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Last database update :- 22nd December, 2008
17654 items listed

The current update only corrects a few errors found after the Dec 13th, where the wrong entries were changed. The offline versions have also been updated. Apologies for any incovenience caused.

If you are a regular visitor, click here to go straight to the PROGRAMS

The intention of these pages is to provide a central resource for PC users and Tech Support staff alike who are concerned about the poor performance of their PCs due to the number of programs that run at system start-up. The following information is provided:

• Background to the problem
• Techniques that can be used to identify and disable start-up programs from running
• A comprehensive list of programs that are loaded at start-up
• A request for additional programs or updated information

DISCLAIMER: It is assumed that users are familiar with the operating system they are using and comfortable with making the suggested changes. I will not be held responsible if changes you make cause a system failure.

Paul Collins
(aka Pacman)
Pacman's Portal

NOTES

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year to all my Visitors!

Virtually all applications you install using the default installation these days decide that they should start-up when Windows starts. If you allow these to take control, you can end up with a situation where (unless you have sufficient memory installed) every other program slows down to be unusable.

The reason for this is that all of these programs use a portion of the system memory and resources which leaves a smaller percentage for other programs once they're opened. On an older system, for example, prior to tweaking I had 33 programs running at start-up with the system resources at 59% and Windows took an age before it was ready for use. Post tweaking I had a mere 10, with system resources back to 92% and Windows was up and running within a minute.

Before we can prevent these programs from running at start-up and therefore using up system resources we have to identify them. There are a number of methods that can be used and I will accept new entries to the database from any of these. Specific details are provided for some of them below and the operating systems they apply to. All of these can also be used to disable programs from starting and are included in the appropriate section below.

Note - if your User Account (click Start → Control Panel → User Accounts) is a "Limited account" (XP) or "Standard Account" (Vista) you may only have limited access to some of these utilities and will need administrator privileges.

Windows Defender - Windows XP/Vista

Microsoft currently recommend using Windows Defender (or the registry) on systems running XP or Vista for controlling which programs run when your computer starts - see here. This utility can be downloaded for XP from here and is included by default with Vista.

To use it to identify start-up programs do the following:

1. Click Start → All Programs → Windows Defender
2. Click Tools → Software Explorer
3. Select Startup Programs under Category and a window will be shown similar to one of those below (click on the thumbnail and it will open full-size in another window)

The fields I'm interested (which you can copy and paste) in are:

• Display Name (this is also shown in the Name column on the left of the window)
• Startup Value
• Startup Type
• Location

MSConfig - Windows 9x/Me/2K/XP/Vista

You can also use the "System Configuration Utility" (referred to as MSConfig from now on) to identify startup programs. MSConfig is available for all Win9x/Me/2K/XP/Vista users (Win95/2K user can use the respective versions from here).

To use it to identify start-up programs do the following:

1. Click Start → Run
2. In the Open box type msconfig and then click on OK or press Enter
3. Select the Startup tab and a window will be shown similar to one of those below (click on the thumbnail and it will open full-size in another window)

Note that with all of these you can expand the width of each column by holding down the left mouse button with the cursor on the vertical line between the column headings (where applicable) and then dragging the mouse either left or right before releasing. With the XP & Vista versions (for which the window cannot be re-sized) you can also double-click on the vertical line between two column headings to maximize the column width.

The columns I'm interested in are:

• Name (ME) or Startup Item (XP/Vista)
• Command
• Location

For Win98 the columns aren't named but the one on the left is the equivalent of "Name" and the one on the right is the equivalent of "Command".

AutoRuns - Windows 9x/Me/NT/2K/XP/Vista

Alternatively (and this option is best for NT users), you can use a free utility from SysInternals (now taken under the Microsoft TechNet umbrella) called AutoRuns.

To use it to identify start-up programs do the following:

1. AutoRuns requires no installation so click Start → My Computer and move to the directory where it is located
2. Double-click on Autoruns.exe to run it
3. Select the Logon tab
4. If you highlight an entry further details are shown at bottom of the window:

The fields I'm interested (which you can copy and paste) in are:

• Autorun Entry
• Image Path (i.e., location)
• Startup Type (i.e., the highlighted entry that contains the start-up such as "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run")

You can also export the output from AutoRuns as a text file - which I would also accept. Select File → Export As..., note the location and save it as "AutoRuns.txt".

If you right-click on an entry and select Jump to... from the options it will open the location of the Startup Type. For example, if the registry editor is opened you will see a list of items and the 2 columns I'm interested in are Name and Data.

