing high CPU uesage - see here
U InoTask InoTask.exe Scheduled scans and signature updates for eTrust Antivirus/InoculateIT version 6 virus scanners from Computer Associates. Leave enabled unless you manually update signatures or perform routine scans. If enabled it can result in high CPU useage when performing updates - see here
? insCOA5 insCOA5.exe ??
N InstallAurealDemos InstallAurealDemos.js Used to initialize the Aureal A3D demos InstallShield wizard
? InstallNAIProduct SETUP.EXE Could be related to Network Associates Inc who own the McAfee VirusScan product amongst others. This was found in a directory called "VSC". Could it be an installation that failed and "SETUP.EXE" was left to run at startup as an error?
? Install Pending Files sifxinst.exe Uninstall program for Lanovation's Prism Deploy and Prism Pack adminstrators software deployement tools. For specific information see here. Is it required?
N InstantAccess INSTAN~1.EXE From TextBridge Pro 9.0 OCR scanner software. Available via Start -> Programs
N Instant Update Center reminder.exe From Broderbund's PrintMaster 10. It is an event reminder (for calendar dates, etc). Delete from the startup using Startup Manager program because it keeps re-checking itself when using MSCONFIG.  PrintMaster 11 uses filename PMremind.exe - it has to be unchecked in startup in the same manner
U Instant Wireless Configuration Utility WUSB11cfg.exe Utility used by the LINKSYS LINKSYS wireless USB Adapter (WUSB11) and indicates when a wireless access connection is made by a screen colour change. Also used for configuration
U Intellitype type32.exe For Microsoft programmable keyboards. If you disable Intellitype in Startup, any "Hot Keys" that are changed by the user to perform functions other than default settings, defer back to their default settings unless you have changed them
U Intel File Transfer xfr.exe Part of Intel's LANDesk Management Suite 6 and the Common Base Agent (CBA) - used for communicating between the core server and managed clients
U Intel PDS pds.exe Intel Ping Discovery Service (PDS). Part of Intel's LANDesk Management Suite 6 and the Common Base Agent (CBA) - used for communicating between the core server and managed clients. Will start the dial-up if installed and enabled
U Intel Product Number Utility IntelProcNumUtility.exe The Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility allows you to enable and disable the processor serial number capability of your Intel PIII processor. You can find more information here
U Intel PROSet Tray Icon promon.exe?? System Tray icon for Intel PRO series ethernet adapters. Only needed if you need to access the diagnostic features
N internat.exe internat.exe Language selection icon in system tray
U Internet Answering Machine IAMNET~1.EXE From Callwave. It offers a free utility to monitor your incoming phonecalls if you only have a single telephone line for internet access
U Internet Timer ITIMER.exe Shareware dial-up connection call cost calculator from Ratsoft
N InterTrust Quick Start it_cpq~1.exe InterTrust offers something known as Digital Rights Management to control legal software download and other E-commerce related business
N Intervideo Win Cinema Manager
or
Intervideo WinCinema Manager
WinCinemaMgr.exe WinCinema Manager is needed when using the WinDVD Remote Control for WinDVD from Intervideo. Available via Start -> Programs
N Intervideo WinScheduler WinScheduler.exe WinScheduler is installed with WinDVD Remote Control for WinDVD from Intervideo. If you want to schedule recordings from your TV tuner card, you will need it. Available via Start -> Programs
U InterWARN interwarn.exe InterWARN by Storm Alert Inc. Provides customized, automated access to critical weather and civil emergency information from the US National Weather Service. Required if audio and screen crawler alerts are desired. Also available via Start -> Programs
N Introducing Media Manager SPLASHA.EXE Part of Microsoft Visual InterDev, Media Manager is an easy media file management system that works in conjunction with Windows Explorer. Splash screen - not required. For more information see here
N Introduction-Registration ?? For Compaq PC's. Should only run first time, PC Introduction & Compaq registration
N Iomega Backup Scheduler dtiom98.exe Used by Iomega drives. Details of its purpose can be found here. Available via Start -> Programs
N Iomega Disk Icons
or
Iomega Drive Icons
IMGICON.EXE Used by Iomega drives. Details of its purpose can be found here. Available via Start -> Programs
? Iomega QuickSync ?? ??
N Iomega Startup Options IMGSTART.EXE Used by Iomega drives. Details of its purpose can be found here. Available via Start -> Programs
N Iomega Watch IOWATCH.EXE Used by Iomega drives. Available via Start -> Programs
U Iomon98.exe Iomon98.exe PC-Cillin 98 real time virus check. Can cause floppy disk accesses to hang
N IomegaWare COMMANDER.EXE Used by Iomega drives. Details of its purpose can be found here. Available via Start -> Programs
U Infra-red Monitor
or
IrMon
IRMON.EXE System Tray access to infra-red devices. Not required unless you use infra-red devices
N iPalm mon.exe Installed with a Panasonic iPalm digital camera. Used to uploaded photos from the camera. If your camera is not connected (via USB port) you do not need this program loaded
Y IPinst N/A For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Gilat rescue (Satellite system restore). Required if you have this system. Can cause a BSOD (blue screen of death) if left out
Y IPSecMon IPSecMon.exe Microsoft L2TP/IPSec VPN Client for Win98/Me/NT. Secure technology for making remote access virtual private network (VPN) connections across public networks such as the Internet
Y IREIKE IreIKE.exe Microsoft L2TP/IPSec VPN Client for Win98/Me/NT. Secure technology for making remote access virtual private network (VPN) connections across public networks such as the Internet
? iRis Active Monitor winmon32.exe ??
N isdbdc isdbdc.exe For Compaq PC's. May install properties in dial-up networking when you register with an ISP
U Itk Itk.exe In The Know - surveillance software that creates records of everything people do on a computer, ie, spying or monitoring depending upon how you call it
U iTouch iTouch.exe iTouch loads the iTouch configuration program for Logitech keyboards. It’s needed if your keyboard has shortcut buttons and if you use them. It’s also needed if your keyboard does not have the num lock, caps lock, and scroll lock lights on it and you use the on-screen displays for num lock, caps lock, and scroll lock
? ItsDeductiblePopUp ItsDeductible.exe ItsDeductible from Income Dynamics. Calculates your noncash donations quickly and easily. What does this do and is it required at startup for the program to run properly?
N IW Control Center iwctrl.exe VOB InstantWrite enables you to use your CD-R, CD-RW and DVD-RAM drive just like a hard disk or floppy disk. You can drag and drop files, create new directories right on your CD-R, CD-RW or DVD-RAM. Supplied with some Toshiba CD-writers. Maybe required if you use this feature on a regular basis
? IZE N/A ??

Back to alphanumeric index

J

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N Jet Detection ADGJDet.exe Added with SoundBlaster Live! or Audigy soundcards for headphone autodetection
Y JetAdmin Discovery Indicator HPJETDSC.EXE HP JetAdmin software for HP JetDirect Print Servers. HPJETDSC.EXE is the file necessary for the JetAdmin Discovery Indicator (paper airplane in the taskbar). It gets launched automatically through the registry, and remains active to control the Discovery Indicator
U Jog Serve JogServ2.exe "Jog Dial" on a Sony Vaio laptop.  The dial can select various functions such as control audio. Needed if you use its features
U Jv16pt Network Resident jv16pt_network.exe jv16 PowerTools' network resident program. Only needed if you are using the program's network features

Back to alphanumeric index

K

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N K6CPU.EXE K6CPU.EXE Authenticates CPU as K6 in system properties
U Kalibump Kalibump.exe Used with the now unsupported Kali software for on-line gaming. This is used to automatically bump up the priority of WinProxy to GREATLY improve game speed when using a SOCKS proxy
N Kana Reminder Reminder.exe Kana Reminder is a program which can be used to set a reminder to be triggered at a specified time
N KAZAA kazaa.exe KAZAA is a file-sharing program which unfortunately being ad-based includes "Cy-door" adware. Check here for information about "Cy-door" and here for a program that can remove it
X KAZAACuf 9 Added as a result of the KITRO.D (or ARGEN.A) VIRUS!
N kazaalite kazaalite.exe Kazaalite is a file sharing client - not to be confused with the original Kazaa program. Unlike the original, this one does not contain any advertising or tracking mechanisms
U KBD KBD.EXE Multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the multimedia keys
U KBD MediaCenter MEDIACTR.EXE Multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the multimedia keys
? Kemet kemet.exe ??
N kernelfaultcheck dumprep 0 -k
or
dumprep 0 -u
Used in connection with memory dumps - you can disable these by - right clicking on My Computer, selecting Properties and then the Advanced tab. Click on the Settings button in 'Startup and Recovery'. In the bottom pane - under 'Write debugging information' - click on the down arrow and then select 'None' - OK your way out
X Kernell32 Kernell.dll Added as a result of the DESTINY VIRUS!
X Kernel32 Kernel32.exe Added as a result of a number of VIRUSES - such as BABYLONIA, KERNEL and HOOKER
U Keyboard Manager MMKeybd.exe Multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the additional keys. Can also be listed as MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD
U KeyMaestro kmaestro.exe Multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the multimedia keys
? keymap keymap.exe ??
N Key Text KeyText.exe Key Text 2000 from MJMSoft Design - utility to automate repetitive keyboard tasks. Available via Start -> Programs
N Kinberlink Kinberlink.exe Kinberlink network messaging. Available via Start -> Programs
? KK Loader loadkk.exe ??
N Kodak Batch Transfer pezdow1.exe Part of "Kodak Picture Easy" software for digital cameras. Includes the display of an icon in the System Tray to quickly transfer photos to a PC
N Kodak Picture Transfer Software pts.exe Looks for Kodak camera connection and media insertion. Available via Start -> Programs
N Konni Symbol Autostart KonniSymbol.exe Gives configuration access to RagTime Solo professional business publishing software. RagTime Solo is the private user version of RagTime 5

Back to alphanumeric index

L

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
Y LASTinst N/A For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Gilat rescue (Satellite system restore). Required if you have this system. Can cause a BSOD (blue screen of death) if left out
? Later later.exe ??
U Launchboard lnchbrd.exe "LaunchBoard software from Darwin turns your keyboard into a remote control for the Internet and your computer! With LaunchBoard 2.0, you can customize up to 38 keys on your PC keyboard to instantly launch Web Sites, start applications, perform custom macros, handle Windows shortcuts, store passwords, and perform loads of other customizable functions"
N Launcher relaunch.exe Audio Applications Launcher for the Philips Rythmiic Edge soundcard (the Philips Rhythmic Edge is the same as the Thunderbird PCI soundcard - see TBtray). Available via Start -> Programs
U LED TRAY LEDTRAY.EXE Installs a USB compact flash card reader or drive on start-up. The device is distributed by Microtech and is made by a company called SnapShot. Required if you want the reader to work
Y Lexmark X83 Button Manager AcBtnMgr_X83.exe Associated with the Lexmark X83 all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Reuired for correct operation
Y Lexmark X83 Button Monitor ACMonitor_X83.exe Associated with the Lexmark X83 all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Reuired for correct operation
N LexmarkPrinTray printray.exe Lexmark Printer icon in the System Tray for quick access. Not required - uncheck via Printer configuration rather than MSCONFIG. Can also be listed as PrinTray
N ?? lexpps.exe For Lexmark printers. From Lexmark: "This enables bi-directional printing over a peer to peer network. If the printer is connected directly to your PC, the file is not used, (or should not be used) at all". It is known that firewalls can however alert you to "lexpps.exe" requesting server privileges
U LexStart lexstart.exe Lexmark printer software may add Lexstart.exe in the startup folder to handle print commands that you send to the printer. Sometimes required for the printer to work correctly - not in the case of a Lexmark Z42 for instance
N LicCrtl runservice.exe eLicense, licensing system incorporated with some software and games
N LIU LIU.exe Logitech Internet Update. Used to update drivers/software for Logitech's Wingman, QuickCam, etc devices. Reports claim it doesn't work very well and you can manually update the files anyway
N Live Menu Dllcmd32.exe eFax Send button for eFax Messenger Plus. Available via Start -> Programs Disabling instructions available here
N LMSTATUS LMSTATUS.EXE Lexmark Status Monitor. Checks the current status of Lexmark printers (and other devices?)
N load= adw30.exe After Dark for Windows - screen saver program. Popular before screen savers were integrated into Win95
U load= asistat.exe Status monitor for an NEC SuperScript printer
U load= esspk.exe Speakerphone capability through a soundcard for an ESS modem
? load= cfgsys32.exe ??
N load= vi_grm.exe Monitor drivers for Trio2x/3x based video cards - displays control panel for quick access to display settings
? load= WINOSCFG.EXE Could it be something to do with configuring Windows on a new PC from an OEM supplier?
Y LoadBlackD blackd.exe This is the "intrusion detection system" of the BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall which loads independently of the "user interface" (BlackICE Utility)
X LoadDBackUp BcTool.exe Added as a result of the GIBE VIRUS!
X LoadFonts LoadFonts.vbs Homepage hijacker that changes your homepage to an adult material site
X LoadOrderVerification *.exe Added as a result of the TRON VIRUS! * is a random file name, possibly Pthymvfr.exe
U LoadPowerProfile Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll Power management specifics such as monitor shut-off, system standby, etc. Associated with power management and is listed twice - see here. Loads your selected power scheme. May not be required - depends upon whether you modify the default Control Panel -> Power Options settings
U LoadQM loadqm.exe Loads the MSN Queue Manager. Note that disabling this can sometimes prevent internet sharing working on Win2K Pro SP2. Reports also suggest that removing it will re-enable internet access - hence the "users choice" recommendation. If you have problems leave it, otherwise I recommend you disable it
U LOAD WB LOADWB.EXE Part of Stardock's WindowBlinds custom desktop program. "WindowBlinds is the first utility of its kind. It extends Win98/NT/2K/XP to have a fully skinnable user interface. You can change the style of title bars, buttons, toolbars and much more". If you use it - keep it if not then uninstall it
N Logitech Desktop Manager
or
Logitech Desktop Messenger
or
LDM
backweb-8876480.exe
or
ldmconf.exe
Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades AND new products, services and special offerings from Logitech
N Logitech Wakeup lgwakeup.exe Loads at startup and monitors the scanner. When a document is inserted in the scanner the wakeup program feeds the document a fraction of a inch into the scanner and then it launches the control center software. From the control center you can select whether to fax or copy or print the scanned documents. If you uncheck the Logitech wakeup software from the startup it no longer launches the control center or feeds the document a fraction of an inch. You can manually launch the control center software via Start ->Programs and still be able to scan images
U LogWatch logwat95.exe Licensing patch for products installed on NT by Computer Associates such as eTrust. Detects and updates old versions of lic98.dll - see here. Not required if you already have a newer version or the patch has been applied
Y Look 'n' Stop looknstop.exe Look 'n' Stop personal firewall
N Lotus Organizer Easy Clip ?? "The Easy Clip icon automates the collection of information from sources such as e-mail to create an Organizer address, appointment, task or Notepad page." Available via Start -> Programs
N Lotus QuickStart smartctr.exe Lotus central application, called SmartCenter, which runs on the Windows desktop. SmartCenter toolbar stretches across the top or, optionally, the bottom of the screen. Uses a lot of resources. Available via Start -> Programs
U Lotus Suite Start suitest.exe Puts the individual Lotus components in the system tray taskbar when you start Windows. Can be disabled via MSCONFIG -> Startup as "Lotus SuiteStart 97 Edition". All individual components available via Start -> Programs
N LS120 Superdisk ?? Supposed to accelerate transfer rate on LS-120, contributes to system lockups
Y Lsass lsass.exe LSASS.EXE is the Local Security Authority Sub-System. Essentially, it's the file that gives you WinNT/2K/XP. If it can't start you can't get in
Y LT DAEMON ltdaemon.exe Acts as a data spooler for the DSL modem (similar to a cache). Do not uncheck if the DSL modem is being used
X LTM2 MSGSRV32.EXE
MPGSRV32.EXE
MSGSRV320.EXE
winupdate.exe
bible.exe
All added by variants of the LITMUS VIRUS!. See here for MSGSRV32.EXE (Note: MSGSRV32.EXE in this case is in a Litmus sub-directory and is not to be confused with the valid version in C:\Windows\System), here for MPGSRV32.EXE, here for MSGSRV320.EXE and here for winupdate.exe and bible.exe
N LTSMMSG LTSMMSG.exe Lucent Tech. Soft Modem Messaging application - may be found on Fujitsu Lifebook and Acer notebooks, maybe others too
Y LTWinModem1 ltmsg.exe One of the "popular" WinModem series. WinModems use software rather than hardware - hence putting a load on the CPU. Needed if you have it for loading the drivers. See here for more WinModem information
N LVComs lvcoms.exe Lvcomm server. Related to Logitech Quick Cam - works fine without it
N Lwinst Run Profiler lwtest.exe Logitech Wingman Profiler for the Logitech joysticks. Available via Start -> Programs
N LXSUPMON LXSUPMON.EXE Lexmark Printer. The printer should work fine without it

