RECOMMENDED BY:Last update :-
2008-08-21 15:41:23 Eastern
17175 items listed
(1) If you receive an E-mail with an attachment from
pac.man@ntlworld.com or pacman@pacs-portal.co.uk it isn't from me. It's most
likely due to somebody elses PC bring infected with a VIRUS such as variants of
MYDOOM, NETSKY and BEAGLE which spoof valid E-mail addresses.
(2) If you run Windows XP and have updated to SP2 and have the pop-up blocker
for IE enabled by default the off-site links on this site won't work. They're
not pop-ups but that's the way it works. Choose Tools -> Pop-up Blocker ->
Pop-up Blocker Settings and set the "filter level" to Medium.
INTRODUCTION
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
------------------
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
my old 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.
Win9x/Me/2K/XP users:
Use
the "System Configuration Utility" (MSCONFIG) to identify startup
programs. MSCONFIG is available for all Win9x/Me/2K/XP users (Win95/2K
user can use the respective versions from here).
You invoke it by clicking Start then Run. In the Open box, type msconfig.exe
followed by enter. Once displayed, click on the "Startup" tab. You will
see a list of items and the 2 columns that we're interested in are
"Name" (WinME) or "Startup Item" (WinXP) and "Command". 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":
WinNT users:
Use a free utility from
SysInternals called AutoRuns
which displays all the startup locations. Highlight an item and click on "Jump to" and it will take you to the appropriate startup location, including the registry keys where appropriate:
If
the registry editor is opened (REGEDIT), you will see a list of items
and the 2 columns I'm interested in are "Name" and "Data":
Alternatively, you can use a startup manager.
Notes:
(1)
The "Close Program" window in Win9x/Me and "Task Manager" window in
WinNT/2K/XP (both can be accessed via the CTRL+ALT+DEL key combination)
displays some startup programs AND other background tasks and
"Services". This site is concerned with startup programs ONLY (from the
common startup locations).
For a list of tasks/processes you should try WinTasks
5 Standard/Professional from LIUtilities or the list at AnswersThatWork.
(2)
I won't be including "Services" from the WinNT/2K/XP 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. For Win2K services
information see TechSpot's article here or Black Viper's article here. For WinXP services see TechSpot's article here or Black Viper's article here
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.
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,
Norton SystemWorks has an "Options" tab on the main start-up screen
that allows you to configure the utilities in the suite - Norton
Utilities, Norton AntiVirus and Norton Cleansweep.
2) Windows StartUp folder - Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
If
you click on Start -> Programs -> StartUp (Win9x/Me/NT/2K) or
Start -> All Programs -> StartUp (WinXP) you may find programs
loading from here via shortcuts. If this is the case, you have two
options :-
Delete the shortcut from the StartUp di
rectory (based on your OS):
Win9x/98/Me - C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
WinNT/2K - C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
WinXP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\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/98/Me - C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
WinNT/2K - C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs
WinXP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs
3) System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG) - Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP
Work your way through the list of programs included here and deselect the appropriate boxes in your version then click OK followed by re-starting Windows.
WinME and WinXP display items for the same program in different ways in MSCONFIG. WinME uses the same descriptive text under the MSCONFIG "Name" and registry Run keys "Name" columns. WinXP
often uses the first part of the filename under the "Startup Item"
column and the equivalent descriptive part in the "Name" column of the
registry "Run" keys. For instance, on my WinXP Home machine I have
ZoneAlarm and see:
- MSCONFIG : "Startup Item" = zlclient & "Command" = zlclient.exe
- REGISTRY : "Name" = Zone Labs Client & "Data" = zlclient.exe
Virus
entries in the program list are only shown using the registry version
in this case to prevent unnecessary duplication due the number of them.
Notes:
When
you have deselected an item in MSCONFIG, you will be starting in
"Selective startup" mode. This can be seen under the "General" tab.
Working in "Selective startup" mode is perfectly acceptable - I do and
don't have a problem. Warning: If you subsequently decide to choose "Normal startup", all disabled items will be re-enabled
Some disabled items may disappear from MSCONFIG when you re-start Windows
MSCONFIG
is intended to be used to temporarily disable programs from running at
system start-up. 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 OS StartUp directory:
Win9x/98/Me - C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
WinNT/2K - C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
WinXP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
- For WinME 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 reigistry
- 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-enabled in MSCONFIG the next time the program runs
There
are a number of programs widely available as shareware or freeware that
achieve the same purpose. Each can identify what programs are running
at startup and allow you to control them to differing degrees. I cannot
personally recommend an individual program as I don't use them and am
happy enough with MSCONFIG (even though it is only intended to be a
temporary solution while troubleshooting - see above).
Want to try a start-up manager? Try from the list given here.
5) The System Registry - Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
Note: if you are running NT and don't have a startup manager you only have this choice remaining, which is a last resort.
You
can both disable and permanently stop programs from running during
start-up by editing the relevant entries from the System Registry using
REGEDIT. 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 invoke the Registry Editor, click Start then Run. In the Open box, type regedit.exe followed by 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
For Windows 98 & Me, disabled items were placed in the registry keys named above with a "-" after it, ie:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run-
For Windows XP 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.
6) WIN.INI - Windows 95/98/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 virusses 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:\W
indows 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 repitition
from the many virusses that use this method.
7) 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 one of
four formats, updated every 2 weeks (where
possible) or monthly. If you're a regular visitor and just need to know what program entries have changed in the full list consult the Monthly Updates.
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 or Start_ups.exe 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 - also includes a search
facility. 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
Start_ups.exe - self-executable file with in-built browser and search capabilities
Short-list - simple list without search facility for search engine cache purposes
All
programs are listed alphabetically according to "Name" or "Startup
Item" (from MSCONFIG, Registry, etc) 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:
If you can help fill in the missing information then please let
me know.