HiajckThis™ - Windows 98/Me/2K/XP/Vista

You can also use the excellent HijackThis™ (originally by Merijn Bellekom) but now owned by Trend Micro. Read the tutorial and I'm interested in the "O4 - Autoloading programs from Registry" section. A number of sites run dedicated forums for HijackThis™ users who are interested in the other entries. In addition, you may want to try a beta program called HijackReader from Mikko Olesen.

To use it to identify start-up programs do the following:

1. Click Start → All Programs → HijackThis → HijackThis
2. From the available options, select "Do a system scan and save a logfile"
3. The results of the scan will be opened as a text file called "hijackthis.log"
4. Copy the "04" entries and if there are any that are not already in the database then send them to me

Finally, you can also use a startup manager.

NOTES

Naming conventions: The same start-up program can be listed differently depending upon which method you use from those above and which operating system you have. Take the example for the file "Reader_sl.exe" from the screenshots above:

From the example above, it may look like Vista's MSConfig and Windows Defender use the same information but they don't. Have a look at entry for "sidebar.exe". For MSConfig it's shown as Microsoft® Windows® Operating System whereas for Windows Defender it's Microsoft Windows Sidebar. Therefore, a single program could have as many as 4 different entries in the database.

Tasks: The database is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL). These display some startup programs AND other background tasks and "Services". This site is concerned with startup programs from the common startup locations shown above ONLY. Please do not submit entries collected from this method as they will not be used. For a list of tasks/processes you should try the Process Library from Uniblue, the list at PC Pitstop or one of the many others now available.

Therefore, before ending a task/process via CTRL+ALT+DEL just because it has an "X" recommendation, please check whether it's in MSCONFIG or the registry first. An example would be "svchost.exe" - which doesn't appear in either under normal conditions but does via CTRL+ALT+DEL. If in doubt, don't do anything.

Services: I won't be including "Services" from the NT/2K/XP/Vista operating systems. I fully understand that some programs with these OS's use "Services" as an alternative to load their component parts at startup but I don't have the time available to include these as well. I recommend you try the following sites for information on services for the relevant operating system:

• Windows 2000 :- BlackViper & TechSpot
• Windows XP :- BlackViper, TechSpot & The Elder Geek
• Windows Vista :- BlackViper

Viruses: Entries in the program list attributed to viruses are only shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions. Otherwise there would be multiple entries for popular filenames that viruses often use - such as "svchost" for example.

After identifying an entry and checking with the database, decide whether you want to prevent it from running at start-up or not. For example, if it's related to your anti-virus protection software, the application won't run correctly without it or a program you use all the time then you want to leave it enabled. Otherwise, you can probably leave them disabled and use the shortcut in the start menu or on the desktop and if necessary, create your own.

If, after checking the database, an entry appears to be virus, spyware or otherwise malware related, check it with your security software first as it may be able to remove it. If you are suspicious and your security software doesn't pick up anything, look at the filename and the entry in the registry in particular. Filenames can be the same as real system files (but in a different location), very similar or random. Entries under the Name column in the registry will often appear to be valid and be particularly suspicious if a system file appears there under the Data column. Finally, if your still suspicious try an on-line file scanner such as that from Kaspersky.

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A number of methods can be prevent programs from running at startup. What these are how you use them is described here. My recommendations are that you try each of the methods listed below in that order. Each method has an indication of which Windows operating system it is applicable to.

1) Using a program's own configuration options - Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista

The best option is to check if a program gives you an option to disable the function you're interested in - via a right-click on a System Tray icon or maybe an "options" menu within the program. If this isn't available then you have to try something else.

For example, the popular Skype internet telephony/chat program can be disabled via Tools → Options → General Settings → deselect "Start Skype when I start Windows".

2) Windows StartUp folder - Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista

If you click on Start → Programs → StartUp (Win9x/Me/NT/2K) or Start → All Programs → StartUp (XP/Vista) you may find programs loading from here via shortcuts. If this is the case, you have two options :-

• Delete the shortcut from the StartUp directory (based on your OS):
  • Win9x/Me
    • C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (single-user machine)
    • C:\Windows\Profiles\<user>\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (multi-user machine)
  • NT
    • C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • C:\Winnt\Profiles\<username>\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
  • XP/2K
    • C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
  • Vista
    • C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (Note - this directory is hidden by default)
    • C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• Create a temporary directory for your OS called "Disabled StartUp Programs" and move the shortcuts there. If a program doesn't work as expected you can always move the relevant shortcut back again
  • Win9x/Me - C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  • NT - C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs
  • XP/2K - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs
  • Vista - C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

3) Windows Defender - Windows XP/Vista

As stated above, Microsoft currently recommend using Windows Defender (or the registry) on systems running XP or Vista for controlling which programs run when your computer starts.