Back to alphanumeric index

M

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N Machine Debug Manager mdm.exe Used by developers for debugging. Those who have encountered it have unchecked it with no degradation in performance. Can also be listed as MDM7
N MadExe LaunchRA.exe Dell Resolution Assistant
Y MAD.EXE MAD.EXE MAD.exe is the MS Exchange 5.5 System Attendant and can also consume a large amount of resources - resolved by the latest Exchange 5.5 Service Pack. Also part of Exchange 2000 Server but does it have the same problems?. Apparently you need to leave this running but is it needed at start-up?
N MagicDsk MAGICDSK.EXE Magic DeskTop is a small and novel utility which will allow you the option of hiding or showing your desktop icons
N Mailbox Verifier mboxvrfy.exe Mailbox Verifier (MV) is free software that will notify you about new messages arrived to your mailbox. Only works with POP3 mailboxes (not web-mail based systems) and you should be able to set your mail system to check all accounts at regular intervals anyway (in Outlook for instance)
? Mail.com mcalert.exe Mail.com - free web-mail service. Does mcalert.exe notify you when new mail has arrived?
? Main Executable (HP) HP05T0R5.exe HP (Hewlett-Packard) related. Now - what does it do? 
N Matrox Color Control hgcctl95.exe For Matrox video cards. Quick access to changing colors
N Matrox Control Center mgactrl.exe For Matrox video cards. Quick access to settings
N Matrox Diagnostic mgadiag.exe For Matrox video cards. Quick access to diagnostics
N Matrox Powerdesk PDesk.exe For Matrox video cards. Quick access to tweak your card to your liking
N Matrox QuickDesk ?? For Matrox video cards. Quick access to tweak your card to your liking
U MBM 4 MBM4.exe Motherboard Monitor 4 - only needed if you overclock your system and want to keep a check on system temperatures/voltages/etc. Available via Start -> Programs
U MBM 5 MBM5.exe Motherboard Monitor 5. As above but for version 5
U MBProbe mbrpobe.exe MBProbe - only needed if you overclock your system and want to keep a check on system temperatures/voltages/etc. Available via Start -> Programs
U McAfee.InstantUpdate.Monitor RuLaunch.exe McAfee VirusScan instant updates for virus definitions. Leave enabled unless you update virus definitions manually on a regular basis
Y McAfee Firewall CPD.EXE Firewall bundled with McAfee VirusScan 6.*. Can also be listed as CPD_EXE
N McAfee Guardian CMGRDIAN.EXE McAfee's QuickClean, an offline version of the one in their online Clinic. Normally run offline and not needed. Incidentally, incorporates more cleanup programs than the likes of WinOptimizer and System Mechanic
Y McAfeeVirusScanService Avsynmgr.exe From McAfee VirusScan version 5.x. Runs VirusScan System Tray (Vsstat.exe), WebScanX (Webscanx.exe), VirusScan System Scan (Vshwin32.exe) and VirusScan Console (Avconsol.exe) under one application
Y McAfeeWebscanX 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
N McAfee Winguage ?? Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. "WinGuage is a dynamic reporting tool that constantly monitors your use of Windows and your applications, to alert you to potential problems before they become serious". Resource hog. Available via Start -> Programs
U McAgentExe mcagent.exe From McAfee VirusScan On-line. The Agent is a red M icon that appears in the Windows system tray or Notification Area (if you're running Windows XP). If you don't see the agent icon, VirusScan Online may not be installed
U McUpdateExe mcupdate.exe From McAfee VirusScan On-line. Automatically updates your virus definitions. Leave enabled unless you regularly update these definitions
Y mcvsshld mcvsshld.exe McAfee VirusScan On-line. See also McAgentExe above
N MChanger MChanger.exe Media Changer - utility that allows you to change wallpapers, sounds, themes, etc
N mdac_runonce runonce.exe Associated with Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC). Sometimes left over after installation - not required. NOTE :- don't delete "runonce.exe". 
N MDM7 mdm.exe Used by developers for debugging. Those who have encountered it have unchecked it with no degradation in performance. Can also be listed as Machine Debug Manager
X MediaLoads
or
MediaLoads Installer
dw.exe Medialoads is advertising software - running DownloadWare as its executable. Installed as a bundle with Kazaa Media Desktop. See here for more information
U Media Manager Indexer AIRSVCU.EXE Part of Microsoft Visual InterDev, Media Manager is an easy media file management system that works in conjunction with Windows Explorer. The Media Manager Indexer is a program that indexes all the information about your media files and puts it into a database. For more information see here
N MediaMonitor Mediam~1.exe Installed by Smartdisk MVP CD burning software. Software will work fine without it
N MediaRing Talk mrtalk.exe Media Ring Talk, voice recognition software, Resource hog. Available via Start -> Programs
U MemoKit MK.EXE Memory optimizer. It loads from startup group and it goes off as soon as the program (memokit.exe) is loaded in the System Tray. Mk.exe does not run while the memokit.exe is running. Probably loads a flash screen at startup and shutdown that stays on screen less than 5 seconds and gives you a button to push to purchase the full version. MS professionals recommend not using memory managers with Win98/SE/ME. See this article and make up your own mind
U Memory+ tfimemsr.exe Memory optimizer. MS professionals recommend not using memory managers with Win98/SE/ME. See this article and make up your own mind
N Memory Stick Monitor MSTAT.exe Used with the Sony floppy disk adapter for memory sticks, showing if there is a stick in the computer
U MemTurbo ?? MemTurbo memory optimizer. MS professionals recommend not using memory managers with Win98/SE/ME. See this article and make up your own mind
N MenuSnap MenuSnap.exe MenuSnap from Rietta Solutions. Utility that re-orders your Start Menu items alphabetically. You may not want this utility if you're able to do this manually by selecting Start -> Programs and right-clicking and choosing "Sort by Name" if availabe
N MessengerPlus MsgPlus.exe Third party MSN Messenger extension that hides banner ads and adds archiving and other useful features.  Appears not to work unless checked, but may be activated after startup
? mfgboot ?? ??
N MGA_CD_Install mgasetup.exe Matrox Millennium video driver. Not required once drivers installed
N MGA Quickdesk MGAQDESK.EXE For Matrox video cards. Quick access to tweak your card to your liking
Y mgavrtclexe mgavrtcl.exe
mgavrte.exe
McAfee's Virus Scan Online
N MHINIT MHINIT.EXE Part of the Cybermedia Clean Sweep package
N Microangelo Desktop Muamgr.exe Quick access to MicroAngelo 5.0. Available via Start -> Programs
N microAttuneDownload atmdlusr.exe USR (US Robotics) modem auto updater. May be a sub-set of Attune
N Microsoft Announcement Listener Annclist.exe Microsoft WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
X Microsoft Diagnostic <filename>.exe Added as a result of the ACEBOT VIRUS! The <filename>.exe will be random and must be deleted after the virus has been removed. Not to be confused with the DOS based MSD.EXE
X Microsoft Find Fast Findfast.exe Complete utter waste of space!. Part of Microsoft Office - searches disk drives for Office file types to make opening them easier
Y MICROSOFT FIREWALL CLIENT ISATRAY.EXE Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000
N Microsoft Greetings  Reminder MHPRMINF.EXE You really want to be reminded about somebody's birthday at the expense of resources?
N Microsoft Greetings Workshop Reminder Gwremind.exe You really want to be reminded about somebody's birthday at the expense of resources?
U Microsoft Intellitype Pro speedkey.exe Additional keyboard shortcuts on MS programmable keyboard
N Microsoft Office
or
Microsoft Office Startup
Osa.exe
or
Osa9.exe
Resource hog that launches common Microsoft Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. Some users claim there's no difference with or without it but it isn't required anyway. Osa9.exe is the Office 2000 variant
N Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar Msoffice.exe Alternative shortcuts to the Start -> Programs way of running applications installed as part of Microsoft Office. Some people prefer it but a better way is to create Desktop Shortcuts if you want access these programs quickly
N Microsoft Sidewinder Game Controller Software SWTRAY.EXE Microsoft SideWinder game controller system tray icon. Available via Start -> Programs
N Microsoft Sound Volume Tool mssvol.exe This is a Blue version of the yellow speaker icon on the system tray and is used to edit advanced Sound Features that the MS DSS80 Speakers add. Should be accessible via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
U Microsoft Webserver ?? Personal web server program which enables you to create and host a web server from your computer. Not required for most people
N Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders wkcalrem.exe Produces a pop-up reminder of events scheduled using the MS Works Calendar
N Microsoft Works Portfolio WksSb.exe The Works Portfolio tool lets you collect and organize text and pictures from the Web or your favorite program. The Works Portfolio provides a location where you can store items you want to later put into a document or other file
N Microsoft Works Update Detection wkdetect.exe Checks for updates to MS Works
U minilog MINILOG.EXE If you don't have ZoneAlarm or ZoneAlarm Pro running you don't need this. This must be enabled if programs such as VisualZone Report utility or ZoneLog Analyzer are in use
N MiniNote MININOTE.EXE Mini NoteTab was the first in the family of "NoteTab" text and HTML editors from Fookes Software
N MINIFERT.EXE MINIFERT.EXE Part of Backweb
N Mirabilis ICQ NDetect.exe
or
icq.exe -minimize
If connected to the internet, automatically runs up ICQ. Convenience more than anything. ICQ can be started from Start -> Programs
N miroVIDEO Tray Tool misitray.exe Tool for quickly changing options for miro/Pinnacle capture cards during capture/playback/output. When this program is closed, another program (mv-ctrl) is also closed, but mv-ctrl does not have its own EXE file. Only needed when using the capture card, e.g. for the above actions
N Mixghost mixghost.exe Management software for Altec Lansing speakers.  If a change is needed, the user can launch it from the Start menu
U MMhid mmhid.dll This is the Human Interface Device Server for Win98, it is required only if you are using USB Audio Devices you can disable via Msconfig. See here. Typical examples are USB multimedia keyboards with volume control and web-ready keyboards. For example - loaded by default with MS DSS80 Speakers because they have Volume, Mute and Bass controls on the speaker. Some users may experience problems disabling this - if this is the case then re-enable it. Equivalent to Hidserv in Win98SE/2000/Me/XP
? MMHK mmhk.exe A driver found on a Compaq Presario 800T notebook. Possibly something to do with multimedia hot keys?
? MMHotKey MMHotKey.exe From T-Media - possibly something to do with multimedia hot keys?
? MM Install setup.exe Possibly Money Manager from Moneysoft?
? mmpti m1mmpti.exe ??
Y MMTASK mmtask.tsk A check on the file's properties reveals "Multimedia background task support module". MMTASK is a very simple 16-bit program used by certain multimedia drivers (which are still 16-bit on Win9x) to perform background processing. Some soundcards need this to support MIDI, etc
? MMRun mmrun.exe May be related to Musicmatch Jukebox as below?
N MMtray mm_tray.exe Musicmatch Jukebox icon in the task tray. Often supplied with HP CD-RW drives.  The program works fine without it
X mnsvc mnsvc.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
N mobsync mobsync.exe Find more information about its use here
N MOD muamger.exe MicroAngelo On Display from Impact Software lets you customize Windows icons. With a few exceptions, you can customize icons by right-clicking on them
U ?? MODEMBTR.EXE Modem Booster from inKline Global to improve ISP connections
N Morpheus morpheus.exe MusicCity Networks' Morpheus - another peer-to-peer client based on Kazaa. Notable in that this one doesn't seem to install the adware that clog the Kazaa download. They claim they are adware free, and a visitor quotes "I have seen no instance of any since using it"
N MoneyAgent money express.exe Part of Microsoft Money. Available via Start -> Programs
N Money Express moneyexpress.exe Part of Microsoft Money. Available via Start -> Programs
N MoneyStartUp10.0 Activation.exe Part of Microsoft Money 2002. Available via Start -> Programs
X mosearch mosearch.exe Fast Search in Office XP - similar to the new revision of the Find Fast feature in Office 2000. Fast Search uses the Indexing Services in Office XP to create a catalog of Office files on your computer's hard disk. As with Find Fast - a waste of resources. If it can't be disabled via MSCONFIG try here
U MotiveMonitor motmon.exe On HP systems. MotiveMonitor allows you to use HP Instant Support, and allows the agent on the other side to do harddrive/ram/video/etc tests on the computer. Can cause some users problems with IE and Netscape by disabling this - in this case leave it to run. For most users it's not required
N Motive SmartBridge mpbtn.exe System tray icon for the Virtual Assistant from AT&T Broadband, used to communicate internet problems via the network rather than telephone. Available via desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs - not required
U Mount Safe & Sound Fbmount.exe From McAfee VirusScan version 5.x. Creates back-up sets of critical files in a separate area of a hard drive. If you make regular back-ups it's not needed and can be painful during system start
N Mouse 32A Mouse32A.exe Mouse driver to control mouse functions from Azona. Available via Start -> Programs
N MouseCount MC.exe MouseCount by Kittyfeet Software. "Utility for counting how many times us computer junkies click our mouse in a given session/day/week/month/year." Not required
U mouseElf MC.exe System Tray access to the mouse control panel for Genius Netscroll mice. Required if you use the advanced features
N Mouse Suite 98 Daemon pelmiced.exe Mouse driver. Appears to cause a behaviour where the desktop suddenly flips back up when playing DirectX associated games
X MovieNetworks MovieNetworks.exe MovieNetworks will connect you by DOMESTIC PREMIUM RATE TELEPHONE NUMBER 900-xxx-xxxx. So you get xxx rate picture and junk. And it will allow you to stay on the internet on their line and $$$ and remove the C:\Program Files\MovieNetworks directory
Y MPFExe mpf.exe McAfee Personal Firewall
Y MPREXE.exe mprexe.exe WIN32 Network Service Interface Process. MPREXE.exe enables the computer to have multiple clients/protocols for networks. There are some problems with it sometimes though - see here and here. Note - why some people have it listed in start-up programs I don't know but I was asked to include it here. It automatically runs in the background. NOTE : sometimes it will appear in start-ups if you have a virus
? MPTBox MPTBOX.EXE Related to Cannon Multi-Pass
? MP_STATUS_
MONITOR
monitr32.exe Related to Cannon Multi-Pass
X MSBB msbb.exe Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
U mscn mscn.exe Part of the SafeChildNet internet filtering program - required if you use it
N MSConfigReminder msconfig.exe This is an entry that appears when you uncheck an item in the Startup group, and will disappear if on the next reboot you select the option to not be reminded that you are running in Selective Startup mode
X msdos423 msdos423.exe Added as a result of the MENACE VIRUS!
N MSDTC msdtcw.exe Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator. Auto dials on startup - more info
Y MSGSRV32.exe msgsrv32.exe Windows 32-bit VxD Message Server. For more information on its function and why it's needed, see here. Note - why some people have it listed in start-up programs I don't know but I was asked to include it here. It automatically runs in the background
X MSKernel32 MSKernel32.vbs Added as a result of the LOVELETTER (I LOVE YOU) VIRUS!
? MSLIB32 mswatch32.exe ??
N MSMSGS msmsgs.exe MSN Messenger utility. If you don't use MSN Messenger, this can be annoying. Available via Start -> ProgramsGo to MS Messenger > Tools > Options > Preferences and uncheck "Run this program when Windows starts"
X msn system32.exe Added as a result of the KITRO.A VIRUS!
N MSN Internet Access trayclnt.exe Quick way to connect to MSN internet service - replaces "MSN Quick View" from V5.6 onwards
N MSN Quick View Msndc.exe Quick way to connect to MSN internet service
X MSPQFile MSA****.TMP Homepage hijacker. See here for more information. **** can be anything
N MSPY2002 ImScInst.exe Part of Microsoft's Input Message Editor (IME) for translating Japanese/Chinese text in IE, Outlook and Word
? Msrc Msrc.exe Seems to be a keylogger related to MSN Messenger. Some information here
U MSwheel mswheel.exe Microsoft Intellipoint software for their Intellimouse series of mice. Only needed if an application isn't supported directly as Windows includes support for wheels in MS & Logitech mice with no additional drivers. Earlier versions known to cause problems when installing software
X Msys32 morfitwebentrance.exe Morfit ADjectPager - "uses home page rental technology for generating revenues". Homepage hi-jacker that re-defines your IE or Netscape start page as http://www.web-entrance.com/. Any installed application including this must be un-installed before you can reset your homepage 
N muamgr muamgr.exe Quick access to MicroAngelo 5.0. Available via Start -> Programs
U MultiCAM Initializer MCamBoot.exe The MultiCAM Initializer is part of the MultiCAM software package provided by Vista Imaging in order to run up to 10 USB ViCAM or 3Com Home Connect PC Digital cameras on a single computer. Clears itself from memory once initialized but can also be safely disabled
U Multi-function keyboard GWHotkey.exe Software that sets up the Gateway AnyKey keyboard shortcuts (a series of buttons that allow one-click access to e-mail, browser, volume and CD/DVD controls, etc)
U MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD MMKeybd.exe Multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the additional keys. Can also be listed as Keyboard Manager
U MultiRes MultiRes.exe MultiRes - system tray utility allowing quick access to changing desktop resolutions and has the ability to lock the screen refresh rate in WinNT/2K/XP
Y murphy shield lmgui.exe Firewall part of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
U myNetWatchman nwclient.exe Sends your firewall alerts to a website, which then filters them and forwards details of suspicious activities to the host ISP they originated from. Only needs to be running when your firewall is running
? Myapp MMX.EXE ??
X Myapp service.exe Homepage hijacker
U MyVitalAgent VtlAgent.exe MyVitalAgent from Lucent Technologies. Replacement for Net.Medic, monitoring all popular internet transactions and alerting the user of the loaction of connection problems. Available via Start -> Programs