PLEASE READ THIS before submitting new programs to be added to the list. Submissions can be made via
E-mail or the Message Board:
The following information would be useful:
Program name: This is the descriptive part of the program entry, such as "NAV Agent" in this example and NOT the "<filename>.exe" or similar part as below. Some entries may be blank - if so just let me know
File name: This is the actual file loaded by at start-up by the descriptive part above, such as NAVAPW32.EXE in this example. If possible include the location of the file as well. Some entries may be blank - if so just let me know
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
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
-----------------------------
SITE LINKS
MIRROR SITES:
Thanks
to Michael Preslar for providing the following mirror:
http://www.michaelpreslar.com/sysinfo/startupinfo.html
Thanks
to Paul Laudanski at Castlecops for providing the following mirror:
http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html
Other mirrors:
http://www.rockymountain.com/ref_startup.htm - Rocky Mountain Software
http://www.tsfclan.be/startups_all.htm
- The Subspace Fighters
http://members.shaw.ca/austin.powers/ - by Bert
An alternative way of displaying the information in my full startup list:
http://www.lafn.org/webconnect/mentor/startup/index.html - by John Mayer
Spanish translation by Miguel Conde:
http://mundopc.net/actual/cibererrante/2002/08/080802.php
French
translation by Pierre Pinard/NickW at Assiste.com:
http://assiste.free.fr/p/pacman/startup_list.php
OTHER LINKS:
Startups:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q177/2/85.asp - By Microsoft.
Knowledge Base article explains the purpose behind MSCONFIG and why you may see double entries
http://www2.whidbey.com/djdenham/index.htm - By DJDenham
Another list of applications good explanation of the background to this page
http://greatis.com/regrun3appdatabase.htm - Greatis Startup Application Database
List of startup applications organised by their executable filenames
Startup managers:
The following startup managers and other utilities use the information from this site:
Absolute
Startup from F-Group Software
Ace Utilities from Hari Krishnan
jv16 PowerTools from Jouni Vuorio
Perfect Process by VelociWare
RegRun 3 Security Suite from Greatis
Spybot - Search & Destroy from Patrick Kolla
- select the "Advanced" mode
Windows Startup Inspector by William Yang
SpyFlush by
Ricardo Ramirez
The following startup managers contain information that is also on this site:
SpeedUpMyPC from LIUtilities
In
addition to controlling startup programs, SpeedUpMyPC can also optimize
RAM and CPU useage, recover from crashes and increase internet
connection speed
Other startup managers recommend by visitors to the site:
AutoRuns
- from SysInternals
Autostart Viewer - from DiamondCS
Codestuff Starter
InControl
- from Virtuoza
Startup
Cop Pro
Startup
Control Panel - by Mike Lin
Startup
Genie - from AMIC Utilities
A futher list of startup managers can be found here
Spyware:
http://www.cexx.org/
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.
http://www.spychecker.com/
"Not sure if the free software you are about to download is in fact so called Spyware or Adware or otherwise advertising enhanced product that installed additional third party components on your system?"
SpywareInfo
"This
site is dedicated to giving you the tools and knowledge you need to
protect your privacy from the onslaught of spyware, adware, and
corporate and government surveillance. Particular attention is paid to
detecting and defeating spyware"
Darnit
Sandra
Hardmeier is one Microsoft's Most Valued Professionals (MVP) and this
page on her site is dedicated to spware/adware/malware, hijackers and
other annoyances
PestPatrol
"PestPatrol
is the only product that provides protection against the full range of
non-viral malware - trojan horses, denial-of-service zombies, hacker
tools, spyware, and adware"
Ad-aware
Free multi-spyware removal tool from Lavasoft
Spybot - Search & Destroy
Free multi-spyware removal tool from Patrick Kolla
Spyware Eliminator
Aluria
Software's multi-spyware removal tool - "detects and removes all known
Spyware, Adware and Keyloggers. All New V3.0 now also prevents future
attacks!"
and.doxdesk.com
Andrew
Clover's web-site dealing with all sorts of spyware/adware/foistware
and other unsolicited commerical software - commonly branded as
"parasites". Includes free script that can check your browser for such
parasites
WinPatrol from BillP Studios
"WinPatrol
with Scotty the Windows Watch Dog will sniff out Worms, Adware,
Spyware, Cookies, Trojan horses and other virus type, malicious, nasty
programs that may attack your computer. WinPatrol puts you back in
control of your computer with no need for constant updates"
SpyFlush by
Ricardo Ramirez
"Spyflush
is a free application that detects and removes spyware from your PC. It
is a combination of startup manager and spyware remover. The startup
manager capabilities will give the power of controlling applications
that run at startup time"
Services:
TechSpot
For hardware and software tweaking, reviews and news. Includes their guides to Win2K and WinXP services
Black Viper
Features OS install guides and tricks. Includes guides to Win2K and WinXP services
Tasks/Processes:
AnswersThatWork
An
online helpdesk with answers to questions on hardware, software,
configuration and others. Includes a companion list of background
programs (or tasks) as listed by name when you press CTRL+ALT+DEL to
display the "Close Program" or "Task Manager" windows
WinTasks Process Library
Another list of common tasks/processes as included in
WinTasks
5 Standard/Professional from LIUtilities which provide for "efficient resource and task management"
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
 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 new 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 |
This
site is used by Tech Support staff from or recommended to their clients
by the following organizations (amongst others). Some of the logos are
hyperlinked to the appropriate site:-
Please
note that none of the above organizations sponsor this site. If you
would like your organization shown here along with a link then please
let me know. If you would like your logo removing please also let me
know.
Copyright © Paul Collins, 2001 -
2004
All rights reserved