To use it to prevent start-up programs from running do the following:

1. Click Start → All Programs → Windows Defender
2. Click Tools → Software Explorer
3. Click on the application name in the Name column that you want to disable and then click Disable
4. Note that you also have to click on Show for all users (if present) before being able to select Disable
5. If there is an option within a program to disable parts of it running at start-up (see here) and you don't use that method to disable them, you may find they are re-added as new entries in Windows Defender the next time the program runs

4) AutoRuns - Windows 9x/Me/NT/2K/XP/Vista

Rather than following the Microsoft recommendation for using the registry as an alternative to Windows Defender I'd suggest you use AutoRuns instead. The reason behind this is simple - if a mistake is made when editing the registry you could in the worst case end up with a system that won't boot. AutoRuns will make the changes to the registry you need and provide a recovery mechanism.

To use it to prevent start-up programs from running do the following:

1. Click Start → My Computer and move to the directory where it is located
2. Double-click on Autoruns.exe to run it
3. Select the Logon tab
4. Locate the start-up entry you want to disable and click on the "tick" in the box beside it to disable it
5. If there is an option within a program to disable parts of it running at start-up (see here) and you don't use that method to disable them, you may find they are re-added as new entries in AutoRuns the next time the program runs

5) System Configuration Utility (MConfig) - Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP/Vista

Note that Microsoft don't advocate the use of MSConfig for controlling which programs run when your computer starts:

• For XP :- "The System Configuration utility helps you find problems with your Windows XP configuration. It does not manage the programs that run when Windows starts."
• For Vista :- "The System Configuration utility finds and isolates issues. However, it is not a startup management program."

To use it to identify start-up programs do the following:

1. Click Start → Run
2. In the Open box type msconfig and then click on OK or press Enter
3. Select the Startup tab
4. Locate the start-up entry you want to disable and click on the "tick" in the box beside it to disable it
5. Click OK and the following window will appear. If you choose not to restart the changes will occur the next time you re-boot

6. When you do re-boot you will see the following window. If you don't select the highlighted box this will appear on every re-boot and add an MSConfig entry to the list of start-up programs.

1. When you have deselected an item in MSConfig, you will be starting in "Selective startup" mode. This can be seen under the "General" tab and is perfectly normal if you've disabled an entry. Warning:  If you subsequently decide to choose "Normal startup", all disabled items will be re-enabled

Notes:

• Some disabled items may disappear from MSConfig when you re-start Windows
• In some cases, disabled items may be added to a new category under Start → Programs (Win9x/Me/NT/2K) or Start → All Programs (WinXP) called "Disabled Startup Items". If the entry has disappeared from MSConfig and is available here they can be copied back into the appropriate Startup directory
• For ME users - If you have disabled items in MSConfig and at a later date uninstall the program they are associated with, you can click on the "Cleanup" button to verify and remove all invalid entries from the startup sections of the registry
• For Win9x/XP users - If you have disabled items in MSConfig and at a later date uninstall the program they are associated with, you can try a free application from Virtuoza called MSConfig Cleanup
• If there is an option within a program to disable parts of it running at start-up (see here) and you don't use that method to disable them, you may find they are re-added as new entries in MSConfig the next time the program runs

6) Use a 3rd party utility to control start-up programs - Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista

There are a number of commercial, shareware and freeware programs widely available to manage start-up program - some of them packaged with other optimization utilities. Each can identify what programs are running at startup and allow you to control them to differing degrees.

Although I cannot personally recommend an individual program (as I prefer to use options 1 through 3 above) you may find they suit your needs If you want to try a start-up manager, why not select from the list given here.

7) Registry Editor - Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista

You can both disable and permanently stop programs from running during start-up by editing the relevant entries from the System Registry using the Registry Editor. This option isn't for the faint hearted and should only be used by those who are comfortable with editing the System Registry and understand what implications any changes may have. If you delete something from the System Registry accidentally, it may be corrupted to the extent that Windows may not re-start at all so beware.

For information about the Windows registry and editing it's contents try the Windows Guide Network registry pages.

To use it to manage start-up programs do the following:

1. Click Start → Run
2. In the Open box type regedit and then click on OK or press Enter

The keys you're interested in are as follows:-

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce

HKLM refers to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
HKCU refers to HKEY_CURRENT_USER

If you want to read more about these registry keys and how they play a part in system start-up, I can suggest the following articles:

• INFO: Run, RunOnce, RunServices, RunServicesOnce and Startup
• A definition of the Run keys in the Windows XP registry
• Definition of the RunOnce Keys in the Registry

For Win98/Me, disabled items were placed in the registry keys named above with a "-" after it, i.e. :-

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run-

For XP/Vista this is changed :-

For items that were in the Start → Programs → Startup folder:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder

You'll find a subkey for each disabled item.

