Startup program entry details:

Windows Defender (MSASCui.exe)

This page expands upon the information already available for this entry in the Pacman's Portal Windows start-up programs database.

Normally leave to run at start-up - typically required for the program to function properly or for security/safety reasons

For further information on how to identify and disable startup programs please visit the Introduction page.

Description:

Main user interface for Microsoft's Windows Defender on XP/Vista - which "helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer". Used in conjunction with the associated service, this entry is always running and the user also has the option to always display the System Tray icon and monitor/control new startup programs

Startup information:

Registry (Start → Run → regedit)

• Key(s): HKLM\Run
• Name: Windows Defender
• Data: "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide

MSConfig (Start → Run → msconfig → Startup)

• Startup Item (XP): MSASCui
• Startup Item (Vista): Windows Defender
• Command: "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide

Windows Defender (Start → All Programs → Windows Defender → Tools → Software Explorer)

• Name: Windows Defender
• Startup Value: "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide

HijackThis (HJT) log examples:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide

Other information:

• File location: %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender
• File properties "Description": Windows Defender User Interface
• Purpose: Antispyware and system monitor
• Program disable option: Tools → Options → deselect "Use Windows Defender"
• Shortcut(s) available: Start Menu
• Vendor/Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
• Product(s): Windows XP, Windows Vista
• Tested: Yes

Note:

• %ProgramFiles% - refers to the Program Files folder; typically the path is C:\Program Files
• HKLM refers to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

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