Back to alphanumeric index

N

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
? N2PTray Net2fone.exe Part of Netscape 6. What does it do and is it needed?
Y Naimagent_service EPOAgentnaimas32.exe Networked version of McAfee VirusScan. Installs, configures and updates the software and DAT (virus definition) files on local computers from a network server. A resource hog but required for DAT updates and if disabled can also cause random freezes and error messages
Y Naimagent_UI EPOAgentnaimag32.exe Networked version of McAfee VirusScan. Installs, configures and updates the software and DAT (virus definition) files on local computers from a network server. A resource hog but required for DAT updates and if disabled can also cause random freezes and error messages
N NADaemon NADAEMON.EXE Program by NetActive which appears to be piggybacked onto some Nvidia graphics cards software. They seem to look after "digital rights management". One user reports disabling it has no detrimental affect - not required
N Naggerrunkey nagger.exe Packard Bell Free Internet Signup screen
Y NAV Agent
or
navapw32
navapw32.exe Introduced with Norton Anti-Virus 2002 to replace Norton Auto-Protect and Norton eMail Protect. Leaving "Auto-Protect", "E-mail Scanning" and "Script Blocking" enabled doesn't seem to slow the system down. 
N NAV Configuration Wizard cfgwiz.exe Introduced with Norton Anti-Virus 2002, this is a real resource hog. Many NAV users will find they can live without loading it
U NAV DefAlert DefAlert.exe Norton Anti-Virus Definitions Alert. Warns you if virus definitions are out of date. Leave enabled unless you manually update virus definitions on a regular basis
U Naviscope naviscope.exe Naviscope is a multipurpose browser enhancement that can speed up Web searches, lock out cookies, examine HTML send/receive headers, provide single-click network diagnostics, and much more
N NB Common Dialog Enhancements COMDLGEX.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. With Common Dialog Enhancements, you can add MRU list box to open dialogs
N NB Start Menu STARTM.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. Provides the same control as MSCONFIG and can be used instead if you have N&B
N NB Windows Patterns WINDBKGND.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. With Background Patterns, you can change background patterns of wizard and dialog windows
N NCD ncd.exe Norton Change Directory - from the DOS days that allows the user to change directories on their machine without typing the complete path
N NCS_SS Csinsm32.exe Same as CleanSweep Smart Sweep-Internet Sweep
? NDDEAGNT NDDEAGNT.EXE WinNT default process. Network Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) Agent, handles requests for network DDE services
U NDPS DPMW32.EXE Novell Distributed Printer Services - part of Novell's Netware Client and Groupwise products. Not required if you don't use this feature
N NeroCheck nerocheck.exe Associated with "Nero Burning Rom" CD writing software. Works fine without it
U NetAccelerator NetAccel.exe NetAccelerator is a "software utility that optimizes your internet access up to 1200% faster!. NetAccelerator speeds all modems allowing you to download faster, browse faster, surf faster!. Only required if you find it helps improve your performance
U Net Activity Diagram nad.exe Net Activity Diagram from MetaProducts. Monitors your computer internet activity. Available via Start -> Programs
N Netline User netchk.exe Netline supplies internet related products and services and this program identifies user ID and IP information. Found installed along with the Falcon 4 game, for example
X Netropa Internet Receiver Netropa.exe Netropa Internet Receiver. Shows a scrolling bar with the news. Major resource hog and flagged as spyware
U Netscp6 Netscp6.exe Netscape 6 web browser
N Netscape Messenger NETSCAPE.EXE In Netscape 6 (I know for sure with 6.2.1, maybe with 6.0) Netscape.exe is the main executable file for Netscape Navigator, Netscape Mail and News, and Netscape Messenger (the new name for the embedded AIM, no doubt to make it sound like Windows Messenger, the XP version of MSN Messenger). Basically, netscape.exe can be more than just Netscape Messenger, and Messenger can be more then just AIM in disguise, depending on the version of Netscape installed
? NetShow Powerpoint Helper NSPPTHLP.EXE ??
U NetTime NETTIME.EXE From a visitor - "This is the executable for NetTime. It is started from the registry when you check the box to start at startup. NetTime allows you to synchronize your computers' clock with a server on your local net or the internet using any of several protocols, e.g. NTP."
N Netword Agent nwant33.exe An interesting browser utility that allows you to navigate by typing a single word or phrase (a "NetWord") related to what you're looking for into your browser's location field. It also puts an icon in the system tray icon that is a circle with the letter N in the center to access the menu faster. Available via Start -> Programs
U NetWork Device Switch NetDevSW.exe Toshiba laptops with built-in Wi-Fi. Allows switching between Wi-Fi and internal ethernet. Only necessary if you have regular need to switch back and forward between these network interfaces. Located in Startup folder so make own shortcut to it and disable if not really necessary
N NetZIPFolders nzfprop.exe Netzip Classic zip file manager
X Netzip Smart Downloader npnzdad.exe Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
X New.net rundll32.exe NewDotNetStartup Advertising Spyware, see here for details on how to remove as disabling in MSCONFIG reportedly doesn't work. Installed as part of the Kazaa Media Desktop bundle for example
N Newsalrt NEWSALRT.EXE MSNBC News system tray utility to alert you to new news
N NewsUpd newsupd.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. System tray application for News updates. Available via Start -> Programs. Also Advertising Spyware - see here.
U NTFSCLUP NTFSCLUP.EXE Part of ConfigSafe. What does this part do?
N NInit NInit.exe Norton Uninstall Deluxe. Monitors programs being installed and logs them for removing later. Available via Start -> Programs for manual logging - not required
Y nisserv NISSERV.EXE From Norton Internet Security 2002. Required if you use this for your personal firewall
N NkVwMon.exe NkVwMon.exe Installed with a Nikon digital camera. Used to uploaded photos from the camera. If your camera is not connected (via USB port) you do not need this program loaded
U NoAds NoAds.exe Blocks advertisement banners in Internet Explorer
U Nod32CC nod32cc.exe Control Center part of Eset's NOD32 virus-scanner. Leave this enabled if you want to update your virus data files via the click of a button
Y NOD32POP3 Pop3scan.exe POP3 E-mail part of Eset's NOD32 virus-scanner
? NodeMnger Nodemngr.exe ??
N Nokia Connection Monitor NclConf.exe Monitors the infrared port, the serial ports and the Bluetooth for a Nokia phone connection. It is installed by the Nokia PC Suite, and the tray icon shows if a phone has been connected. If you have a conflict with another program, such as tv tuner card remote control monitor, you can disable it, and run only when needed. Available via a desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs - not required
U NOMAD Detector ctmnrun.exe Detects the Creative NOMAD jukebox/MP3 player at the time it is attached to USB and starts the needed application (Creative PlayCentre 2) that you use to copy MP3 files to and from it. This is required if you want PlayCentre 2 to take control of the NOMAD once connected
N NomdCheck nomdchek.exe Part of Intel's Native Audio
Y Norton Auto-Protect navapw32.exe Norton Anti-Virus's background scanning process. Can be inconvenient because it scans files when Run/Opened or Downloaded/Created and you can scan files manually via right-click after downloading/copying. However, in light of some of the viruses around these days it's probably best to put up with the inconvenience
N Norton Crashguard Monitor cgmenu.exe Troublesome program that doesn't actually work with WinME so Norton removed it from SystemWorks 2001
N Norton Disk Doctor Ndd32.exe Norton Disk Doctor from Norton Utilities. Automatically runs at start-up, checking for disk errors. Better than ScanDisk but can be started manually via Start -> Programs. Delete the shortcut in the Start -> Programs -> Startup folder as well
Y Norton eMail Protect POPROXY.EXE Proxy E-mail protection from Norton Anti-Virus (prior to 2002). If you have it installed, leave it enabled to automatically check for suspect attachments in E-mails that may contain viruses. It downloads the E-mail into poproxy, which serves as a proxy server on the local machine, before scanning it
N Norton Navigator Loader nnloader.exe An older Norton utility for file management under Windows 95. More information here
U Norton Program Scheduler nsched32.exe
or
NPSsvc.exe
Installed on a Windows system where the Windows Task Scheduler isn't used as part of the OS (Win95, WinNT(?), Win2K(?)) to schedule automatic tasks such as Norton Anti-Virus scans
? Norton Program Scheduler Event Checker npscheck.exe Part of Norton Anti-Virus. What does it do? Apparantly it can safely be disabled without causing problems. Can also be listed as NPS Event Checker
N Norton System Doctor Sysdoc32.exe Norton Disk Doctor from Norton Utilities. Automatically runs at start-up, major resource hog and best started manually form Start -> Programs. Delete the shortcut in the Start -> Programs -> Startup folder as well
? NotebookManager nbm.exe Associated with Acer notebook PCs. What does it do and is it required?
U NPROTECT nprotect.exe Norton Protected Recycle Bin from Norton Utilities. Adds an extra layer of safety before you remove deleted files from the Recycled Bin
? NPS Event Checker npscheck.exe Part of Norton Anti-Virus. What does it do? Apparantly it can safely be disabled without causing problems. Can also be listed as Norton Program Scheduler Event Checker
? NovaPortal Single User Service NPSU.exe ??
U NovastorSchedulerd SCHENGD.EXE NovaStor NovaBACKUP Scheduler - back-up utility. If you don't have regularly scheduled back-ups you don't need it
X NSCheck NSCHECK.EXE Nettsetter - a "market research" program intended to track your Internet usage and buying habits. Not required - and has no install/uninstall program. If you voluntarily signed up for Marketscore and wish to remove it, login here. If not, you can find removal instructions here for IE5. Are the remomal instructions different for IE6?
U ?? NTVDM.EXE Windows NT Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM) for running 16-bit tasks on the 32-bit OS's (Windows NT, 2K and XP). Required if hardware on a machine with these OS's needs 16-bit DOS drivers. You can find a bit more about NTVDM here
Y NuTCSetupEnviron ncoeenv.exe Used by the MKS Toolkit for Enterprise Developers product. NuTCracker is a Unix runtime environment for Windows, so disabling this would be unwise if you are using NuTCracker or any 3rd party package that is using it. Since you might not know what is actually using it it's probably best left alone
? NvColorInit rundll32.exe NvQtwk.dll, NvColorInit Associated with Nvidia based graphics cards
N NvCplDaemon rundll32.exe NvQtwk.dll, NvCplDaemon As below - the name is dependent upon the driver version you have
N NvidiaQuickTweak
or
NVQuickTweak
rundll32.exe NvQtwk.dll,
NvTaskbarInit
This loads the System Tray icon used to change display settings, change the clock rate and memory speed for nVidia based graphics cards. This is unnecessary since you can easily configure these settings the way you want them in the Display Properties and not have to mess with them again
U NVIEW rundll32.exe nview.dll,
nViewLoadHook
This is a DLL to enable multiple display monitors on a single computer. It can be a cause of numerous problems on some computers
U NvInitialize rundll32.exe NvQtwk.dll,
NvXTInit
Allows the Clock Frequency page on the Advanced section of the nVidia control panel, or enforces changes on that page, or both. If you've changed the clock frequency of the graphics card, keep this
Y NVmax NVmax.exe NVmax is a old tweaking utility for NVidia graphics cards. In the startup list if the user chooses to overclock their card
N nwiz nwiz.exe Associated with the newer versions of nVidia graphics cards drivers.  Allows you to immensely improve desktop layouts by setting preferences and optimizations.  However, this isn't necessary for the operation of your system
Y Nwpopup Nwpopup.exe Broadcast message handler part of Novell Netware that displays server, printer and other messages. Older version of nwrecmsg below
U nwrecmsg nwrecmsg.exe Broadcast message handler part of Novell Netware that displays server, printer and other messages. Newer version of Nwpopup above and can cause crashes
Y NWTRAY nwtray.exe Novell Netware. Displays the red "N" tray icon which can be disabled (by right-click on the icon) but is also needed by the client

Back to alphanumeric index

O

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
Y Object Store Server osserver.exe Comes with HyperTextStudio. From the supplier - "The Osserver maintains the database for HyperText Studio projects - absolutely vital, it verifies all the links etc in a site. It runs as a service in NT, 2K and XP but needs to start up in Win 9.x so you'll see a DOS box for a short while during boot up."
N ocraware ocraware.exe Optical Character Recognition software as part of OmniPage Limited Edition - supplied with some scanners. Scan directly into most word processor applications, such as Word, WordPerfect, etc. Available via Start -> Programs
N OEMCLEANUP oemreset.exe Resets OEM installation settings at bootup. Not required unless you're new to PC's
N OemRunOnce runonce.exe Used on OEM installations to preinstall drivers and software - not required since all the work has already been done
N OEXCheck EA2Check.exe Express Assist from AJSystems.com. Utility for use with Outlook Express to backup, restore, synchronize amongst others
X Offer Companion
or
Offers
offers.exe Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
X Office Startup Osa.exe & Osa9.exe Resource hog that launches common Microsoft Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. Osa9.exe is the Office 2000 equivalent. Some users claim there's no difference with or without it but it isn't required anyway
N OfotoNow USB Detection Rundll32.exe OFUSBS.DLL,
WatchForConnection OfotoNow
Autodetects when a digital camera is attached to a USB port and launches OfotoNow image software. Available via Start -> Programs
N Oil Change OCTray32.exe From CyberMedia/Network Associates. Checks for updates to software installed on your PC. Available via Start -> Programs
? OIM oim.exe Related to the O2 (was "genie") mobile phone service. What does it do and is it required?
N OmgStartup omgstartup.exe Sony program called OpenMG Jukebox - player and music organizer
U OmniHTTPd ohttpd.exe OmniHTTPd web server from Omnicron
N OmniPage Opware32.exe Part of OmniPage Pro from Scansoft (was Caere) - "the fastest, easiest way to turn paper documents into digital files you can edit." Opware32.exe links Word, via OLE, with OmniPage. If running, a user can call up OmniPage from inside of Word and ask it to scan something, via "File, Acquire Page." Also some of OmniPage's Options dialog boxes are accessible from within Word. Only required by novices and is Available via Start -> Programs
N OneTouchMonitor
or
One Touch Monitor
or
ONETOU~2
OneTouchMonitor.exe
or
1tou~2.exe
or
ONETOU~2.EXE
For Visioneer OneTouch scanners. System tray access to the control panel for the scanner
X Onflow onflow.exe Onflow is a internet company that offers an online advertising program. Not required - uninstall
X On Screen Display OSD.EXE By Netropa for HP and other brands. Same group as KBD MediaCenter & Touch Manager. Pressing a "hot key" on such a keyboard brings a corresponding panel on the screen for volume, etc. Nice but not required if you don't adjust things regularly - can also freeze
N OpenOffice.org x QUICKS~1.EXE Displays OpenOffice quick start applet in System tray. Right clicking on the icon allows rapid starting up of components of the OpenOffice suite. Available via Start -> Programs. Will automatically be started when any OpenOffice component is started from Start -> Programs. A resource hog (takes > 16 MB of memory). "x" represents the version number
N Operator ?? Media Pilot operator, in Win.ini. Locks port open
N OpiStat OPISTAT.EXE OpiStat is a European Research Institute whose goal is to understand consumer needs and opinions better
X OPQFile regedit.exe /s
.......\rad03FA6.tmp
Unsavoury program that resets your homepage every time you restart - uncheck in MSCONFIG and delete it via a registry edit
U 0rigRagel28Tweaker RAGE128TWEAK.EXE Third party tweaker for ATI Rage 128 Video cards from http://www.rageunderground.com
N OSSProxy OSSPROXY.EXE OSSPROXY is the system tray icon for the "Marketscore Internet Accelerator". A "market research" program intended to track your Internet usage and buying habits. Not required - and has no install/uninstall program. If you voluntarily signed up for Marketscore and wish to remove it, login here. If not, you can find removal instructions here
? OWCCardbusTray ocbtray.exe ??