For items loaded from the Registry:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg

Again, you'll find a subkey for each disabled item.

8) WIN.INI - Windows 9x/Me

The WIN.INI file is located in C:\Windows (Win9x/Me/XP) or C:\Winnt (WinNT/2k) and can be seen if you have enabled "Show hidden files and folders" via My Computer → Tools → Folder Options then the "View" tab. This file is executed at Windows startup.

Some valid programs and a lot of viruses load at startup via this method under the [windows] section via "run=" or "load=" as follows:

[windows]
run=hpfsched
run=%Windows%\CapsideRed.pif
load=asistat.exe
Load = "C:\Windows\System32.exe"

• In the first example, "hpfsched" is a valid entry to remind you to clean the cartridges in your HP DeskJet from time to time in 
  order to keep print quality high. It can be removed from the run line in win.ini file if you do not want that feature
• In the second example, "CapsideRed.pif" has been added by the CASPID virus and is obviously not desired (where %Windows% is C:\Windows or C:\Winnt)
• In the third example, "asistat.exe" is a valid entry that is the status monitor for an NEC SuperScript printer. It can be removed from the load line in win.ini if you do not want that feature
• In the final example, "System32.exe" has been added by the MARI virus and is obviously not desired

Note: From WinMe onwards MSCONFIG includes the "run=" and "load=" entries so this section is only included for completeness. Only valid "run=" entries are included in the programs list to save against repetition from the many viruses that use this method.

9) SYSTEM.INI - Windows 95/98/Me

The SYSTEM.INI file is located in C:\Windows (Win9x/Me/XP) or C:\Winnt (WinNT/2k) and can be seen if you have enabled "Show hidden files and folders" via My Computer → Tools → Folder Options then the "View" tab. This file is executed at Windows startup.

The only valid entry under the "shell=" line here is:

[boot]
shell=Explorer.exe

However, some virusses use this line to execute themselves at startup. For example:

[boot]
shell=Explorer.exe %Windows%\Capside.exe

This has been added by the CASPID virus and is obviously not desired (where %Windows% is C:\Windows or C:\Winnt).

The list of applications is available in a number of formats, updated on a monthly basis where possible. For all downloadable formats, right-click and select "Save Target As..." for IE and "Save Link As..." for Firefox. If you're a regular visitor and just need to know what program entries have changed in the full list consult the Monthly Updates.

Please refer to either the on-line database or any of the off-line versions and try to decide for yourself before E-mailing me to ask which of your programs should be disabled. If you are still having problems deciding then by all means ask about those specific entries.

If you have some kind of internet filtering software installed some of these pages may not display due to the unfortunate use of certain names by some of the entries. This cannot be helped if the information provided is to be accurate. If that is the case I would suggest you download either the Full-list ZIP, Start_ups.exe or Excel ZIP files which will bypass the filtering.

• All items - on-line database displaying all programs, recommendations and descriptions
• Full-list ZIP - off-line page showing all items in one table. Includes a cascading style sheet (startups.css) that allows the page to be displayed the same off-line as the on-line version. Extract all files to the same directory. As IE's "Find on this page" search option is poor I recommend using Mozilla's Firefox for this page (the search option is better and many regard it a safer web browser anyway!)
• Start_ups.exe - self-executable file with in-built browser and search capabilities
• Excel.ZIP - Microsoft Excel 2000 version with the hyperlinks in html code format
• Excel2007.ZIP - Microsoft Excel 2007 version with the hyperlinks in html code format
• startuplist.xml - XML format, also available on the main database pages
• startuplist.ini - INI format, also available on the main database pages
• Short-list - simple list without search facility for search engine cache purposes

All programs are listed alphabetically according to Display Name (Windows Defender), Name/Startup Item (MSConfig), Autorun Entry (AutoRuns) or Name (Registry) rather than "Command" or "<filename>.exe".

Entries in the tables highlighted with a ? and those in red indicate that they are unfinished. This may be due to:

• Missing information
• Functionality unknown
• Functionality known but whether it's needed at start-up is unknown

If you can help fill in the missing information then please E-mail me.

PLEASE READ THIS before submitting new programs to be added to the list. Submissions can be made via E-mail or the Message Board. Note that HJT logs are handled on a separate message board here.

