Startup details - a-squared (a2guard.exe)

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Startup program entry details:

a-squared (a2guard.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:

System Tray access to and Anti-Malware Guard feature of Emsisoft Anti-Malware from Emsi Software GmbH - which provides "comprehensive PC protection against viruses, trojans, spyware, adware, worms, bots, keyloggers and rootkits". Previously known as "a-squared Antitrojan" and "a-squared Anti-Malware"

Startup information:

Registry (Start → Run → regedit)

Key(s): HKLM\Run
Name: a-squared
Data: "C:\PROGRAM FILES\EMSISOFT ANTI-MALWARE\a2guard.exe" /d=60

MSConfig (Start → Run → msconfig → Startup)

Startup Item (XP): a2guard
Startup Item (Vista/7): Emsisoft Anti-Malware
Command: "C:\PROGRAM FILES\EMSISOFT ANTI-MALWARE\a2guard.exe" /d=60

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

Name: Emsisoft Anti-Malware
Startup Value: "C:\PROGRAM FILES\EMSISOFT ANTI-MALWARE\a2guard.exe" /d=60

HijackThis (HJT) log examples:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [a-squared] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\EMSISOFT ANTI-MALWARE\a2guard.exe" /d=60

Other information:

File location: %ProgramFiles%\EMSISOFT ANTI-MALWARE
File properties "Description": Background Guard
Purpose: Anti-malware
Program disable option: Configuration → General → deselect "Enable Guard on system startup"
Shortcut(s) available: Start Menu, Desktop & Quick Launch (both optional)
Vendor/Publisher: Emsi Software GmbH
Product(s): Emsisoft Anti-Malware
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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