Back to alphanumeric index

P

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U Pagekeeper Jobs
or
Pagekeeper Lite
pkjobs.exe PageKeeper Jobs is a separate PageKeeper program that handles the analysis of new documents and keeps track of the location and content of current documents in PageKeeper. Pagekeeper comes bundled with scanners such has HP, Microtek, etc
X PAgent ?? Scans your hard drive for the popular P2P file-sharing applications BearShare, Grokster, Kazaa, Limewire and Morpheus. After searching the entire local filesystem for any files with those names it connects to the DownloadWare servers and tells it what, if anything, is found. See here for more info
N pagisScheduler ?? Scheduler for the Pagis scanning suite from Scansoft. 
? pagmstart client.exe Possibly related to this?
N Pagoo PAGOO.EXE Pagoo - internet call waiting. Intercepts telephone calls like an answering machine and plays the voice message on your PC. Only required when you're on-line and via dial-up modem
N Palm.exe Palm.exe Palm Desktop Software for use with Palm handheld devices. Available via Start -> Programs
N Paperport runppdrv.exe Loads the drivers associated with monitoring scanner status associated with PaperPort software. Can be a resource hog - see here
N PaperQuote System Tray Icon PQTRAY.EXE PaperQuote is a "wallpaper" changer with daily quotes that are either for inspiration or motivation
N PaltalkNetaware.exe PALNETAW~1.EXE Voice chat program. This program stores all buddy list info apparently on the server itself so you never lose your buddy list should you need to reinstall the program due for whatever reason or even reformat. Available via Start -> Programs. Delete the shortcut in Start -> Programs -> StartUp as well otherwise it will be reinstated
X PAV.EXE %Number% Added as a result of the KITRO.D (or ARGEN.A) VIRUS!. %Number"% can be any number
U Panda Scheduler pavsched.exe Panda Antivirus scan scheduler. Required if this is your virus scanner program and you have scans scheduled on a regular basis. I recommend that you scan manually so you don't need this but if you tend to forget then leave it
Y PCCIOMON.EXE PCCIOMON.EXE PC-Cillin 2000 antivirus software. This is the actual virus-scanner
N PCHbutton PCHbutton.exe Used by HP Instant Support
N PCHealth pchschd.exe This is a "scheduler" and does not turn off PC Health. For more information refer here
U PCLEPCI ppe.exe Pinnacle Systems PCI Performance Enhancer. "This tool helps to increase the PCI Busmaster performance of all Pinnacle PCI boards."
N PCStart Pcm25.exe Runs as part of PCMonitor which is a program for monitoring your activity on your system. It makes screen dumps and key logging. It can hang-up your system because the screen dump page gets VERY big
N PcSync PcSync.exe If a Nokia phone has been connected, synchronises the phone with MS Outlook or other organiser software. It is installed by the Nokia PC Suite, and the tray icon shows if a phone has been connected. Available via a desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
U pctspk pctspk.exe Used for modems based upon PC-TEL chipsets. Normally used for some Voice and Speakerphone functions and also for some Power management options. If you remove it you may not be able to use any of those functions
U PCTVOICE pctvoice.exe The program PCTVoice is used by the modem to interface with your computer and also used for some V.80 functions for Video Conferencing. if you uncheck it, it comes back. It’s better to leave it
N pdexplo PDEXPLO.EXE PowerDesk Pro by Ontrack. Enhanced desktop and file manager. Available via Start -> Programs
N pdfFactory Pro Dispatcher v1 fpdis1.exe With pdfFactory you can create PDF documents from any program printing to the virtual PDF printer. Available via a desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
N PDirect PDirect.exe IBM Presentation Director software
U pdp Server ctpdpsrvr.exe Included and setup with the drivers for my Compaq A3000 all-in-one printer/scanner - maybe for networking. Works fine without it - but may be needed when used over a network
N Pe2ckfnt SE chkfont.exe Used to check whether the fonts are installed properly on your computer or not for a scanner. If you don't want to execute it, you can uncheck it in the startup menu
Y PersFw PersFw.exe Kerio or Tiny Personal Firewall
? pglprx aruieeep.exe ??
Y PGPSDKSVC 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
U PGPSERVICE 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
N PGPtray pgptray.exe PGP 7.x. Provides icon tray shortcuts to PGP programs from Network Associates. Available via Start -> Programs
N Phime2002a TINTSETP.EXE Part of Microsoft's Input Message Editor (IME) for translating Japanese/Chinese text in IE, Outlook and Word
N PHIME2002ASync TINTSETP.EXE Part of Microsoft's Input Message Editor (IME) for translating Japanese/Chinese text in IE, Outlook and Word
? PhoneFree version 6.2 PHONEF??.EXE ??
N Photo Express Calendar Checker SE CALCHECK.EXE If you create multiple Weekly/Monthly/Yearly calendars to use as your wallpaper, Photo Express will replace the wallpaper automatically. Photo Express 2.0 has a calendar checker which checks the date on your system and updates your wallpaper accordingly
N Photo Loader supervisory 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
N Pickatag 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"
N pictureBUZZTray swtray.exe System Tray access to PictureBUZZ on-line printing software from Streetwise Software. If you use the software set the page you use as a favourite in your browser and run it manually
U PiDunHK 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
? Pinger pinger.exe ??
N PivotSoftware wpctrl.exe System tray tool for turning the image on the monitor by 90 degrees, for example, for LCD displays that can be turned to portrait position. Shortcut available through display properties
U PLXSTART PLXSTART.EXE Sets the spindown timeout and access speeds at startup and displays the "Plextor Manager 2000" splash screen for Plextor CD-RW.
N PLXTASK PLXTASK.EXE Taskbar utility for a "control panel" for a Plextor CD-RW. Has MVP 2000 (audio CD player), DiscDupe 2000 (self explanatory CD copying program) and AudioCapture 2000 (rips audio CDs into MP3 or WAV files)
N PMTSHOOT pmtshoot.exe Microsoft tool for troubleshooting power management problems
N PMXInit pmxinit.exe Displays the annoying Kyro2 screen flash for a couple of seconds on boot-up and every time that you update the registry
U POINTER
or
point32
point32.exe Microsoft Intellipoint software for their Intellimouse series of mice. Only needed to enable any of the advanced features as Win98/Me supports the basic features by default
Y pop3trap pop3trap.exe PC-Cillin 2000 antivirus software -> E-mail scanner
Y Poproxy POPROXY.EXE Proxy E-mail protection from Norton Anti-Virus (prior to 2002). If you have it installed, leave it enabled to automatically check for suspect attachments in E-mails that may contain viruses. It downloads the E-mail into poproxy, which serves as a proxy server on the local machine, before scanning it
U Pop-Up_Blocker Popup.exe A Tweak-XP component, blocks advertisement pop-up windows in Internet Explorer. Can be enabled/disabled via Tweak-XP -> Internet Tweaks
U pop up killer popupkiller.exe PopUpKiller - automatically closes pop-up windows in your browser
U Pop-Up Stopper dpps2.exe Automatically closes pop-up windows in your browser
? POS-Partnerbatchprocessor BATCH.EXE VISA credit card batch processing related to Appcon. Is it needed or can it be started manually via Start -> Programs or a manually created shortcut?
N Post-It(r) Software Psnotes.exe Pop-up "yellow" notes on screen. Available via Start -> Programs
Y PowerChute Pwrchute.exe "During a power outage, if you're not available to save your files & close down Windows....PowerChute will do that for you. PowerChute will save your application files, close your applications and shut down your computer just like you would...otherwise, the APC UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) unit would go to battery until it wore down, then your computer would shutoff"
Y PowerPanel POWPANEL.EXE Power management utility on notebooks/laptops - automatically switches modes when running on battery
U PowerPro powerpro.exe Part of the power professional program that loads the floating menu bar. Can be accessed from Start -> Programs, but I'd leave it alone if you use this program
N PowerQuest Startup Utility PQINIT.EXE From a visitor - "This seems to be installed when you install Power Quest Partition Magic. I think that it implements the changes when you use the magic mover app. If you don't have any mappings set up, it does nothing (except waste bytes and cycles). I disabled it using msconfig.exe with no problems"
? Power RegScheduler PowerRegScheduler.exe Some sites seem to believe it's a registration reminder but I can't find a definitive answer
? PowerReg SchedulerV2 PowerReg SchedulerV2.exe Some sites seem to believe it's a registration reminder but I can't find a definitive answer
U Powertweak PT2.EXE "Powertweak is designed to configure your system in the best way. A processor, the core of the system, or a chipset (a set of components that manage the data flows between the different parts of the system) can be configured." This item is added to startup if 'Use predefined settings' is enabled in the programs options
U Powertweak PTCTRL.EXE As for Powertweak above. This item is added to startup if 'Configure system at logon' is enabled in the programs options
N PowerStrip PSTRIP.EXE PowerStrip is a Video Mode Editor to allow special Refresh Rates and Tweaking of Video Settings
Y PP2000 Taskbar Control PPTbc.exe Protector Plus anti-virus software - system tray access. If you know which one of these is correct please let me know - all 3 can't be the same?
Y PP2000 Real Time Scan PPTbc.exe Protector Plus anti-virus software - real time scanner. If you know which one of these is correct please let me know - all 3 can't be the same?
U PP2000 Instaupdate PPTbc.exe Protector Plus anti-virus software - instant update program for virus data updates. Not required if you regularly update virus data manually. If you know which one of these is correct please let me know - all 3 can't be the same?
N PP3100b flatbed.exe Twain driver for the Visioneer PaperPort 3100b scanner that allows you to scan, fax, copy, print, and easily communicate by simply dragging and dropping scans on your PaperPort Desktop
N PP****usb FBDirect.exe Software that monitors the status of a Visioneer OneTouch scanner button and allows you to scan, fax, copy, print, and easily communicate by simply dragging and dropping scans on your PaperPort Desktop!. The **** represents the model, 5300, 7600, etc. Available via Start -> Programs
U PPK Setup(Server) SEServe.exe Programmable Power Key on Sony Vaio laptops. "Using the Programmable Power Key (PPK) button, collect your e-mail automatically with one key stroke. You can also program your PPK to turn on your SuperSlim Notebook at a predetermined time and perform simple tasks - completely unattended"
N PProTray pprotray.exe Part of the power professional program. Loads the System Tray control
U PPMemCheck ppmemcheck.exe PestPatrol Memory Scanner - "MemCheck extends PestPatrol's power so that the most dangerous Pests - those that are currently executing (ie, trojans, hacker tools, spyware) - are found, terminated, and cleaned from a user's system"
N pptd40nt pptd40nt.exe "PaperPort" software associated with scanners
N PPWWebCap PPWebCap.exe "PaperPort" software associated with scanners
U Precision Time Clock Checker PrecisionTime.exe Precision Time 2.0. Checks your computer clock time against the Naval Observatory or some other source to assure accurate time
? Preload Preload.exe Keyboard related on a Gateway PC?
N Price Patrol neo.exe Price Patrol by Half.com - internet shopping companion for finding the best on-line prices
? PrimaLauncher Launcher.exe Associated with PrimaScan scanners. Is it required?
U Primax 3D Mouse 3dmoused.exe Enables the scroll button on the Primax 3-D Scroll mouse
? Printer Update CFGREG.EXE Maybe a registration reminder or automatically updates drivers or application software for a printer?
? Print Master Event Reminder PMremind.exe ??
N printnow printnow.exe PrintNow - a utility that primarily allows "Print Srceen" or "Alt+Print Screen" screenshots to be sent directly to a printer
N PrinTray Printray.exe Lexmark/Compaq printer icon in the System Tray for quick access. Not required - uncheck via Printer configuration rather than MSCONFIG. See also LexmarkPrintray and CompaqPrinTray
N Print Screen Deluxe psdeluxe.exe Utility allows "Print Scrn" or "Print Screen" key to capture, print or save the current window
? ProArt ProArt.exe ??
N ProDsl ProDsl.exe Intel Pro/DSL 2100 modem connection manager. Available via Start -> Programs
N Promon.exe promon.exe Intel Pro100 + network card icon in the system tray by the clock. The tools typically display the LEDs on the NIC, and information about the link status, duplex mode, etc. None of the functionality of such agents is necessary or required.
X PromulGate pmgmonitr.exe Adware based media viewer by The Delfin Project
U ProPort Startup ?? Proport is a port monitor/protector. The program will monitor an infinite amount of ports for trojans and nukes. Some additional features are auto connection-kill, and IP resolving
U PRPCMonitor PRPCUI.exe Intel® SpeedStep™ interface. This automatically detects whether a mobile PC is using battery or AC power. When using battery power, SpeedStep scales the processor clock frequency and voltage to reduce the power it needs by 40%
N PSIWin2.3 Connection Server Psconsv.exe Allows connectivity between a PC and a Psion device. Access can be gained from the Desktop or Start -> Programs
U PS2 ps2.exe Multimedia Keyboard companion on HP computers. If this is prevented from starting, then some keyboard functionality will be lost.
? PsMFCard PsMFCard.exe Found on a Toshiba laptop - any ideas?
? PsPCCard PsPCCard.EXE Also found on a Toshiba laptop?. Any ideas?
? PsSound PsSound.exe Found on a Toshiba laptop - any ideas?
? ? PSTORES.EXE Part of Windows Services Protected Storage?
N Ptsnoop Ptsnoop.exe These descriptions I've come across - all valid as far as I can see :-
(1) Program installed with some modems that monitors the COM ports for the modem driver. Not required from what I've read - may need a registry edit to get rid of it
(2) Backdoor trojan virus that copies itself as PTSNOOP.EXE -see here for more info
(3) Apparently the people who put it out claim it's a driver for a Voice modems (don't know who they are though - Ed)
Note: If using AOL and you disable this you may lose your connection or lock up
(4) Can also be an older Logitech scanner program. Remove from the Win.ini tab under Load='path'\PTSNOOP and the System.ini tab under drivers='path'\ptrtkr.drb. Can cause parallel port conflicts big time dragging system resources way down when a conflict exists
N PtUDFApp PtUDFApp.exe Sony abCD program, included on the CD Xtreme install CD, used to format CD-RWs for packet writing (similar to DirectCD). Available via Start -> Programs. Note that you must add a /T switch to the command line to get it to load to the taskbar
U Purgative PURGATIVE100.EXE AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) Ad Remover Using Active Memory Edits instead of a patch/crack
N PUSH6599 PUSH6599.EXE Scan button monitor for Relysis Episode MF6599 USB scanner as you can start scanning manually via the scanning software
N Push The Freakin' Button pftb.exe A little program from here that will answer repetitious dialog boxes for you by pushing the button you instruct him to push. He has to be up to intercept the dialogs and answer them
U PwrupTweakMe PUPXPTWK.EXE "Ashampoo PowerUp XP is a convenient tool for fine-tuning your Windows® NT4, 2000 and XP configuration to suit your precise needs and wishes. It gives you direct access to many frequently-required settings and parameters, enabling you to make your operating system behave the way you want." Boot-up options won't work if disabled 
U PWS Tray PwsTray.exe Microsoft's Personal Web Server, an application which allows PCs to behave as web servers (allows you to test your .asp pages on your own PC without having to load them onto the internet). Available via Start -> Programs
? pyzllygl pyzllygl.exe ??

Back to alphanumeric index

Q

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N QAGENT qagent.exe Quicken program is controlled by a separate utility program called the Quicken Download Manager (also known as Qagent). When Quicken Download Manager option is enabled, background downloading takes advantage of unused bandwidth to download current financial information anytime your computer is connected to the Internet
N QBCD autorun ?? Quick Books CD
? QDMStart Qdmstart.exe ??
N QD FastAndSafe QDCSFS.exe Automatically runs Fast & Safe clean-up from Norton/Quarterdeck Cleansweep. Deletes safe to remove files such as Temporary Internet Files (cache). Recommended you run it manually
? Qdsafe ?? ??
N QSort2000 QSORT.EXE Utility that sorts your Start menu and Favourites in alphanumerical order. Not required - at any time you can right-click on these lists and choose "Sort by Name"
? Qexplo Qexplo.exe ??
N QTSTUB.EXE Qtstub.exe Part of an old version of the Quick Tax application. It enables Quick Tax Calendar Popup to show tax calendar reminders
U N/A QuickCamPro.exe System Tray for Picture Capture utility that can run unattended. Pictures every 30 seconds for example, auto FTP Upload, etc
? QUBCity qtp.exe ??
N Quicken Startup QWDLLS.EXE Quicken option to load DLLs at startup
? QuickFinder Scheduler QFSCHD100.exe
or
QFSched.exe
Used in Corel 2002 & Corel Suite 7 - finds files faster by indexing your files (similar to Microsoft's Find Fast or Fast Search for its Office products)
N QuickBooks Delivery Agent QBDAGENT.EXE As far QAGENT but for QuickBooks. Can also have the version number in the name
N QuickenSEMessage ?? Quicken option
N QuickRes QUICKRES.EXE Utility to quickly change desktop resolution - left over from Win95 Power Toys. In Win98 and above incorporated via Control Panel -> Display. Not required unless you have to change resolutions on a regular basis
N Quick Shelf xx qushelfxx.exe Places an icon in the system tray for launching Microsoft Bookshelf. Available via Start -> Programs"xx" represents the version number - ie, 98, 99
? QTaskStartup qtask.exe Intuit Quicken related. What does it do and is it required?
N Quick Time Task
or
qttask
Qttask.exe System Tray access to Apple's "Quick Time" viewer from version 5 onwards
N QuickTime Update Completion x quicktimeupdatehelper.exe Different numbers caused by number of launches. So if 3 updates are made separately, 3 would appear (in theory)
N Quick View Plus QVP32.EXE Quick View Plus from Inso Corporation. Multiple file type viewer. Available via Start -> Programs
N Quicklink III QL.EXE HP fax program and only needs to be in the start-up group if you allow your phone to automatically answer your phone in fax mode, that is, to receive faxes after a certain number of rings. Available via Start -> Programs
N QuikSync QUIKSYNC.EXE Used by Iomega drives. Available via Start -> Programs

