Start Up Applications D

Close Program/Task Manager
This is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a list of startup applications, although you will find some of them listed via this method. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL identifies programs that are currently running - not necessarily at startup. For a list of tasks/processes you should try WinTasks 5 Standard/Professional from LIUtilities or the list at AnswersThatWork. 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.

Operating System Differences
A number of entries are repeated due to the way that different operating systems display startup items. For example, WinMe lists "POPROXY.EXE" as "Norton eMail Protect" in both MSCONFIG and the registry whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy" in MSCONFIG and "Noeton eMail Protect" in the registry.

To avoid the list becoming too large, all VIRUSES are shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions.

Alternatively use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.

Key:

"Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up
"N" - Not required - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary
"U" - User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary
"X" - Definitely not required - typically viruses, spyware, adware and "resource hogs"
"?" - Unknown

Use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.

Y D-Link Air USB Utility AirCFG.exe D-Link wireless PCI adapter related

Y D-Link Air Utility AirCFG.exe D-Link wireless PCI adapter related

N D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Utility WLANMON.exe D-Link Air Plus Wireless PC modem connection monitor

N D066UUtility D066UUTY.EXE TWAIN driver for the CanoScan D660U flatbed scanner. Start scanning via your scanner management software

X d3dupdate.exe bbeagle.exe Added by the BEAGLE.A WORM!

U D4 D4.exe Dimension 4 - network time synchronization freeware - starts-up, adjusts the system clock, then shuts down

N DACONFIGEXE daconfig.exe 3Com NIC Diagnostics. Available via Start -> Programs

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 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

U Daemon Daemon.exe Daemon Tools - used to map an image-file (.iso, .bin etc) to a virtual CD/DVD-drive

X Daemon daemon.exe c daemon2.exe Added by the SELOTIMA.A WORM!

U DAEMON Tools-1033 Daemon.exe Daemon Tools - used to map an image-file (.iso, .bin etc) to a virtual CD/DVD-drive

N Daily Planner dayplan.exe Daily Planner - discontinued, and now part of KMCS Deluxe System Suite. Tool to plan your days, and check activities off as you complete them

X Danton* [random filename] Added by the DANTON TROJAN! where * = random number

N Dap 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

X DarkDevil.Grasiele.BR Grasiele.VBS Added by the LEMBRA WORM!

? DashIE N/A Could be related to "Dash Power Shopping" tool bar in IE?

X dasxdads fsdqd.exe Added by the GAOBOT.BIQ WORM!

X Data System.dat.vbs Added by the BISCUIT.A WORM!

N Data LifeGuard BACKWE~1.EXE Data LifeGuard diagnostic tools for Western Digital's series of hard drives

N Data LifeGuard LifeLine Lite installer DLGLI.EXE Backweb installer - see here

X Data789 Regedit.exe ....data789.tmp Homepage hijacker

X DATABASE MySql [path] repcale.exe [path] beird.exe Added by a variant of the RANDON.AN WORM!

N DataCaching FlashKsk.exe SmartMedia Card management from the installation of a SanDisk reader for a camera's SmartMedia card and also adds the "Unplug and Eject Hardware" System Tray icon

U DataLayer DataLayer.exe Nokia PC Suite 5 - "A collection of powerful tools that you can use to manage your phone features and data." Synchronize the phone with, for example Outlook. You can also use it to browse your phone, edit the phone list and so on

N DataViz Messenger DvzMsgr.exe DataViz Documents to Go - "allows you to use your Word, Excel and PowerPoint files on your handheld anywhere, anytime. In addition, it now synchronizes e-mail with attachments, PDF files, pictures and Excel-like charts"

X Datcheck datcheck.exe Added by the KEYPANIC TROJAN!

X Date Manager datemanager.exe Date Manager - calender program. Spyware/adware based provided by The Gator Corporation

? Datechecker N/A Could be related to this?

X DateMakerIntl DateMakerIntl.exe Premium rate adult content dialler

X DAupdate DAupdate.exe NavEnhance adware

? DAW9532.exe DAW9532.EXE Loaded during installation of some 3Com network cards. Enables their DynamicAccess desktop management software. Is it required?

U DayToday DAYTODAY.EXE DayToday from RoboMagic Software Corp. Displays the date on the taskbar

U DAZEL Delivery Agent DcDaemon.exe Control and send documents, etc, to any destination - see here

N dbserv dbserv.exe Database Server for Norton Ghost on Win2k Pro. Ghost works fine when it is disabled

X DCE Manager dcemgr.exe Added by the TUMAG TROJAN!