The following information would be useful:

• Display Name (Windows Defender), Name/Startup Item (MSConfig), Autorun Entry (AutoRuns) or Name (Registry) rather than "Command" or "<filename>.exe". For blank entries see here
• File name: This is the actual file loaded by at start-up by the entry above. If possible include the location of the file as well. For blank entries see here
• Description: If you know what the program does then please include a simple description, referring to a host web-site if known. You can also use Start → Search (or Find) to locate the executeable on your PC and
  • Note the folder it's in
  • See if there's a "readme" file or similar
  • Right-click on the executable and check the "properties" for its name and who wrote it
• Is it needed: There are 4 options available
  • If the program must run at start up for correct operation the answer is Yes
  • If it's optional and could be useful the answer is User's Choice
  • If it's not needed at all or can be accessed via Start → Programs or a Desktop Shortcut the answer is No
  • If it's known to be a wasteful "resource hog", spyware or a virus the answer is Ditch It
• Is there a shortcut available: See if the program is available via Start → Programs and/or a Desktop shortcut

Please be aware that any of the links below will open a new browser window.

MIRROR SITES:

OTHER STARTUP LINKS:

The following sites proved very useful when creating this site:

• Resource Management (by DJDenham) - background information leading to another list of applications and the inspiration for this site.
• How to disable programs that run when you start Windows XP Home Edition or Windows Vista (by Microsoft) - explains the use of Windows Defender and the Registry Editor for this purpose.
• How to troubleshoot configuration errors by using the System Configuration utility in Windows XP (by Microsoft) - explains the purpose behind MSConfig.
• How to use the System Configuration utility to troubleshoot configuration errors in Windows Vista (by Microsoft) - explains the purpose behind MSConfig.
• Greatis Startup Application Database (by Greatis Software) - list of startup applications organised by their executable filenames

Note: Some of the product links below will take you to the appropriate product page whereas others are affiliate links. The affiliate links will sometimes take you straight to a page offering you the opportunity to purchase the appropriate product. You can find out further information about the product in question elsewhere on that site.

STARTUP MANAGERS:

This section deals with both stand-alone startup managers and those included as part of a suite of other optimization utilities.

Recommended commercial utility that I use:

• Advanced SystemCare PRO (by IObit) - "provides an always-on, automated, all-in-one PC Healthcare Service with anti-spyware, privacy protection, performance tune-ups, and system cleaning capabilities." Select Utilities → Admin Tools → Startup Manager. The Online Search option for a startup entry takes you to the database

I've only recently started using Advanced SystemCare PRO after trying Advanced SystemCare Free - which replaced the popular Advanced WindowsCare V2. I found it effective at (amongst others) cleaning up registry errors, sweeping privacy information, cleaning junk files and optimizing system settings for the best performance so I paid for it. When compared to the Free version, the PRO version offers a deeper registry clean, automates certain features and includes additional system tools.

Free utilities that use information from or link to the database:

• Advanced SystemCare Free V3 (by IObit) - "has a one-click approach to helping protect, repair and optimize your PC." Select Utilities → Admin Tools → Startup Manager. The Online Search option for a startup entry takes you to the database
• a-squared HiJackFree (by Emsi Software GmbH) - "is a detailed system analysis tool which helps advanced users to detect and remove all types of HiJackers, Spyware, Adware, Trojans and Worms." Select Autoruns
• Spybot - Search & Destroy (by Safer Networking Ltd). Select the Advanced mode
• Windows Startup Inspector (by William Yang) - "is a Windows® platform software that helps both novice and expert user manage Windows® startup applications"

Shareware or commercial utilities that use information from or link to the database:

• Absolute Startup (by F-Group Software) - "helps you control, manage and optimize Windows startup configuration"
• SystemSuite Professional (by Avanquest Software) - "runs over 100 tests to uncover the problems that slow down your computer and fixes them so your computer runs like new again". Select StartupCommander

Other utilities that also contain information that is also in the database:

• Ace Utilities (by Acelogix) - "award winning collection of tools to optimize your PC's performance." Select Auto-start Manager
• jv16 PowerTools (by Macecraft Software) - "is the ultimate Windows optimization and tuneup utility suite." Select Startup Manager - under System Tools
• Magic Utilities 2008 (by Efreesky Software) - "is a cute program designed to make your computer clean and more stable." Select StartUp Organizer
• RegRun 5 Security Suite (by Greatis Software) - "A powerful tool kit against Trojans, viruses, spyware, adware and rootkits." Select Start Control - under Startup
• WinPatrol (by BillP Studios) - "will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission"

Other utilities including startup managers recommend by visitors to the site:

• Advanced System Optimizer (by Systweak Inc) - "award winning computer performance improvement suite with 30+ tools to enhance the output and speed of your PC." Select Startup Cleaner & Autorun Manager - under System Tools
• Advanced Vista Optimizer 2008 (by Systweak Inc) - "is a comprehensive set of 25+ tools to Boostup your System's Performance." Select Startup Manager
• Codestuff Starter - "allows one to view and manage all the programs that are starting automatically whenever operating system is loading"
• InControl (by Virtuoza) - "is a startup manager that allows you to manage and clean-up programs that start-up with Windows. It's powerful and easy to use"
• PC Pitstop Optimize 2.0 (by CA) - "will make your PC run faster, make it more stable, and clean up hard drive space"
• Startup Control Panel (by Mike Lin) - "is a nifty control panel applet that allows you to easily configure which programs run when your computer starts"
• Startup Cop Pro 3 - "is the defacto standard in Windows startup management (if we do say so ourselves)"
• Startup Genie (by AMIC Utilities) - "handy startup manager that allows you to control what programs run at system startup when you turn on or logon to your computer"
• System Mechanic (by iolo technologies, LLC) - "automatically repairs errors and fragmentation, cleans out clutter, and tunes up your PC." Select Startup Optimizer

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With over 10,000 of the database entries given an "X" category because they're some form of virus, trojan, worm, spyware, rogue or other malware it shows the importance of having a good security software.

I'm not going to recommend a particular suite or stand-alone piece of software above any other and suggest you look at each of the products and what it contains, search for some reviews and decide for yourself. Personally, I think security software is one of those products that I don't mind paying for - because of the peace of mind it gives you.

SECURITY SUITES:

To offer value to the customer the major commercial companies offer combined packages including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, firewall and other useful utilities. For those who want a combined package from a reputable supplier and don't want to rely on keeping separate, individual products up-to-date this may be the best option. Which ever you use, keep it updated regularly and any subscriptions renewed where applicable. The lists provided below are a selection of the more popular packages and are listed in alphabetical order.

Commercial products including at least anti-virus & anti-spyware:

• avast! 4 Professional Edition (by ALWIL Software a.s.) - "represents the best antivirus protection available"
• AVG Internet Security (by AVG Technologies) - "Comprehensive protection for Windows against all online threats from the world's most trusted security company. Use the Internet with confidence in your home or small office." Also includes anti-spam & firewall
• Avira Premium Security Suite (by Avira GmbH) - "All-around security for the Internet." Also includes anti-spam & firewall
• BitDefender Internet Security 2009 (by Bitdefender) - "keeps your Internet-connected family safe, without slowing down their PCs. It locks out viruses, hackers & spam, while providing parental control and firewall protection."
• CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2009 (by CA) - "provides comprehensive protection against Internet threats that can jeopardize your privacy and diminish PC performance." Also includes anti-spam & firewall
• F-Secure Internet Security 2009 (by F-Secure Corporation). Also includes anti-spam & firewall
• Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 (by Kaspersky Lab) - "Industry leading virus detection rates, the fastest virus updates." Also includes anti-spam & firewall
• McAfee Internet Security 2009 (by McAfee, Inc.) - "Award-winning PC protection against viruses, identity theft and spyware." Also includes anti-spam & firewall
• Norton Internet Security 2009 (by Symantec Corporation) - "Essential protection from viruses, hackers and privacy threats." Also includes anti-spam & firewall
• PC Tools Internet Security (by PC Tools) - "combines the award-winning security technologies from PC Tools, including Spyware Doctor AntiSpyware, AntiVirus, Firewall Plus and Spam protection, to provide complete integrated protection for your PC"

• Trend Micro Internet Security 2009 (by Trend Micro Incorporated) - "Protect your home network, personal identity, and online activity. It guards against present viruses, spyware, and identity theft as well as the web threats of tomorrow." Also includes anti-spam & firewall

Free products including at least anti-virus and anti-spyware:

• avast! 4 Home Edition (by ALWIL Software a.s.) - "represents the best FREE antivirus protection currently available on the market"
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition (by AVG Technologies) - "Basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows available to download for free. Limited features, no support, for private and non-commercial use only"

If you have favourite stand-alone security products and prefer to pick and choose then these are also available.

ANTI-VIRUS:

The lists provided below are a selection of the more popular anti-virus tools and are listed in alphabetical order. Which ever you use, keep your virus definitions updated regularly and any subscriptions renewed where applicable.