Back to alphanumeric index

R

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U RamIdle ramidle.exe RAM Idle - "A smart memory management program that will keep your computer running better, faster, and longer. RAM Idle works by  freeing up physical RAM wasted by Windows and other applications. In addition, RAM Idle also includes Cache and startup manager program that will give you more power to optimize your Windows." Some users swear by programs such as this but I suggest you read this article and make up your own mind
U RAMpage RAMpage.exe Small Windows utility that displays the amount of available memory in an icon in the System Tray. It can also free memory by double clicking the tray icon, or by setting a threshold that activates the program automatically, or by having it run automatically when an application exits. RAMpage is free, and open source
Y RapApp RAPAPP.EXE Application protection component of BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall, informing you of any modifications to programs, files or folders and detecting unknown programs trying to launch
X RapidBlaster rb32.exe Homepage hijacker - see this newsgroup thread
Y Raptor Mobile vpnservices.exe Symantec VPN Client used to connect to corporate networks. If unchecked, must be uninstalled using Add/Remove Programs as it tightly integrates into networking
X RAVEN_VLZS.EXE RAVEN_VLZS.EXE Another eAcceleration program - spyware. Read their privacy statement here
X rvds <filename.exe> Added as a result of the ULTIMAX VIRUS! <filename.exe> is the worm filename created
N RealDownload RealPlay.exe Download manager. Available via Start -> Programs
X RealDownload Express npnzdad.exe Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
N Reality Fusion GameCam SE RFTRay.exe System Tray access for Logitech's Reality Fusion GameCam. For more details see here. Available via Start -> Programs
N RealJukeboxSystray tsystray.exe System Tray icon for RealJukebox
N Realsched realsched.exe Application Scheduler installed along with RealOne Player. Runs independently of RealOne Player, to remind AutoUpdate and Message Center to perform their tasks at pre-scheduled intervals. If it can't be disabled try deleting or renaming realsched.exe and then delete the entry in the registry
N RealTray RealPlay.exe System Tray icon for RealPlayer. If you subsequently start RealPlayer manually it adds itself back to the start-up list. You can stop this from happening by right-clicking on the tray icon and disabling SmartCenter via Preferences
Y Realtime Monitor realmon.exe Realtime scanner part of eTrust Antivirus/InoculateIT version 6 virus scanners from Computer Associates
Y Recguard recguard.exe On HP computers, Recguard prevents the deletion or corruption of the WinXP Recovery Partition. Without it enabled, it is possible to knock that completely out and force the customer to send the PC back to HP for a re-image, possibly at the customer's expense
? Recover N/A Some kind of recovery software maybe?
? RecShe RecSche.exe ??
? Red Flag redflag.exe ??
X Red Swoosh EDN Client RSEDNClient.exe Red Swoosh - mechanism used by web sites to allow you to download files from those sites quicker and more efficiently. Note from the license agreement they automatically update the software and share non-personally identifiable information with others in the network
U Referee referee.exe MediaComm's monitor for file association changes. Stop rogue programs from screwing your settings either on installation or whenever they run
N Refresh ?? Related to an Iomega drive
X Reg Reg.hta Homepage hi-jacker. Removal instructions here
? reginfo32 reginfo32.exe ??
Y RegisterDropHandler REGIST~1.EXE Part of the OCR software TextBridge Pro 9.0 (and possibly earlier versions). Typically used with imaging devices such as scanners and digital cameras for creating text documents from images. This item will probably be displayed twice and will re-instate itself whenever you start the main program so leave it - once started it frees the memory it used. Its purpose and an explanation of how to correct a problem it creates for "Send To" can be found here. Note that you don't have to uninstall TextBridge for this fix to work and the program works fine afterwards
N Register MediaRing Talk register.exe If you don't want to register MediaRing and be reminded about it every bootup disable it
X Registry wscript.exe Added as a result of the VBSWG VIRUS!
Y RegProt Regprot.exe RegistryProt from Diamond Computer Systems - protects the system registry against changes
N RegShave regshave.exe Part of the USB driver set for the Fuji Finepix series or digital cameras as it works fine without it as mentioned here
? regtmlp N/A ??
U ReleaseRAM RRAM.exe "Release RAM allows your computer to run faster and uses your computer's RAM more efficiently". Some users swear by programs such as this but I suggest you read this article and make up your own mind
N Reminder reminder.exe From Microsoft Money. Reminds you of your bills
N Reminder-cpqXXXXX remind32.exe Compaq printer Registration
N Reminder-hpcXXXXX remind32.exe HP CD-Writer Registration
N reminder-ScanSoft Product Registration remind32.exe Registration reminder for ScanSoft products such as PaperPort
N Remote_Agent RemoteAgent.exe Cyberlink Power VCR II 3.0 is a TV tuner recording utility. If you want to schedule recordings, you will need this, otherwise can be disabled. Available via Start -> Programs
N RemoteControl rmctrl.exe Added via the installation of PowerDVD 4 software. Function unknown but not required
U Remote Management Agent zenrc32.exe Part of Novell's ZENworks - "Complete End-to-End Directory-enabled Network Management". Installed on a managed workstation fo an administrator to remotely manage the workstation. Required if the PC is a managed workstation
? RemStart remstart.exe ??
N Resolution Assistant matcli.exe Dell Resolution Assistant
U Resource Meter rsrcmtr.exe Windows Resource Meter. Available via Start -> Programs. You may want this enabled if your PC is suffering from crashes and want to know potential causes
? Restart Watch Watch.exe Associated with an Eicon Networks Diva ISDN or ADSL modem. What does it do and is it required?
Y RestoreIT! VBPTASK.EXE RestoreIT! from FarStone "allows you to recover instantly your files, system configuration, and even your operating system, to any point in time prior to the data loss or system failure."
U Resume Copy copyfstq.exe Part of Total Copy - an improved version of the Windows copy function. Allows for resumption file copies or moves in progress when computer was shut down. Not required if your not using the program or don't care about that function
U ResumeFixClocks resumefix.exe Part of the "radeontweaker" utility for overclocking ATI Radeon video cards
N RexSyMon rexsymon.exe Intellisync for REX sychronization software for Xircom REX MicroPDAs for sharing information between the PDA and PC
X RFTray ?? Reality Fusion GameCam Video Interaction Technology Software that comes with the Logitech QuickCam PC video camera and other USB cameras. It's only an icon that appears on your System Tray. Available via Start -> Programs
N RFX_auto_upgrade rundll32.exe npvpg005.dll A browser plugin called the RichFX player. Here is a link to download RichFX's solution to removing the auto upgrade
U Ring Central Fax ?? Only needed if you want a PC to answer faxes automatically
N rmmon mprmmon.exe Resource Monitor for the now defunct Chromatic Research MPact2 3DVD graphics card
U RNBOStart sentstrt.exe Program used to initialise the VxD virtual driver for Sentinel drivers associated with Rainbow H/W keys that plug-in to the parallel port. These are usually supplied with workplace design tools and restrict the use of the software only to the machine to which the H/W key is connected. Required if you have such tools
N RoboFormWatcher RoboFormWatcher.exe AI Roboform from Siber Systems. Automatically completes web forms. Available via Start -> Programs
U Rocket.Time RocketTime.exe Time synchronization software from Rocket Software
? roketpipe rpclient.exe ??
? ROUTD ROUTD.exe ??
U RP32 rp32.exe ControlIT (was Remotely Possible) from Enterprise International for remote control and access to Win9x/NT systems.
Y RPCSS.exe rpcss.exe Remote Procedure Call. Required by windows for programs to communicate with each other on networks/different machines. Originally for NT only but now installed with Win98/98se. Under Win98/98se, a program may need it to communicate with other components of itself. You could delete the program but if any abnormalities occur soon after then reinstall. Under NT, deleting this critical system component will disable the OS. For a more detailed explanation see here
? RRMedic rrmedic.exe Troubleshooting utility for the RoadRunner cable internet service. One customer claimed it informed them they didn't have Outlook Express 5 installed - the reason being that they had OE 6 installed. Is it therefore needed?
? RSRCMTZ RSRCMTZ.exe ??
N ?? rt7eng.exe The remote client service for Norton Ghost on Win2k Pro. This is not normally needed to Auto-load as you can manually start the client service if you connect to a remote host. Loads in SERVICES
? RTStartMute N/A ??
Y rtvscn95 RTVSCN95.EXE Real-time virus scanner component of Norton Anti-Virus Corporate Edition
X run= %filename% Added as a result of versions of the SUBSEVEN VIRUS! %filename% represents a random filename
? run= cfgsys32.exe ?? 
N run= cmmpu.exe MIDI emulator driver for the integrated sound chip by C-Media based on the CMI-8330 chip set normally found in cheap motherboards. Also installed as part of the software for a Guillemot Maxi Muse sound card (PCI)
? run= cyxid98.exe ??
? run= grunq.pif ??
N run= hpfsched HPFSCHED is a small TSR that will remind you to clean the cartridges in your DeskJet from time to time in order to keep print quality high. It can be removed from the run line in win.ini if you do not want that feature
N run= lxdboxcp.exe Lexmark DOS-Printing Control Program for the Lexmark 2050. Only required if you need to print from DOS
N run= pcfix2k.exe pcfix2k splash screen
? run= QEWUOT.exe ??
N runAP runAP.exe Not required but what is it?
X Rundllsystem32 Rundllsystem32.exe Added as a result of the NETDEVIL.B VIRUS!
N RUNDLL32 RUNDLL32.EXE NvQtwk,
NvCplDaemon
This loads the System Tray icon used to change display settings, change the clock rate and memory speed for nVidia based graphics cards. This is unnecessary since you can easily configure these settings the way you want them in the Display Properties and not have to mess with them again
U Run StartupMonitor StartupMonitor.exe Mike Lin's Start Up Monitor, throws up an alert and asks your permission every time any change is made to your start-up configuration, either in the registry or start menu
U RunOnce RUNONCE.EXE Part of Microsoft Data Access Components - only required if you use these
? RUSBHOLoader rundll32.exe RUSBHOLoader.dll,
AutoRegister
??
N RxMon rxmon9x.exe Dell Resolution Assistant

Back to alphanumeric index

S

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N S3TRAY S3Tray.exe S3 display configuration taskbar utility for S3 chipset based graphics cards. Can be run from Start-> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
N Sa3dsrv ?? 3D sound extension for Windows
N Sabreserver SABSERV.EXE Airline reservation software from Sabre. Available via Start -> Programs
N SandIcon SandIcon.exe SanDisk ImageMate CompactFlash card reader SDDR-31 (USB). Very little use except to place the Sandisk icon beside its drive designation in Windows Explorer. The reader itself will work fine without it. The simplest thing is to just unplug the reader when you're not using it. It may slow the startup by a few nanoseconds, but once the software sees there's no reader, you get back the resources
N SafeOFF SafeOff.exe Provides protection that if user accidentally presses the power switch a dialog will pop up for confirmation
N SAgent2ExePath SAgent2.exe Seiko Epson printer status agent. Disable if printer is not used often
? SA Service SAservice.exe Associated with Cyber Trio and Warner troubleshooting software from G-Tek Technologies and pre-installed on some Packard Bell and NEC PCs. What function does this perform and is it required?
X SaveNow SaveNow.exe Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it. Installed as part of the Kazaa Media Desktop bundle for example
U Say The Time 5.0 SAYTIME.EXE This program has audio cues for the system clock in male and female voices, customizes the appearance of the system clock, and can synchronize it to a time server regularly
N SBMX sbmx.exe SoundMAX MPU401 MIDI device emulator for x86 VM DOS games/apps (for Win9x only)
X SB Watchdog SBWatchdog.exe Spyware utility installed by the manufacturers of some laptops (Sony) used to monitor browsing habits and send them back to whoever installed it - released by SoftBank. See here for more information. Check here or here for information about Spyware
? sc23exec sc23exec.exe Possibly related to a digital camera
? Scan Detector Pmxdetect.exe Associated with PrimaScan scanners. Is it required?
? ScanInicio Inicio.exe Part of Panda Anti-Virus. Responsible for scanning the boot sector of your disk and your memory at startup to check for viruses that try and load and act before your anti-virus is fully operational. It only adds a fraction of a second to start-up time and is worth leaving active
Y ScanRegistry Scanregw.exe Scans the system registry and makes back-ups at start-up. Important should the registry become corrupt
X ScanRegistry Scanregw.exe Added as a result of the STATOR VIRUS!. Not to be confused with the real ScanRegistry above - which is a vital Windows file. This version runs from the RunServices registry key
N SCardSvr scardsvr.exe Related to SmartCard readers and sometimes uses lots of system resources
U SchedulingAgent mstask.exe
mstinit.exe
Microsoft Scheduling Agent displayed as a box with a stopwatch in the System Tray that is only needed if you have regular scheduled disk defragmenting, ScanDisk, etc. Required if you have regularily scheduled events such as weekly virus scans
U SCHWIZEX SCHWIZEX.EXE Part of ConfigSafe. What does this part do?
N Scheduled Maintenance Scheduled_Maintenance.exe Scheduler for Iolo System Mechanic tweaking utility. It can cleans your registry and deletes temporary files at defined intervals. Available via Start -> Programs
? Scotia OnLine Recovery etdirrcv.exe Something to do with Nova Scotia Bank?
N ScrapPad Scrappad.exe ScrapPad allows you to quickly and easily record notes, thoughts, messages, and just about anything you want. Use it like you use scrap paper
N Screen Saver Control FSScrCtl.exe Installs as part of the Hubble Space Telescope screen saver (and possibly others). Lets you control your installed screensavers from a System Tray icon
? script script.bat Maybe associated with DOS on a Win9x machine
Y ScriptBlocking SBServ.exe Update to Norton AntiVirus 2001. Detects certain types of script-based viruses without the need for specific virus definitions - such as JavaScript and VBScript. This will help protect you from these viruses even before virus definitions are available. Note - some users complain of problems once the update is installed - refer here for more information
Y ScriptSentry Scriptsentry.exe Script Sentry from Jason's Toolbox. Blocks malicious scripts and allows safe scripts to run. Only required if you want it to check the file associations it guards at startup. It will function regardlessly
U Scroll-In-Mouse V2.0 SCROLL.EXE Toolkit for the Lynx-3D Net scroll mouse from QTronix. Required if you use the special features
X ScrSvr ScrSvr.exe Added as a result of the OPASOFT.A VIRUS!
U SDaemon sdaemon.exe PC Security from Tropical Software. 'PC Security™ 5.1 is the ultimate in computer security, offering multiple locking systems for the Windows environment and internet. Lock files, monitor programs' activities, even detect intruders! PC Security offers flexible and complete password protection, "Drag and Drop" support, plus many other handy features'
N SDetect.exe
or
Scanner Detector
SDetect.exe Part of ScanWizard - supplied with Microtek scanners. Waits until you press the "GO" button and seems to serve no other purpose. Automatically installed without prompting. Not required if you can start your scanning application before pressing the "GO" button
U SecondChance sctray.exe Power Quest Second Chance. Sets checkpoints for saving a backup copy of the registry to a disk so you can restore it if you have a crash
? Search Hook srchhook.exe ??
U Secsys Secsys.exe Key Interceptor - surveillance software that creates records of everything people do on a computer, ie, spying or monitoring depending upon how you call it
Y ?? SECWIZ98.EXE Security Wizard 98 by Chris Farmer. Offers you a variety of ways to restrict access to many of the programs and settings on your PC. Available here
X SENTRY SENTRY.exe From IP Insight. Allows website owners "to instantly determine the precise geographic location, connection speed and detailed demographics of every visitor to your website". Will be detected by most firewalls and the majority of home users should disable it 
? SelfHostUtil slefhost.exe ??
Y serrdctl.exe serrdctl.exe "Shared Modem Service Client Event Viewer" - used when a number of PCs have access to a number of modems. Required to be running on each PC for access to the modems
X server server.exe Added as a result of the DELTAD.A VIRUS!
X serverex Server.txt.vbs Added as a result of the DELTAD.A VIRUS!
N Service Connection sccenter.exe
&/or
bwtray.exe
For Compaq PC's. Part of Backweb
N Service Manager sqlmangr.exe SQL Server Service Manager - provides tray access to SQL server, the server agent and MSDTC. Available via Start -> Programs
? Serv-U serv-u32.exe FTP
? setdefprt setdefprt.exe Related to a Brother printer?
? setFTPBack createsw.exe Installed as part of iMesh - a file sharing system. What does this do and is it needed?
N seticlient
or
SETI@home
SETI@home.exe SETI@home is a scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data
N SetiQueue Setiqu~1.exe Provides work unit buffering for Seti@Home clients - see here for more details
N SetiSpy SetiSpy.exe From the site - 'SETI Spy is a little program I wrote to "spy" on the progress and performance of the SETI@home client. I call it a "spy" because I tried to make it as unobtrusive as possible'
N SetupICWDesktop icwconn1.exe Appears to be the "Internet Connection Wizard" from Internet Explorer being set-up as a desktop shortcut. Appears under the RunOnce registry key but is available under Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communication (or similar) anyway
U sgtray sgtray.exe StorageGuard from Veritas. Free utility that integrates with Backup MyPC (formerly Backup Exec Desktop), Simple Backup and MS Backup. Provides system tray access and background monitoring - warning you of files that haven't recently been backed up. Required unless you backup manually on a regular basis or have scheduled backups 
N Share-to-Web Namespace Daemon hpgs2wnd.exe "HP's exclusive Share-to-Web software makes it easy to share content with others through our affiliate Internet websites." Available via Start -> Programs
N SharkEject AEJCT32.exe Allows you to eject a disk from the Avatar Shark drive from the system tray. When loaded, there is a desktop icon so this isn't required
X Shell Tray.exe Homepage hijacker re-directing browsers to adult material websites
X Shellapi32 Shellapi32.exe Added as a result of the NETDEVIL (or NERTE) VIRUS!
N shockmachine reminder SmReminder.exe Shockmachine is an entertainment playback device that lets you save your favorite Shockwave.com titles and play them back in full-screen mode, off-line, anytime. Could be a registration reminder for the trial version
N Shockwave Init SWINIT.EXE Part of Macromedia Shockwave. Controls the Shockwave Remote Control Panel. The Remote Control can be activated manually from the Start Menu by locating and selecting Shockwave and then Shockwave Remote under Programs
U SHPC32 SHPC32.exe Port monitor for Lexmark printers on a USB connection. Ties in with the Printer Control Program. Features like cancelling a print are unavailable if disabled
Y ShStatEXE SHSTAT.EXE From McAfee VirusScan NT 4.x. Handles program communication among VShield components, displays VShield icon. Can be started automatically or available via Start -> Programs
N SideWinderTrayV4
or
SWTrayV4
SWTrayV4.exe Microsoft SideWinder game controller system tray icon. This is specific to version 4 of the software. Available via Start -> Programs
X Singapore singapore.exe Adds a blue crescent to the taskbar and when double-clicked displays an adult-content web-site. Also known to drop your internet connection and dial an international telephone number. See here for more information. Must be disabled in MSCONFIG before un-installing or it re-instates itself
U siscolor color.exe Probably on-board graphics related based upon the SiS chipsets. Has been seen on ASUS motherboards with SiS chipsets and known to cause conflicts if you choose another graphics card and disable the on-board
N SiSKHooker khooker.exe SiS Keyboard Daemon. System Tray utility which gets installed by the drivers of the latter day SiS VGA cards. Can cause errors at startup and isn't required
X sistrai.exe sistrai.exe Added as a result of the PROVA VIRUS!
X sistray sistray.exe Added as a result of the PROVA VIRUS!
U SK9910DM SK9910DM.EXE Multi-function keyboard driver. Allows the use of programmable keys on mulimedia keyboards. Required if you use the additional keys
U SKDAEMON SKDAEMON.EXE Multi-function keyboard driver. Allows the use of programmable keys on mulimedia keyboards. Required if you use the additional keys 
Y SkyBlaster Scheduler SSFSch.exe For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems - associated with SkyBlaster modem. Required if you have this system
Y SkySurfer Management Service SmaServ.exe For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems - associated with SkyBlaster modem. Required if you have this system
N SleepManager SleepMgr.exe This program locates free contiguous disk spaces and allocates them for storing BASE MEMORY, EXTENDED MEMORY, VIDEO MEMORY, and SM RAM. It helps the computer come out of hibernate mode
N Sm56acl sm56hlpr.exe Helper utility for Motorola based SM56 software modems - resides in the System Tray
N Smapp
or
Smtray
smtray.exe System Tray access for the Compaq/ADI SoundMAX integrated digital audio controller
N Smart Card Service ScardSvr.exe For Smart Card readers. Known to cause problems, especially for Windows 2000 users - see here. Probably not required unless you use such a device regularly
U Smart Connect Monitor SCMon.exe Appears on a Sony Vaio. Smart Connect Version 2.1 enables data transfer between VAIOs via i.LINK cable. Smart Connect supports File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft networks. You can copy files from your VAIO to another VAIO or print using a printer connected to a remote VAIO
U Smart Connect Setup SCSetup.exe Appears on a Sony Vaio. Smart Connect Version 2.1 enables data transfer between VAIOs via i.LINK cable. Smart Connect supports File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft networks. You can copy files from your VAIO to another VAIO or print using a printer connected to a remote VAIO
N Smart Label O Server ssloserv.exe Part of the printer software for the smart-label printer made by Seiko. Can be disabled safely
N Smart Label RFViewer SSLFVIEW.EXE Part of the printer software for the smart-label printer made by Seiko. Can be disabled safely
Y smc
or
SMC Service

or
SmcServices
smc.exe
spfsmc.exe
Sygate Firewall
N Smith Micro try smiptray.exe Smith Micro shared files. Comes with D-Link web cam
? SMS Application Launcher LAUNCH32.EXE Novell SMS application?
U SMS Client Service clisvc95.exe When the SMS Client service starts on a domain controller, the Client service modifies the SMSCliToknAcct & user account group membership, user rights, and account comment. The Client service then waits for the synchronization of the comment to verify that the account and user rights are properly set for this account. This account is used to obtain a token to start the SMS Client processes, such as the Software Inventory and Software Distribution agents (Microsoft Systems Management Server)
Y Smserial sm56hlpr.exe Motorola based modem driver
U SMS Win9x Message Agent ?? This program assigns a user to a Systems Management Server site
? SO5 Integrator Pass One sointgr.exe StarOffice 5. See here for more details
? SO5 Integrator Pass Two sointgr.exe StarOffice 5. See here for more details
Y SoDA Startup SodaStartup.exe Used by the Rational SoDA project management tool. Unsure of it's actual purpose but it's recommended you leave it enabled if you use the software
N soffice SOFFICE.EXE Displays StarOffice quick start applet in System tray. Right clicking on the icon allows rapid starting up of components of the StarOffice 6.0 suite. Available via Start -> Programs. Automatically started when any StarOffice 6.0 component is started from the Start -> Programs. A resource hog (it eats > 16 MB of memory).
Y SOFTinst N/A For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Gilat rescue (Satellite system restore). Required if you have this system. Can cause a BSOD (blue screen of death) if left out
N Sonic A3D Control ?? Sound related options
N SoniqueQuickStart sqstart.exe Quickstart for Sonique audio player. Available via Start -> Programs
? SonnReg SonnReg.exe Possibly a registration reminder for a product from E-Color? Found in an E-Color related program directory
? SoundFusion rundll32 cwcprops.cpl Control panel item for the Terratec DMX Xfire 1024 soundcard (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel). Whether it needs to run at start-up every time I don't know
N soundman soundman.exe Utilty software for the built-in soundcards on some motherboards from companies such as ASUS and Gigabyte. Available via Start -> Programs
? SourcePath gwreg.exe ??
N Spdstart Spdstart.exe Norton Utilities Speed Start. "This feature optimizes the start up speed of launching applications, such as Word and Excel."
U Speedkey SPEEDKEY.EXE Additional keyboard shortcuts on MS programmable keyboard
N SpeedRacer CTSRReg.exe Software for a Creative sound card
U Speed Tec speedtec.exe Accel SpeedTec from Montana Software speeds up your modem. SpeedTec modifies the Internet Protocol settings in the Windows registry to speed downloads on all modems. If you find this improves your connectivity and download speeds leave this enabled
U Speedtouch USB Disgnostics Dragdiag.exe For an external Alcatel ADSL high-speed modem. A diagnostic tool and can be run from the Start menu when required. The only reason it might be useful on startup is if you like seeing an 'at-a-glance' status indicator on the taskbar (the icon is a different colour depending on the status of the device/line)
X Spfile Rundll32b.exe Added as a result of the SPARTA VIRUS!
N Spinner Plus spinner.exe "Spinner Plus lets you listen to over 100 channels of music broadcast from Spinner.com. Spinner Plus uses RealNetwork's G2 technology to provide high-quality online audio. The technology adjusts the audio streaming to match your Internet connection speed, which helps eliminate sound distortion or choppiness". Available via Start -> Programs
X "sp" or "sps" regedit-s .... sp.dll Malicious javascript annoyance that changes the default search engine in IE to one of many including "topsearcher". See here for more and a fix
? SPP run.exe ??
U Spy Blocker spyblocker.exe SpyBlocker blocks the communications of spyware installed on a PC so spyware runs but can't exchange data with the server to which it should report. Ensuring spyware can't communicate is important, as you may find after using Ad-Aware that some applications containing spyware subsystems may not run correctly or at all. Check here or here for information about Spyware
U SpyStopper spystopper.exe SpyStopper - blocks intrusive spyware, Web bugs, worms, scripts, advertisements, and cookies. Protects you from being profiled and tracked. Check here or here for information about Spyware
N SQL Server scm.exe SQL Server Service Control Manager. Available via Start -> Programs
? Srmclean srmclean.exe Srmclean helps in the installation and execution of the SoundMax SoftPaq for Compaq/ADI SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio. Is it required once the SoftPaq is successfully installed?
U SRP Startup srrpro.exe System Restore Remover Pro allows you to safely and easily remove System Restore and various other Windows Millennium "features." This is enabled if you tick the "Remove unnecessary System Restore information on startup" box. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
? SRS Applet SrsTray.Exe ??
N SSDPSRV ssdpsrv.exe Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) and General Event Notification Architecture (GENA) services for network plug and play functionality. Starts up a web server on port 5000
Y *StateMgr statemgr.exe Windows default for System Restore. Do NOT disable!
Y StartEAK StartEAK.exe Easy Access Button Support for Compaq PCs. Required if you use these
N Start Getright getright.exe See Getright Tray Icon
U StartSurfing STARTS.exe Start Surfing allows you to protect your privacy while surfing and searching the Internet by acting as a "filter" between you and the website you are visiting. Startsurfing acts as your shield from Pop Up Windows, Mouse Traps, Window Resizing, and scripts that attempt to record your personal information. Available via Start -> Programs
N Start Wingman Profiler lwtest.exe
lwemon.exe   
Logitech Wingman software required to operate Logitech joysticks and gamepads.  Unless you're a hard-core gamer, it's best to leave it unchecked
N Startup ?? Related to an Iomega drive
X StatBar STATBAR.exe StatBar (system status bar) allows you to quickly get an overview of your system's condition (memory, CPU, uptime, and much more). Due to the sheer number of resources (over 60%) consumed by this program, it is unsuitable for Windows 95/98/SE/Me
N Status Monitor XE 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
U StayAlive sa.exe StayAlive from TFI Technology. "This top-notch tool intercepts crashes when they happen, keeping your programs running so you can save your work."
N Stay Connected! StayCon.exe More than just a pinger, actually simulates online activity. Supports AOL, NetZero, MSN, ATT WorldNet, CompuServe and many other ISPs as well. Available via Start -> Programs
N StickyNote StickyNote.exe Utility that allows you to put yellow "Post-It" type messages on your desktop. Available via Start -> Programs
N StillImageMonitor Stimon.exe Disabling StillImageMonitor will make the front panel buttons of supported scanners non-functional. You will need to enable the file to use the front panel buttons of the scanner. Alternatively, scan manually via your scanning software
? STPMGR STPMGR.EXE Part of SafeTP which is transparent FTP security software. Does it need to be running permanently or can it be started manually via Start -> Programs
U StyleXP StyleXP.exe StyleXP allows you customize the way WinXP looks. If disabled via msconfig it re-instates itself at reboot, therefore uninstall it if you don't want it
N Subtract the Ads AdSub.exe Removes adverts from web pages. Although useful - not required
X SULFNBJ.EXE SULFNBJ.EXE Left as the result of being infected by the PE_MAGISTR.DAM virus. This virus infects system files and renames them (changing one letter) before adding them to the Run keys in the registry. Once the virus is removed via anti-virus software, delete the infected file and remove the key from the registry
X supporter5 supporter5.exe Part of eScorcher anti-virus software. "eScorcher consists of 2 parts: Supporter5 and eScorcher. Supporter5 is responsible for updates of new virus bases each time you logon to the web. eScorcher is responsible for performing virus checks and deletions". Note from their privacy statement: "eScorcher collects IP addresses. eScorcher uses the information it gathers to tailor our content to suit our members' needs and to help our advertisers better understand our members' demographics"
U SurfChoice SCMan.exe SCMan is a utility that can control services on WinNT from the command line. This utility can create, start, pause, stop, delete services. Furthermore it can retrieve a service's current state, get the displayname for a service and vice versa
U SurfSecret ss2-full.exe "House-cleaning utility that enables you to keep your computer usage to yourself. Runs quietly from the system tray, eliminating tell-tale files at a regular interval of your choosing. You can set it to clear your Internet cache files, cookies, history, temp folder, etc. It can also clear the history of your Run and Find menus, in addition to the AOL cache"
X SVA Player SVAplayer.exe QuickFlicks Streaming Player - regarded as advertising spyware. See here for details of how to disable or uninstall it. Check here or here for information about spyware.
? SVM Pop svmpop.exe ??
N Swap Nut javaw.exe SwapNut is a peer-to-peer file sharing and searching utility developed and marketed by File Metrics, Inc. Users can search for and find almost any type of digital file (audio, video, photos etc.) through a secure peer-to-peer network
? SWd winwd.exe ??
N Switchboaoard.com Toolbar AtHoc.exe Toolbar for the on-line version of Yellow Pages in the US - Switchboard.com
N SwTray SWTRAY.EXE Microsoft SideWinder game controller system tray icon. Available via Start -> Programs. May have the version number after it
? SXGDSENU sxgdsenu.exe Yamaha SXG soundcard driver
? SxgTkBar sxgtkbar.exe Yamaha SXG soundcard driver
U SyGateService sgserv95.exe SyGate is a useful little program that lets you share an internet connection over an intranet. Is it needed - it saves a lot of headache to just let SyGate load at startup. Available via Start -> Programs
N Symantec Fax Starter Edition Port OLFSNT40.EXE Offers a virtual printer as a fax machine. Can be run via a desktop shortcut
N SymTray - Norton SystemWorks SYMTRAY.EXE Keeps all System Tray icons for Norton SystemWorks together to reduce clutter. SystemWorks includes Norton Anti-Virus, Norton Utilities and Norton CleanSweep - mentioned elsewhere here. Personally I only have Norton eMail Protect running which doesn't need SymTray
U SyncAgent syncagent.exe "Ghost Keylogger is an invisible easy-to-use surveillance tool that records every keystroke to an encrypted log file. The log file can be sent secretly with email to a specified receiver."
N Synchronization Manager mobsync.exe Find more information about its use here
? SynSetup SynTP.tmp \RunOnce.exe Probably associated Synaptics touchpads on laptops as for SynTPEnh and SynTPLpr below but what does it do and is it required?
N SynTPEnh syntpenh.exe Synaptics touchpad tray icon. Displays status and provides quick launch to touchpad features
Y SynTPLpr syntplpr.exe Synaptics touchpad driver helper. Required for touchpad features to work
X SysR sysmd.exe Adult material based "foistware" (adds hidden components to your system)
? sysres N/A ??
X SysScan bvt.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
? SystemBoot ladies.htm Unknown but sounds very suspicious??
N System DLF cpqdiaga.exe Compaq Diagnostic record system utility which allow you to view information about your computer's hardware and software configuration. Available via Start -> Programs
X SystemFTP VSENMB.exe Malware (ie, malicious software).  Also changes the system.ini Shell line to read Shell=Explorer.exe VSENMB.exe, and it hacks the Winstart.bat as well
X SystemMD md.exe Homepage hijacker
U System Monitor SYSMON.EXE Comes with some Aopen motherboards. Monitors CPU temp, voltage and fan speed. Warns if any become abnormal
X System Monitor Sysmon16.exe Added as a result of the SDBOT VIRUS!
U Systems.exe Systems.exe Keyboard Spectator - monitoring software that creates records of everything people do on a computer, ie, spying or monitoring depending upon how you call it
X System-Service EXPLORER.SCR Added as a result of the BENJAMIN VIRUS! KaZaA file-sharing users beware!.
X SystemTasks filez.exe Adult content dialler
U SystemTray SysTray.Exe SYSTRAY.EXE - System Tray Services. Provides the Volume Control, PC Card Status and Power Management icons that reside in the System Tray. SYSTRAY.EXE may be disabled if none of these services are required. It will launch as and when required if you later enable the icons. If you need these items they're available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
? SystemUpd SystemUpd.exe ??
U SystemWizard Sniffer Sniffer.exe SystemWizard for Win98/ME from SystemSoft - diagnoses and solves hardware and software problems on a PC
? systr32 systr32.exe ??
U SYSWB6 SYSWB6.exe We-Blocker - gives parents the opportunity to monitor their children's Internet access and provide them with age-appropriate content, while filtering out sites that contain adult material