Free anti-virus software (not already covered above):

• Avira AntiVir Personal (by Avira GmbH) - "is a comprehensive, easy to use antivirus program, designed to offer reliable free of charge virus protection to home-users, for personal use only"
• BitDefender Free Edition (by Bitdefender) - "is your chance to use one of the world's most effective antivirus engines for free!"
• ClamWin Free Antivirus (open-source)
• Comodo Internet Security (by Comodo Security Solutions, Inc.) - "offers total, 360° protection against internal and external threats." Includes firewall

• PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition (by PC Tools) - "you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information"

Free online virus scanners:

• F-Secure Online Scanner (by F-Secure Corporation)
• Kaspersky Free Online Virus Scanner (Kaspersky Lab) - includes a file scanner
• McAfee Freescan (by McAfee Inc)
• Trend Micro Housecall (by Trend Micro Incorporated)

Commercial anti-virus software (stand-alone packages not already covered above):

• AVG Anti-Virus (by AVG Technologies) - "Antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows from the world's most trusted security company. Use the Internet with confidence in your home or small office"
• BitDefender Antivirus 2009 (by Bitdefender) - "provides advanced proactive protection against viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and identity theft, without slowing down your PC"
• CA Anti-Virus 2009 (by CA)
• Comodo Internet Security PRO (by Comodo Security Solutions, Inc.) - includes firewall
• PC Tools AntiVirus (by PC Tools) - "you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information"

Useful virus information search links (as used for most of the virus entries in the database) are provided by Symantec, Sophos, Trend Micro, CA, McAfee & ThreatExpert.

ANTI-SPYWARE:

Again, there are many different types of spyware/adware/malware/hijackers out there and many free and commercial packages to deal with them. The lists provided below are a selection of the more popular anti-spyware tools and are listed in alphabetical order.

Free anti-spyware (not already covered above):

• Ad-Aware 2008 Free (by Lavasoft)
• Spybot Search and Destroy (Spybot S&D) (by Safer Networking Ltd.)
• Windows Defender (by Microsoft)
• a-squared Free (by Emsi Software GmbH)

Commercial anti-spyware (stand-alone packages not already covered above):

• Ad-Aware 2008 Pro (by Lavasoft) - "advanced features for savvy computer users and IT professionals - for optimal control of confidential information and protection against malware attacks - with detection, cleanup, and removal in one easy-to-use program"
• CA Anti-Spyware 2009 (by CA) - "We target spyware before it targets you!"
• PC Tools Spyware Doctor (by PC Tools) - "has the most advanced update feature that continually improves its Spyware fighting capabilities on daily basis"
• Webroot Spy Sweeper (by Webroot Software, Inc.) - "Detect and safely remove spyware and adware from your PC and block unwanted programs before they can infect your computer"
• STOPzilla (by iS3, Inc.) - "successfully scans, removes and blocks Spyware, Adware, Pop-up ads, Phishing attacks, hijackers, rootkits, Trojans, bots, drive-by downloads, rogue programs, messenger service ads, keyloggers, malicious BHOs, diallers, and much more"
• ZoneAlarm Pro 2009 (by Checkpoint Software Technologies Ltd.) - includes firewall

Useful adware/spyware links:

Counterexploitation - "Actively protect your rights. Do not let the Man keep you down. Do what is good and right, not what some authority figure tells you is good and right. Challenge the belief systems of yourself and your society. Stay informed and keep others informed. Use logic and reason for positive social change. And above all, don't take crap from anybody!" Good site for learning more about spyware, other silent install apps and "craputers". Slightly controversial in places but useful resource.

2-Spyware,com - "The 2-Spyware.com project is all about spyware and malware removal. It is one of the largest sources of security information on the Internet that provides clear and professionally written parasite removal instructions, anti-spyware software reviews and relevant articles - everything you should know about spyware and malware." - including their list of rogue/suspect security programs

Darnit - Sandra Hardmeier is one Microsoft's Most Valued Professionals (MVP) and this page on her site is dedicated to spyware/adware/malware, hijackers and other annoyances

Spyware Warrior - "Here you'll find a wealth of resources to help you fight spyware and adware" - including their list of rogue/suspect anti-spyware programs

SpywareGuide - "is the leading public reference site for spyware and greynet research, details about spyware, adware and greynet applications and their behaviours, all compiled in an extensive updated database"

Spyware & Adware - "People think that there is actually no difference between spyware and adware"

FIREWALLS:

With many PC users now having access to the internet via broadband "always on" connections there is now a bigger "pot" of connections available to would-be hackers. Therefore, if you have one of these connections, it's recommended you have at least a basic firewall to block their access. You can rely on the basic firewall provided with Windows XP/Vista but I would recommend using something more robust. The lists provided below are a selection of the more popular software firewalls and are listed in alphabetical order. For more information about firewalls see here.