Back to alphanumeric index

T

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N Tablet Tablet.exe Loads the tablet drivers for the Wacom Graphics Tablet. This can be unchecked in msconfig without problems if you don't need the tablet functional all the time. Create your own shortcut if you need to run it ad hoc. If you forget to run it before running Paint Shop Pro & Adobe Photo Shop) you may find the following: (1) Paint Shop Pro (version 7.04) - (a) Browse function will NOT work (program freezes) (b) On program exit, PSP does not terminate (you have to CTRL+ALT+DEL to close it) (2) Photo Shop (version 6.01) - (a) Program functions slowdown (d) On program exit it takes noticeably longer to shut down (like 30-45 seconds)
N Tad tad.exe From Turtle Beach's Santa Cruz on a Dell WinME system. Not required - works fine without it including keyboard hot controls for volume and mute
? talknow talknow.exe Could it be related to this or something similar?
U TapiTNA TapiTNA.exe Telephony Location Selector allowing mobile users to change dialling locations - part of the Win95 Power Toys
U Tardis Tardis.exe Tardis - time synchronization software
X Task Bar TASKBAR.EXE Added as a result of the FRETHEM.J VIRUS!
? Task BarSvr TaskBarSvr.exe Part of the Starband satellite always on internet service. What does it do and is it needed?
? Task BarClient TaskBarClient.exe Part of the Starband satellite always on internet service. What does it do and is it needed?
N Taskbar Display Controls RunDLL deskcp16.dll,
QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
Only appears in MSCONFIG if you have a Display Settings icon in the System Tray allowing resolution changes on the fly. Can also be disabled under Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Advanced -> General. Also appears if you have Win95 with the QuickRes "Powertoy" installed
N taskmgr.exe taskmgr.exe Windows Task Manager in Windows XP. If run from the Startup folder, the tray icon will be put to the system tray after boot. Useful to check if XP has finished running the delayed services after boot. Available via a desktop shortcut
X Taskmgr Taskmgr.exe System1060 homepage hi-jacker. Note - this is not a Windows file and is found in a Windows\System\1060 directory
U TaskMonitor taskmon.exe The Task Monitor checks the disk-access patterns of programs when they are started and stores this information in log files in the Applog folder. Task Monitor also records the number of times you use a program. The Disk Defragmenter tool uses this information to optimize your hard disk so that programs that you use frequently are loaded faster. Not required - but can be useful. Note: for Norton Anti-Virus 2002 users, loading TaskMonitor will typically solve many, if not most, of those annoying IE scripting errors (per Symantec's Knowledgebase)
N TaskPlus TASKPLUS0.EXE Task and calendar management software available as freeware or as a "Professional" version for sharing over a LAN
X TaskReg <filename.exe> Added as a result of the CBLAD VIRUS! <filename.exe> is the full path and name of the infected file
X Taskschd TRAYWND.EXE Added as a result of the LITMUS.002 VIRUS!
N taskswitch taskswitch.exe ALT+TAB replacement Powertoy for Windows XP - enhances the graphics displayed when you want to switch between programs running full-screen
N Tasktray CTLTray.exe Installed with the Sound Blaster Audigy range of soundcards. Allows you to set EAX effects or equalizer settings for the Sound Blaster Audigy from a systray icon.  Also allows you to launch the Taskbar via right-click -> Show Taskbar. The tasktray can be accessed via Start -> Programs -> Creative -> Sound Blaster Audigy -> Taskbar
Y Tau monitor Taumon.exe "Tauscan is a powerful Trojan Horse detection and removal engine capable of catching every known type of backdoor that can threaten your system."
U TBPanel TBPanel.exe Configuration utility for Gainward graphics cards. Not required unless you use non-default settings. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
N TBTray tbtray.exe VLSI/QSound ThunderBird PCI Control Panel. System Tray access to the settings for this and related soundcards. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
Y tcactive tca.exe Part of The Cleaner from MooSoft - stops virus trojans before they can do any damage
N TCAUDIAG -off
or
TCASUTIEXE
tcaudiag.exe Associated with the 3COM diagnostic module (3COM NIC Doctor).  No further information is available
? TCDPlay TCDPlay.drv Found on a Toshiba laptop - sounds like the driver for the CD-ROM but why doesn't it use the standard Windows drivers - any comments?
U TClock TCLOCK.EXE Kazubon TClock. Utility that amongst other things synchronizes your system clock with Internet time servers. Available via Start -> Programs
N TClockEx TCLOCKEX.EXE Puts a configurable time/date display in the tray (and other features). Freeware by Dale Nurden and is popular on cover disks
U tcmonitor tcm.exe Part of The Cleaner from MooSoft - warns of changes to the registry
? TDspOff Tdspoff.exe ??
N Teach In Box teachbox.exe Tutoring program that comes with a SystemAX Computer
Y Telepath telepath.exe Drivers for the WinModem versions of the US Robotics "Telepath" series - as supplied to Gateway for instance. WinModems use software rather than hardware - hence putting a load on the CPU. Needed if you have it for loading the drivers. See here for more WinModem information
N TextAloud TextAloudMP3.exe TextAloud MP3 - convert text into spoken words and MP3s
N Textbridge Instant Access OCR telepath.exe TextBridge from Scansoft. OCR (optical character recognition) software for scanning documents into popular editing applications. Available via Start -> Programs
U TFncKy TFncky.exe Found on a Toshiba laptop - most likely configuration for special function keys that will be needed if you use these but not required if you don't
? TFNF5 TFNF5.exe ??
X TgAddServer tgfix.exe Part of a program called Tioga from Support.com. It's included on @Home service installation disc. It's installation was so you could get your @Home service updated automatically without having to go to their pages and downloading the newest patches, however.. it's also spyware (info here) the company distributes on it's installation disc and uses to collect information on your computer, where you've been, what you've downloaded, etc.  It's not only safe to disable, I'd highly recommend it unless you like other people looking inside your computer. Removal procedure here
X Tgcmd tgcmd.exe As above. TGCMD is also part of Sony's VAIO support agent - designed by Support.com. If TGCMD is disabled, it will be necessary to recover the computer in order to use it again
N TGCMG ?? Related to Rogers@Home, causes errors in WinSock32.dll. Not required for connection to work
N Thdetrf thdetr32.exe Appears to be related to Lycos advertising
? TheMainStart N/A ??
? THOTKEY THotkey.exe Associated with Toshiba laptops - most likely associated with programmable keys?
N Timemanager.exe Timemanager.exe Easy to use program for recording how you spend your time, designed to help you in billing multiple clients
N TimeOnline TIMEONLINE.EXE Lightman Groups's TimeOnline monitor. For dial-up users to monitor time spent on the net. Available via Start -> Programs
X TimeSink Add Client TSADBOT.EXE Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
Y Tiny Personal Firewall persfw.exe Tiny Personal Firewall
N Tips mousetips.exe Suggests tips on using your mouse
U TiTleBarClock TiTleBarClock.exe TitleBarClock displays the day/month/time and free physical RAM on the right hand side of an open window, replacing the system tray clock at startup
? Tivoli LCFEP.EXE Tivoli provides IT solutions. What this does and whether it's needed is unknown at present
U TiXDSL tidslmon.exe Actiontec DSL modem. Associated with High Speed AOL DSL. Used to get line sync with the Actiontec DSL USB Modem. Available via Start -> Programs
N TkBellExe evntsvc.exe -osboot 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
N tkonnect TKONNECT.EXE Dialer for the Tiscali internet service provider. Available as a desktop shortcut
U TMA distribution cfinst.exe Part of Intel's LANDesk Management Suite 6 and the Common Base Agent (CBA) - used for communicating between the core server and managed clients
? TMExLogon TMESRV.EXE Seems to be a Toshiba utility and ties up with another program called TMESBS.EXE
U TNTClk TNTCLK.exe Overclocking program for TNT, TNT2, and other graphics cards. This program can overclock the graphics card manually after startup when needed, especially before starting a gaming session. However, for simplicity, it can be left checked to let it run once at startup to automatically overclock the graphics card. In this case, it doesn't even run in the background after doing its job
N TMTMTSR TMTMTST.exe Installed with Thrustmaster game controllers. It launches the Thrustmapper utility. Not required if you install the "driver only" from Thrustmaster website
? ToPassSrv Pktopass.exe Related to Caere Pagekeeper scanning software (now taken over by Scansoft), Disabling is known to cause problems
X topmoxie JavaRun.exe Marketing software from TopMoxie
? ToshHKCW ToshHKCW.exe ??
? Toshiba Fan fan.exe Possibly something to do with a Toshiba computer CPU or case fan?
U Toshiba Key State KEYSTATE.EXE Displays an icon in the System Tray indicating the state of the CAPS LOCK key. Can be handy on (e.g., Toshiba) laptops which do not have a Caps Lock indicator light. Available via Start -> Programs
U TOSHIBSU Toshibsu.exe Reduces the power consumption when the laptop isn't being used to preserve battery power. Similar programs on other laptops reduce the processor clock rate, etc. Required if you run off battery regularly
N Tour wincool.exe Component of WinME that's annoying as hell. Pop's up a prompt to play the C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\INTRO\CONTENT.HTA that plays a full screen version of the WinME product preview Windows Media video file that cannot be stopped to my knowledge until it finishes. That prompt will keep popping up after an install/reinstall of  WinME until you give in and watch the thing. It also puts a task scheduler entry to run that annoying thing every 30 minutes, and don't bother deleting that entry, Windows puts it right back. Not only should you disable it from running, you should delete the thing altogether, as it, somehow can re-enable itself. Apparently you can try setting the file to read only
U tp4serv tp4serv.exe IBM Thinkpad trackpoint related
N TP98UTIL TP98.EXE IBM Thinkpad feature setup & configuration utility
U TpHotKey TPHKMGR.EXE Activates "ThinkPad Help" when the "Thinkpad key" is pressed on an IBM ThinkPad laptop
U TPP Auto Loader Tppaldr.exe Installed with DataStor's USB 2.0 based external DVD, CD-ROM and CD-RW drives. System tray icon allowing the user to disconnect the external drive without an error message being displayed
? TPwrMgr TPwrMgr.exe Found on a Toshiba laptop. Related to power management?
U TPWRTRAY Tpwrtray.exe Toshiba laptop's own Advanced Power Management system. When using it, it conflicts with Windows APM
U TrackpointSrv daemon.exe Supports the "pointer stick" on Thinkpads in lieu of a mouse on an IBM ThinkPad laptop. Necessary for the "scroll" button to work
U Transparent TransparentW.exe or
TransparentD.exe or
TransparentB.exe
Utility to turn desktop icon text backgrounds transparent. The last letter defines the icon text color: D= as desktop, W=white, B=black. Available from here
U TransparentIcons
or
tranicon
tranicon.exe A Tweak-XP component (only in the registered version), makes Desktop icons transparent. Can be enabled/disabled via Tweak-XP -> System + File Tweaks -> Windows Tweaks -> Desktop Tweaks -> Make Desktop Icons Transparent
U Trashgrd TRASHGRD.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. Protects all the files you delete, even files deleted in DOS or in 16-bit Windows applications, by sending them to the Recycle Bin
N tray_helper tray_helper.exe Tray Helper is an Email checker with additional tools, including a popup window killer, pinger module to monitor hosts and an event reminder
U TrayManager Trayman.exe TrayManager hides system tray icons (FreeCell won't work when TrayMan is loaded)
U Traymon traymon.exe Netropa Internet Receiver traymonitor. Will only launch the bar if you are connected to the internet and there's new news
U traydate.exe TRAYDATE.EXE Displays the date as well as the time in the System Tray. Available from TUCOWS
N TraySantaCruz tbctray.exe Provides quick access via a System Tray icon to the control panel for Turtle Beach's Santa Cruz or VideoLogic's SonicFury soundcards. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
N TrayServer TrayServer.exe For monitoring tray icons
N Tray Temperature Weatherbug.exe Weatherbug provides current outdoor temperature in the System Tray, also weather alerts. Available via Start -> Programs
Y TrendMicro Antivirus Aveagent.exe Virus scanner
Y TrendMicro OfficeScan NT TMLISTEN.EXE Virus scanner
X Trickler fsg.exe
or
fsg-ag_3102.exe
Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
? TridTray TridTray.exe System Tray access to Trident 4DWave soundcards?
U TrojanScanner Trjscan.exe Trojan Remover from Simply Super Software. Scans for an removes trojan viruses where anti-virus software may have not detected or removed
N TrueSync Launcher tstool.exe Starfish TrueSync - for synchronization between Windows platforms and popular devices, applications and services
Y TrueVector VSMON.EXE Even if you don't have ZoneAlarm or ZoneAlarm Pro run at start-up you do need this
? TSBxLogon TMESBS2.EXE ??
? TSPower N/A Found on a Toshiba laptop. Related to power management?
? TSService NSSERVICE.EXE ??
U TurboExplorer TE.exe Web accelerator - "TurboExplorer® 2.x is a real-time web surfing accelerator specifically designed for Internet Explorer® 4/5 to achieve a faster and more effective approach to the internet". Only needed if you find it improves web browsing
N Turbo Notes tbnote.exe Post-It's on your desktop. Available via Start -> Programs
N TVWakeup tvwakeup.exe Microsoft WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
N TWarnMsg twarnmsg.exe ??
? TWBrowse TWBrowse.drv Found on a Toshiba laptop. Possibly related to TWAIN drivers (ie, scanners, etc) - see this?
U TweakDUN ?? Utility to optimize your Internet Browser Software. TweakDUN promotes faster Internet data transfer rates and faster downloads by eliminating fragmentation of data packets
? tweakico tweakico.exe May be a HP program to control their icons?
? Tweak Manager WinManager.Exe WinGuides Tweak Manager. Is this required for the live updates feature and/or if settings are changed?
U Tweak-Me TWEAK-ME.exe 3rd party version of Miscrosoft'sTweak UI "powertoy" with many more options and controls (plus full support), designed specifically to take advantage of features in WinMe/2K and above, available from here
U Tweak UI rundll32.exe tweakui.cpl,tweakmeup Restores settings that can't be retained if you have Microsoft's Tweak UI "powertoy" installed
U Tweak UI rundll32.exe tweakui.cpl,tweaklogon Automatically logs you on if you have Microsoft's Tweak UI "powertoy" installed
U Tweak-xp Tweak-xp.exe Main program for Tweak-XP - a WinXP tweaking utility
N TwkSCardSrv SCardS32.Exe Used with Towitoko SmartCard Readers for card recognition
X Twunk_64 twunk_64.exe System1060 homepage hi-jacker. Note - this is not a Windows file and is found in a Windows\System\1060 directory
N TypingSatellite KBOOST.exe Typing Master 2002 background utility that collects typing errors and builds up customised typing lessons for your needs. Available via Start -> Programs
N type32 type32.exe For Microsoft programmable keyboards. If you disable Intellitype in Startup, any "Hot Keys" that are changed by the user to perform functions other than default settings, defer back to their default settings. Not required unless you have changed them

Back to alphanumeric index

U

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U UD Agent UD.EXE The United Devices Agent can recycle your PC's unused resources and use them to perform valuable scientific and medical research without disturbing your usual computer use - similar to SETI@home but for medical research. Available via Start -> Programs
? UD Agent.lnk UD.EXE Shortcut to United Devices Agent above? Why in the start-up?
U Ueproc32 UEPROC32.exe Part of Norton Utilities - most likely associated with the Unerase Wizard in older versions
N Uidler Uidler.exe Uniloc Titlewave Browser used with some shareware
X UKVideo2 ukvideo2.exe Adult content dialler
N Ulead Photo Express x.0 Calendar calcheck.exe Ulead Calendar Checker - part of Ulead Photo Express, where "x" represents the version number. Automatically replaces your calendar desktop wallpaper on a weekly/monthly/yearly basis if you've created them. Not required - change them manually. See here for disabling instructions.
Y UMXLDRW UMXLDRW.exe Tiny Personal Firewall
N UMAX VistaAccess vsaccess.exe VistaAccess gives you quick and easy access to scanning functions right from your desktop
X Uninstall0001 upd.exe Adult content based screen saver
N updatemgr.exe updatemgr.exe Once a month, your EarthLink 5.0 Update Manager contacts EarthLink's servers to check for software updates. If an update is available for your EarthLink software, Update Manager will inform you and, with your permission, download and install the update. Can go to http://www.earthlink.net and download the updates manually
? Update for Works MSWkstz.exe Maybe related to later versions of MS Works?
? UpdateFW fwdload.exe Appears to be firmware update software for a Network Associates ATMbook OC-3 SMF Interface Module?
N Update Grokster WiseUpdt.exe Automatically updates the Grokster file sharing software. Beware of adware and spyware when using this type of program, for instance, Grokster contains CyDoor
? UPDATEHOOK Rundll32.exe ??
? Update local SetCPQLC.exe Running on a Compaq desktop. Any ideas?
Y Update Service Update.exe Loaded by Handybits programs such as EasyCrypto. Re-instates itself every time the program is run so best to leave it enabled. Prevent it dialling out via a firewall
N Updates from HP ?? On HP PCs, allows the computer to automatically receive notifications from HP over the Internet. Associated with BackWeb
N UpdReg Updreg.exe Reminder to register Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live! cards
Y UPS ups.exe PowerChute v5.02 - UPS Monitoring Module (which apparently loads iconclnt - the tray icon)
Y UPSentry 2000 upsd.exe Used with Belkin UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) for support in the event of a power-loss 
N URLMAP Urlmap.exe Installed by microsoft Money, and runs whenever you start IE. All it does is bring up an annoying sidebar (kind of like the search window) with 'financial links' when the web page supports it
? Usb Usb.exe ??
? USB Hub Keyboard Patch SKBPATCH.EXE USB HUB Update
U USBMMKBD usbmmkbd.exe USB multimedia keyboard for HP systems. Allows the use of special function keys on USB keyboards. Whilst it's running and whilst you're connected to the net it has some privacy issues as it tries to connect to redirect.paviliondownload.com every 5 minutes, to tell HP that you're online and allowing them to gather information based upon the buttons you're using. The side effect of disabling is that all multimedia buttons will cease functioning. The standby, mute and volume control will still work
N USBTA usbtapnp.exe System Tray access for the BeWAN Gazel 128 USB ISDN adapter
X User23.exe DIAL.exe This is a trojan trying to disguise itself as User32.dll
N Usrobotics Online Registration ?? Pop-up reminding customers to register their products online at US Robotics
N USSShReg USSSHREG.EXE Registration reminder for Ulead SmartSaver Pro - compacts large graphics for web designers
Y UTILsInst N/A For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Gilat rescue (Satellite system restore). Required if you have this system. Can cause a BSOD (blue screen of death) if left out

Back to alphanumeric index

V

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
Y V128IID Rundll32.exe v128iitw.dll, STB_InitTweak Loads drivers for some STB graphics cards such as the STB nVIDIA TNT 16MB. If you have it tell me if it's needed
? V128IITV ?? Loads drivers for some STB graphics cards. May be related to such a card with a TV out option?
? V66SHELL V66SHELL.EXE It looks to be part of the display driver set for ASUS V3800, V6600 and V6800 display adapters. Probably a system tray quick access control?
Y VAGuard VAGNT.exe Vexira Antivirus Guard background virus scanner
U VAIO Action Setup (Server) VAServ.exe Sony VAIO utility that auto-launches selected applications when you plug in a digital video camera, digital still camera, etc. via iLink (FireWire) or USB
N VCDPlayer VCDPlayer Virtual CD drive emulator. Available via Start -> Programs
? vcdplayx vcdplayx.exe ??
? VDI Manager (HP) HPO0VDX05.exe HP (Hewlett-Packard) related. Now - what does it do?
? versato versato.exe Programmable keyboard button controller for Micro Innovations keyboards including "Hot buttons"?
Y Vet Alert vetmsg9x.exe Computer Associates "InnoculateIT" and Vet Anti-Virus virus software
Y Vet Start Up vet98.exe
or
vet32.exe
Computer Associates "InnoculateIT"  and Vet Anti-Virus virus software. This option will slow down your system, if set too aggressively. There is no need to scan every file when opened, closed, etc. Check in InoculateIT PE options
U VetTray vettray.exe Computer Associates "InnoculateIT"  and Vet Anti-Virus virus software. System Tray quicklaunch access, not really necessary but only occupies 36k resources
N VidSvr vidsvr.exe Microsoft WebTV for Windows Channel Guide. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
U Virtual Access Scheduler VASCHD32.EXE The scheduler for mail and usenet tool
N VirtualDrive VDTask.exe VirtualDrive from Farstone - virtual CD drive emulator. Available via Start -> Programs
Y VirusScan Online mcvsshld.exe McAfee VirusScan On-line. See also McAgentExe above
N Vistascan vistascan.exe Included in VistaScan are VistaAccess and VistaShuttle. VistaAccess gives you quick and easy access to scanning functions right from your desktop. For Windows users, you'll see a scanner icon in the Windows Tray of the Taskbar. Click this icon and a menu opens
U VoodooBanshee rundll32.exe 3DBBps.dll, BansheeLoadSettings Loads the configuration settings for a 3dfx Voodoo Banshee chipset based graphics card. If you change some of the settings from default you probably need this - otherwise maybe not 
N VortexTray au30setp.exe System Tray application for Aureal Vortex based soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
N Vortex Tray asp4setp.exe System Tray application for Aureal Vortex based soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
N VoyetraTray vtray.exe This provides an abbreviated Control Group for the Turtle Beach Montego II sound functions/associated with AudioStation 3 and 32
U Vpop3 Mail Server vpop3.exe Mail server from Paul Smith Computer Services. Runs in system tray to collect mail. Can be run from a shortcut and if it isn't running then it won't get your email!
U vptray vptray.exe System Tray icon for Norton Anti-Virus Corporate Edition. Gives access to the options available and may not be required. Some users may have problems - refer here
X vscanner spooll32.exe Added as a result of the OPTIXPRO VIRUS!
N VsEcomrEXE VSECOMR.EXE From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x. This executable is responsible for the periodic "update" prompts
Y Vshwin32EXE VSHWIN32.EXE From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x and Dr Solomon's VirusScan. Communicates between VSSTAT.EXE and the VShield System Scan module. Can be started automatically or available via Start -> Programs. Personally, I disable "System Scan" via the Vshield icon leaving only "E-mail", "Download" and "Internet filter" enabled. System Scan checks for on Run, Copy, Create and Rename which slows things dramatically.
Y VsStatEXE VSSTAT.EXE From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x and Dr Solomon's VirusScan. Handles program communication among VShield components, displays VShield icon. Can be started automatically or available via Start -> Programs. Personally, I disable "System Scan" via the Vshield icon leaving only "E-mail", "Download" and "Internet filter" enabled. System Scan checks for on Run, Copy, Create and Rename which slows things dramatically.
N vTPass vtpassld.exe Part of vTrails - a live media delivery solution. vTPass is the driver enabling the system to work. If unavailable via Start -> Programs, create your own shortcut for the "vtpass.exe" file

Back to alphanumeric index

W

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X W3KNetwork rundll32.exe w3knet.dll, dllinitrun Advertising Spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it. Check here for more info on this particular one
U WanMPSvc WanMPSvc.exe An AOL component, the Wan miniport (ATW) service. If you don't have a Wan miniport (ATW) NIC this thing causes stack faults. To remove see here
U Warner warner.exe Also known as "CyberWarner". From G-Tek Technologies and pre-installed on some Packard Bell PCs. Protects critical files
N 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 Cache & 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
N washindex washidx.exe Windows Washer from Webroot Software. Useful utility that deletes safe to remove files, cookies, browsing history, etc. Available via Start -> Programs. Disable within the program options - otherwise it is re-enabled in MSCONFIG
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 Another variant on the above item perhaps?
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
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 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 See above
N WaveTop Receiver 2 N/A See above
N WaveTop Upload Manager N/A See above
N Wbiff Wbiff.exe Wbiff! E-mail checker - automatically checks your e-mail and notifies you if any new e-mail has been received
N WCESCOMM WCESCOMM.EXE Active sync for use with Windows CE based palm PC
N wcmdmgr.exe wcmdmgr.exe It will periodically contact WildTangent servers to see if an update is available for your system and allows us to make the product exceptionally reliable. You can control its behavior, or disable it completely, inside your Windows Control Panel
U wcmdmgrl wcmdmgrl.exe Checks for periodic updates of WildTangent Web Driver over the web. A multimedia extension/plug-in
U WCOLOREAL coloreal.exe Makes colours sharper and brighter, but will only work with coloreal capable monitors
N WEATHER WEATHER.EXE Weatherbug provides current outdoor temperature in the System Tray, also wheather alerts. Available via Start -> Programs
N WeatherCast Weather.exe Wheather reporting in the System Tray. Available via Start -> Programs. Installed via Radlight
Y web3trap web3trap.exe PC-Cillin 2000 anti-virus software -> ActiveX filter. Guards against malicious ActiveX programs, etc 
? 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 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. You can get a program that can remove it here
X WebInstall2 INS????.TMP Left over from a failed install of Movie Networks, ie, if it is already installed
N WebKey WebKey.exe WebKey from JB Utilities. Utility to keep track of login data required when browsing the internet
N Webshots Webshots Tray.exe
websho~1.exe
Screensaver program that automatically downloads from the webshots web site
X WebScan DEFSCANGUI.EXE Stop-Sign from eAccelerration. Detects spyware, malware, viruses and keyloggers and stops popups. Spyware in itself - see their privacy statement here
? WebServer VBI_SE~1.EXE Related to a Pinnacle sound card. What does it do and is it needed?
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
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
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 ?? Launches the Welcome to Windows tutorial on boot up
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?
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
U WheelMouse 4DMAIN.EXE Mouse software for "Fellowes" Wheelman mouse. Has caused some users problems but shouldn't be needed if you don't use any enhanced features it may provide
U WheelMouse AMOUMAIN.EXE A4Tech wireless mouse driver and utility
X WhenUSave Save.exe Rebranded version of SaveNow advertising spyware. Check here or here for information about Spyware and here for a program that can remove it
X Whvlxd Whvlxd.exe Added as a result of the W32.LXD.Mirc VIRUS!
? WIAWizardMenu RUNDLL32.EXE sti_ci.dll, WiaCreateWizardMenu The properties for "sti_ci.dll" reveal it as "Still Image Class Installer" so this is probably related to a scanner and/or digital camera.The "WIA" part of the name could match up with "WIASERVC.DLL" which is also related to still image devices from here. If you know any more and if it's needed let me know
N Wildwire Monitor ?? This places a status icon on the taskbar for the DSL WildWire Tiger Modem. This is also a shortcut to the diagnostics utility for the DSL modem
N Willow Road WillowRoad.exe Willow Road Screen Saver
U WildTangent Web Driver updater wcmdmgrl.exe Checks for periodic updates of WildTangent Web Driver over the web. A multimedia extension/plug-in
X Win32BaseServiceMOD Wintask.exe Added as a result of the NAVIDAD VIRUS!
X Win32DLL Win32DLL.vbs Added as a result of the LOVELETTER (I LOVE YOU) VIRUS!
X Win32 Rundll Loader Rundll32.exe Added as a result of the SDBOT.A VIRUS! Note: Rundll32.exe is a valid Windows application called "Run a DLL as an App" and stored in the C:\Windows directory. The version created by this virus is saved in the C:\Windows\System directory
Y WIN32SL Win32sl.exe Part of Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation - software that allows remote management application programs to access information about, monitor the status of or change the state of the client computer, such as shutting it down remotely. Uses the DMI and/or common information model (CIM) protocols, which are systems management protocols defined by industry standards. The specific function of this is to load MIF's in order for Dell OpenManage Client to work
X Win386 Win386.exe Added as a result of the GOSUSUB VIRUS!
U WinBar WinBar.exe "WinBar is a free and compact program that lets you monitor your system and provides easy access to frequently used controls"
N WinampAgent
or
Winampa
WINAMPa.exe System Tray application that starts up WinAmp media player. Available via Start -> Programs
X WIN-BUGSFIX WIN-BUGSFIX.EXE Added as a result of the LOVELETTER (I LOVE YOU) VIRUS!
U Win Chimes winchi~1.exe WinChimes - enhancement software for the system clock that runs in the system tray
U WINDLL WSYS.EXE STARR key logger. It logs almost everything that goes through the box. It logs all key strokes, all passwords transacted even if they weren't keyed in, all web sites visited, every program launched including the path to that program, and more
U WindowBlinds wbload.exe WindowBlinds from Stardock. Skin application to change the appearence on Windows desktops. Available as an individual download or as part of Object Desktop. Required to restore settings if you use it. Available via right-click on the Desktop -> Properties -> Skins
X Windows Kernel32.exe Added as a result of the TENDOOLF VIRUS!
X Windows msdos98.exe Added as a result of the PWSTEAL VIRUS!
X Windows Windows.exe Added as a result of the KAZMOR VIRUS!
X Windows Explorer Update Build 1142 EXPLORER32.EXE Added as a result of the KaZaA based KWBOT VIRUS!
N Windows Eyes ?? For blind people, gives a voice description of items on the screen. Windows application which gives you total control over what you hear, when you hear it, and how you hear it. Available via Start -> Programs
U Windows Guardian thehel1iawgrd32.exe Part of First Aid by Cybermedia who were subsequently bought by McAfee (Network Associates). Protects your Windows system from application failure and crashes
? Windows Help System Help.pif ??
? Windows Load windows.com ??
N Windows Media Powerpoint Helper NSPPTHLP.EXE German software (comes with some Toshiba CD writers) that helps convert Powerpoint files to ASF (Streaming Media) files. Available via Start -> Programs
X Windows Startup winsta~1.exe Added by browser enhancement some people find annoying called "Go Hip". See here for details of what "Go Hip" is and the page also includes a link for removing it.
N Windows Version Check ver_chk.exe Version checker for CyberAudioLibrary ("A new way to exchange information through the Internet")
X WinDSNX Win????.exe Added as a result of the DNSX VIRUS!
? WINDVDpatch CTHELPER.EXE Added with Compaq driver release for Creative Labs Soundblaster sound cards in their PCs (see here)
N WinDVRCtrl WinDVRCtrl.exe Control center software for an AOpen VA1000 TV tuner card
U Winfast_2K WF2k.exe System Tray application that starts up the Winfox utility for Leadtek Winfast video card to restore settings. Can be started manually from Start -> Settings -> Control Panel Display. Only needed if you wish to run things like the hardware monitor or overclock your card
U Winfast2KLoadDefault Rundll32.exe Wf2kcpl.dll Loads default settings for Leadtek Winfast video cards.
Y WinFaxAppPortStarter wfxsnt40.exe WinFax 10.0 and maybe earlier versions. Used to initiate the WinFax port to enable printing to the WinFax printer (send a fax) from any application.
N WinGuage Pro WGPRO32.EXE Part of McAfee Nuts & Bolts. "WinGauge is a dynamic reporting tool that constantly monitors your use of Windows and your applications, to alert you to potential problems before they become serious". Resource hog. Available via Start -> Programs
N WinHacker rundll32.exe wh95.dll, HackMe Tweaking utility by Wedge Software. There are far better tweakers and, unlike WinHacker, most are free
X Wink*.exe Wink*.exe Added as a result of a version of the KLEZ VIRUS! * represents any random characters
U Winkb6 winkb6.exe Part of We-Blocker, works in tandem with syswb6. Both files are needed to run WeBlocker. Required if We-Blocker is installed
X WinKernel WinKer.exe Added as a result of the MIRAB or SERVIDOR VIRUSES!
U WinKey winkey.exe Loads Copernic's WinKey. Used to map out Windows key hotkey combinations. Not required for the system, but is necessary for this to be running if you use these hotkey combos
X WinLoader %filename% Added as a result of versions of the SUBSEVEN VIRUS! %filename% represents a random filename
N WinMgmt WinMgmt.exe Used for Enterprise Management. If you are not an IT Administrator you don't need it to be running
N ?? winroute.exe Win-Route 4.27. WinRoute Tray Icon for starting and stopping the WrCtrl.exe process, also to log in to the console to view logs and change settings. Can be unchecked and the engine still runs and functions normally. Can then use provided shortcuts for administration of the program. Loaded in SERVICES on Windows 2k
Y winmodem wmexe.exe Software for software based modems. Required if you have one of these. WinModems use software rather than hardware - hence putting a load on the CPU. Needed if you have it for loading the drivers. See here for more WinModem information
U WinMySQLadmin Tool winmysqladmin.exe Starts the MySQL database admin tool.  Websites hosted on the computer (using IIS, PWS, Apache, etc) cannot connect to MySQL databases unless this tool is running. Required if hosting websites with MySQL databases
N WinPoet WinPPPoverEthernet.exe WinPoET is the industry's first Windows-based PPP over Ethernet client. Developed by iVasion, WinPoET is attractive to equipment providers, modem suppliers, RBOCs and ISPs. For more info read here. It uses dial-up networking for new high-speed internet customers who are more familiar with analogue modems. If unchecked in MSCONFIG it reports Error 360 - Hardware Error in dial-up networking. Available via Start -> Programs
N WinPopup WINPOPUP.EXE Intranet chat software provided by windows for chat on small networks. Handy little LAN messaging util. Has been included in Windows since 95, and maybe in WFWG 3.11. Normally it won't set itself up to run unless the user specifically adds it to startup
X WinProfile C:\Command.exe Added as a result of the BUDDY VIRUS!
U WinProxy WinProxy.EXE "WinProxy is the world-first proxy server and a firewall with integrated mail server for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP"
? win name stat.exe ??
X Win Server winserv.exe Added as a result of the IMISERV VIRUS!
X winserver Server.txt.vbs Added as a result of the DELTAD.A VIRUS!
X Win Server winserv.exe Added as a result of the IMISERV VIRUS!
X Win Server Updt wupdt.exe Added as a result of the IMISERV VIRUS!
? WinStart WinStart.exe Written by IGetNet but what is it and is it required?
X Winsvc32 Winsvc32.exe Homepage hijacker
U Winsys Winsys.exe Win-Spy - surveillance software that creates records of everything people do on a computer, ie, spying or monitoring depending upon how you call it 
X WinSystem winsystem.exe Added as a result of the WHITEBAIT VIRUS!
N WinTidy WinTidy.exe Desktop icon manager from PC Magazine (Ziff-Davis) for Win95. Available via Start -> Programs
N Wintime Wtxpload Wxpload.exe Wintime Part of the software to support a Dexxa USB graphics tablet. From a visitor - "This gets started anyway when you plug in the USB connector for the graphics tablet, if it's not already running. It then starts an application which manages the tablet messages. Since I leave the tablet unplugged unless I need to use it, I don't need this running at startup. I suspect that this program monitors a number of windows messages, so that when it's loaded, my regular mouse slows down - it acts like it 'sticks' entering and leaving windows. Certainly my performance returned to what I expected when I removed this item using MSCONFIG"
X WinUpdate RBSKQQBO.EXE Added as a result of the VBS.Vbswg2b.A@mm VIRUS!
U WinVNC WinVNC.exe WinVNC is an application that allows you to remote control your PC from another PC somewhere on the internet
N WinZip Quick Pick WZQKPICK.EXE Added with WinZip version 8.1. "The new WinZip Quick Pick taskbar tray icon gives you instant access to WinZip and your Zip files. Just left click the icon to open WinZip, or right click it to instantly reopen recently used Zip files, access your Favorite Zip Folders, open WinZip Help, or start WinZip itself.". You can right-click and close it - choosing to not re-load it at start-up
U Wireless PCI Card Configuration Utility WMP11Cfg.exe Utility used by the LINKSYS wireless PCI card (WMP11) and indicates when a wireless access connection is made by a screen colour change. Also used for configuration
N wjview wjview.exe MS tool used to view window-based Java applications from the command line
N WkDetect WkDetect.exe Checks for updates to MS Works
N WksSb WksSb.exe The Works Portfolio tool lets you collect and organize text and pictures from the Web or your favorite program. The Works Portfolio provides a location where you can store items you want to later put into a document or other file
N WkUFind WkUFind.exe Microsoft Works Update Detection. Microsoft Picture It! (versions 7 to current) use this automatic update feature during the log on process. It can also cause your system to automatically dial into your ISP as it tries to access the internet, if you have your system set to automatically dial when the internet is invoked. To manually update, go to Microsoft's Office/Works update site
N WMBoot N/A Associated with Logitech Wingman game controllers. Not required but what does it do?
U WMIEXE.exe wmiexe.exe NT component, used by Windows Millennium to detect  Plug and Play-compliant IEEE 1394 devices during the startup process. Since this is important for the computer to work properly if you have these, Windows Millennium protects wmiexe.exe and will restore the file even if it's deleted or renamed. Check here for some details on what to do to stop it loading
? WM_LOGIN MSGLOGIN.EXE Part of McAfee Firewall. What is it for and is it needed?
X WNAD WNAD.EXE Spyware added as a result of running a program called "Yo Mama Osama" (osama.exe). See here for more and how to get rid of it. There are other ways this can show up on your system, and it will manifest itself by periodically opening a new browser window with advertising for copy DVD software and the like
N Works Calendar Reminder wkcalrem.exe Produces a pop-up reminder of events scheduled using the MS Works Calendar
N WorksFUD wkfud.exe A marketing program for Microsoft Works
? Workstation Scheduler wkfud.exe Desktop Management Scheduler. Part of Novell's Netware Client. Is it needed and what does it do?
X WQK WQK.exe Added as a result of a version of the KLEZ VIRUS!
N WrCtrl WrCtrl.exe Win-Route 4.27 NAT engine on Win2k Pro for connection sharing and security using Win-Route by Tiny Software. A connection sharing/Firewall Application. If service is disabled the program does not work, but you can manually start/stop the service with a shortcut the program installs at any time
? WRECK GUARD ?? ??
Y wstimeb wstimeb.exe Used with NEC printers. You can disable it before printing but it re-loads itself when printing so you may as well leave it
Y wswpd wswpd.exe Used with some models of Panasonic, Epson and NEC printers. Some older drivers known to have a "memory leak". Needed for printing to work 
? WUx_RegSvr RegSvr32.exe x is any number??
? WUOLService WUOLService9x.exe Remote wakeup status agent. Part of Novell's ZenWorks - "Complete End-to-End Directory-enabled Network Management".Is it needed and what does it do?

Back to alphanumeric index

X

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
Y XircWinModem4 ltcm000c.exe WinModem drivers. WinModems use software rather than hardware - hence putting a load on the CPU. Needed if you have it for loading the drivers. See here for more WinModem information
U XTNDConnect PC - 3CmPlm Autodet.exe Component of EasySync Pro for Palm PDAs
U XTNDConnect PC - LtNts4 NtsAgnt.exe Component of EasySync Pro
X Xupiter Startup XupiterStartup.exe Adware and homepage hijacker. See here for more details including removal instructions
U xv_ctrl v_ctrl.exe 3dfx Underground Tools - "Gives direct hardware control to your video graphics adapter"

Back to alphanumeric index

Y

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N Yahoo! Pager
or
ypager
ypager.exe Yahoo! Messenger allows you to send instant messages. Using Yahoo! Messenger, you can see when friends are online and chat back and forth with them, like having a real conversation. Available via Start -> Programs
N YAMAHA DS-XG Launcher dslaunch.exe System Tray access for the features of the Yamaha DS-XG soundcard unless you regularly change set-ups
N Yankee Clipper III YankClip.exe Yankee Clipper III - 'A super powerful Windows clipboard extender/memory - now in its third generation. Handles Pictures, Richtext, URLS, etc - any size. Features printing, drag and drop, optional permanent storage of clippings. Familiar "Outlook" interface'. Freeware
Y YTrayMagic Lite 1 YTRAYMAGIC.EXE YTrayMagic from YoconSoft automatically restores your tray icons after an Explorer(the windows shell) crash. Leave to run at startup since only those icons that are in the taskbar after YTrayMagic has initialized will be restored

Back to alphanumeric index

Z

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
N zBrowser Launcher iTouch.exe For a Logitech internet keyboard - loads the software for the shortcut keys on the keyboard. Not required unless you want to use the short cut keys
X zcproo qssstiej.exe Possible homepage hijacker installing a toolbar: http://tdko.com/ ,Lop.com in disguise. see this thread
N Zebus msdc32.exe Runs a HTML tutorial on the Zebus web-site
Y ZENRC zenrc32.exe The main component of Novell's ZenWorks - "Complete End-to-End Directory-enabled Network Management". Leave well alone
Y ZENRC Tray Icon zentray.exe Part of Novell's ZenWorks - "Complete End-to-End Directory-enabled Network Management". Best left alone
N ZENworks Imaging Service ZISWin.exe Part of Novell's ZenWorks - "Complete End-to-End Directory-enabled Network Management". Is it needed and what does it do?
X ZIBMACC rundll.exe -> ZIBMACC.INF ZIBMACC.INF is an IBM file that is only loaded and installed under a recovery operation. The file is a support file for IBM access to the system if needed. You may delete this file. This is as from IBM Technical Support (USA - 800-887-7435)
X Zing Spooler Zing Spooler.exe This is not required and should be un-installed as it was used for a drag and drop program to upload pictures to www.zing.com. Since Zing has gone out of business, it no longer works
N ZipDisk Icons IMGICON.EXE Creates a Zip Drive icon on the system tray
N ZipMagic zm32.exe Zip utility by Ontrack. Preloading ZipMagic allows you to access files within a zip archive without unzipping them first
X Zonavirus 0 Added as a result of the KITRO.D (or ARGEN.A) VIRUS!
Y ZoneAlarm zonealarm.exe Firewall program from Zonelabs - free version
Y ZoneAlarm Pro Zapro.exe Firewall program from Zonelabs - paid for version
U zSPGuard Spguard.exe "StartPage Guard (SPG) protects your PC from cyberscam, by detecting and preventing any unauthorized changes to your internet browser's Start and Search pages. It is also capable of removing automatically most of known 'invaders'."
N ZtgServerSwitch server.vbs ZTGServerswitch is part of Sony's VAIO support agent - designed by Support.com. Not required if the user does not wish to use the VAIO support agent
X zzgshp gshp.vbs Homepage hi-jacker that re-defines your IE or Netscape start page
? zzzhepsetup setup.exe ??

Back to alphanumeric index

Creato da Paul "Pacman" Collins per Pacman's Portal

Presentazione, formato & commenti Copyright © Paul Collins, 17th Sptember 2001
Porzione Copyright © Peter Forrest, Denny Denham, Sylvain Prevost
All rights reserved

Tradotto da Alessio per autorizzazione di Paul Collins