Free firewalls (not already covered above):

• Outpost Firewall Free (by Agnitum Ltd.) - "offers a basic protection solution for casual web surfers and low budget systems"
• PC Tools Firewall Plus (by PC Tools) - "is a powerful free personal firewall for Windows® that protects your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network"
• ZoneAlarm (by Checkpoint Software Technologies Ltd.) - "blocks hackers from infiltrating your home PC by hiding your computer from unsolicited network traffic"

Commercial firewalls (stand-alone packages not already covered above):

• CA Personal Firewall 2009 (by CA) - "helps protect your PC from both known and unknown threats, providing comprehensive, business-strength hacker and privacy protection"
• Lavasoft Personal Firewall (by Lavasoft) - "provides the critical protection you need to keep your PC safe from unauthorized access"
• Outpost Firewall Pro (by Agnitum Ltd.) - "provides a superior arsenal of defense against PC infiltration. Outpost ensures your online security with solid protection against all Internet-borne threats"
• ZoneAlarm Pro (by Checkpoint Software Technologies Ltd)

OTHERS:

This section deals with other software I can recommend for keeping your system in tip-top condition, some of which I personally use and recommend.

Personally used and recommended (not already included above):

• Acronis True Image Home 2009 (by Acronis Inc.) - "Backup your files and the whole system, restore your data in minutes." Commercial backup utility
• Paragon Hard Disk Manager 2008 Suite (by Paragon Software Group.) - "Includes partitioning, backup, cloning, defrag, system management and system recovery." Commercial hard disk management utility
• Alcohol 120% (by Alcohol Software.) - Commercial CD/DVD burning and imaging

Others (not already covered above):

• Smart Defrag (by IObit) - "The World’s Most Efficient Defragmenter." Freeware
• PC Pitstop Disk MD (by CA) - "free disk heath scan identifies problems with your Hard Drives and keeps them running at maximum performance." Disk defragmentation utility. Free trial version is limited to scan only
• PC Pitstop Driver Alert (by CA) - "finds the latest drivers for your computers with our free scan." Free scan with optional, paid for Driver Alert Notification Service
• PerfectDisk 2008 (by Raxco Software.) - "will make your computer run like new. Work and play faster - and smarter." Commercial disk defragmentation utility
• Registry Booster (by Uniblue Systems Ltd.) - "starts by conducting a deep scan of your registry, checking for file extension errors and other registry conflicts. RegistryBooster will then repair or remove unused, corrupted and harmful files so optimizing your PC’s performance." Commercial registry cleaner & optimization utility
• Registry Mechanic (by PC Tools) - "is an advanced registry cleaner for Windows® that can safely clean, repair and optimize your registry in a few simple mouse clicks!." Commercial registry cleaner & optimization utility
• SpeedUpMyPC (by Uniblue Systems Ltd.) - "award-winning speed up computer solution, lets you monitor and control all your PC resources with easy, one click instructions." Commercial system optimization utility

Here are just a small sample of the comments I've received over the years from visitors who have found the site and list useful:

"Just wanted to let you know that I've come across your startup applications page and think you've done a fantastic job in putting such a comprehensive list together." - Matt

"THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for providing this website and it's incredibly useful information.  I have long wanted to clean up my start up but didn't know what all that "jibberish" stood for.  I was afraid to do anything and tolerated my so very slow start up." - Chris E

"I think the startup list you made is a great resource, it's not the first time I found it useful while trying to eliminate a suspicious task. Great job!" - Zoltan

"Thanks for providing such a great resource---I use your startup list all the time, and it has saved my computer from countless unnecessary memory-hogs. Keep up the good work." - Steve K

"Great site! Microsoft referred me to you!! Have a pint on me." - Thomas P

Tasks/Processes:

Faber Toys - lists all running processes and uses information from the Startup List in the "AutoRun" section. In a planned release it will link directly to information on the site

Others:

Media Ivestigator (by Data Recovery Systems) - "Whether you've lost pictures of special moments in your friends and family's lives captured with your digital camera or accidentally deleted files on your PDA's memory card, we understand that you want file recovery software that will recover your files as quickly, easily and cheaply as possible".

MagicTweak (by Efreesky Software) - "MagicTweak is a special program designed to optimize and personalize Microsoft Windows. It provides one-stop, instant access to a variety of Windows settings that can be altered for a friendlier Windows environment".

Protonic.com - "An online community that provides technical support to computer users for free. We prefer to call our users "Clients," because we have the philosophy that, despite our service being free, you should still receive the highest quality technical support"

NoDevice.com - "We make it really simple to find the driver you need by indexing all our device driver links by company name AND by device type."

I am pleased to announce that Pacman's Portal Start Up Tips is recommended as a critical tool for keeping your computer in top shape in Alan Luber's book, PC Fear Factor: The Ultimate PC Disaster Prevention Guide. This comprehensive, uncompromising guide to PC disaster prevention and recovery is written in clear, non-technical language that anyone can understand. It provides detailed, step-by-step instruction on how to prevent most computer disasters, and how to recover quickly, easily, and completely from unavoidable computer disasters.
Read the Introduction	Learn More About the Book	Buy the Book

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