U DCfssvc dcfssvc.exe Associated with digital cameras and can 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. Leave enabled if you can't load pictures from your camera/dock - Kodak's dock is an example

U dcfssve dcfssvc.exe Associated with digital cameras and can 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. Leave enabled if you can't load pictures from your camera/dock - Kodak's dock is an example

N DDCActiveMenu DDCActiveMenu.exe Digital Distribution Channel - formally part of the WildTangent on-line games delivery service. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case

N DDCM DDCMan.exe Digital Distribution Channel - formally part of the WildTangent on-line games delivery service. Note that WildTanget's WildTangent on-line games delivery service. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case" target="_blank">privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case

N DDCMan DDCMan.exe Digital Distribution Channel - formally part of the WildTangent on-line games delivery service. Note that WildTanget's WildTangent on-line games delivery service. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case" target="_blank">privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case

X ddeproc ddeproc.exe Associated with Webcelerator - spyware. Read eAcceleration's privacy statement here

X DDialler DDialler.exe Adult content dialler

? DDT N/A ??

X de32gen de32gen.exe Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN!

N DeadAIM rundll32.exe DeadAIM.ocm, ExportedCheckODLs DeadAIM - feature enhancing product for AOL's Instant Messenger program

X DealHelperBrwsr dhbrwsr.exe DealHelper adware

X DealHelperDown download.exe DealHelper adware

X DealHelperUpdate DHUpdt.exe DealHelper adware

X Debug DebugW32.exe Added by the GUBED TROJAN Note - this is not the legitimate csrss.exe process which should NOT appear in Msconfig/Startup!

X deejay forboo.exe Added by the FORBOT-AY WORM!

X Default explore.vbs Added by the ALLEM WORM!

X Default mtask.vbe Added by the ALLEM WORM!

X default shell32.exe Added by the BINGHE TROJAN!

X Default System Research vhchost.exe Added by the TARNO.I TROJAN!

X Default web browser IexpIore.exe Added by the OBLIVION.B TROJAN! Note - do not confuse "IexpIore.exe" with "iexplore.exe" (Internet Explorer), the first has a captial "i" in place of lower case "L"

X Default_Page_URL http://find.naupoint.com Naupoint browser hijacker

X Default_Search_URL http://find.naupoint.com Naupoint browser hijacker

X defragm_check defragment.exe CoolWebSearch parasite variant

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 Delayrun delayrun.exe On HP PCs this program is used to help prevent conflicts or timing issues on fast computers

? delcab deltreew.exe C:cabs ??

X Delete Me worm.exe Added by the DOOMHUNTER WORM!

N Dell AIO Printer A*** dlbabmgr.exe Dell AIO Printer A*** related (*** = model). Not Required at Startup

N Dell AIO Printer A*** dlbfbmgr.exe Dell AIO Printer A*** related (*** = model). Not Required at Startup

N Dell AIO Printer A*** dlbkbmgr.exe Dell AIO Printer A*** related (*** = model). Not Required at Startup

N Dell Alert DAMon.exe "Dell Alert" utility, that's supposed to make interaction with Support easier

N Dell QuickSet quickset.exe Dell taskbar icon allowing you to quickly change settings

? DellDMI delldmi.exe Possibly 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?

U DELLMMKB DELLMMKB.EXE Multimedia keyboard control for Dell based PCs - only required if you use the multimedia keys

N DellSC dellsc.exe Dell Solution Center - web-based troubleshooting tools and educational offerings

U DellTouch MMKeybd.exe Dell multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the additional keys

U DellTouch DELLMMKB.EXE Multimedia keyboard control for Dell based PCs - only required if you use the multimedia keys

X delmsbb delmsbb.exe nCase adware

X delsubmit rundll32.exe advpack.dll, DelNodeRunDLL32 submit.exe CoolWebSearch parasite variant

? DelTmp DelTemp.exe Added to the startup list after installing a Creative SoundBlaster Audigy soundcard. Deletes temporary files once an installation is complete?

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

? demon demon.exe Part of the French Wanadoo ADSL extense pack. What does it do and is it required?

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)

X Desire desires.exe Adult content dialler

? desk-top-service desk-top-service.exe ??

X DeskAd Service DeskAdServ.exe Windupdates adware variant

N DeskColor DESKCOLOR.EXE Provides transparent icon text backgrounds and coloured icon text

N Deskflag Deskflag.exe DeskFlag - animated USA flag on the desktop

X DeskMateAutoUpdate DeskMateAutoUpdate.exe DeskMates: Virtual scantily clad girls enhance your desktop. BargainBuddy adware related

U Desksite CMA cma.exe DeskSite CMA siftware - "retrieves new content from the DeskSite Data Center"

X Desktop rundll32.exe msconfd.dll, Restore ControlPanel Added by the BOOKMARKER TROJAN!

X desktop desktop.exe Added by the SDBOT.MD WORM!

N Desktop Architect DATRAY.EXE Desktop theme manager available here - for managing the desktop appearance, fonts, sounds, etc

N Desktop Plant AZARE10S.PLT Vritual plant from here - this version is an Azalea, there are others so the filename may be different

X Desktop Search desktop.exe iSearch "Desktop Search" hijacker

? Desktop Service Centre DSC.exe OptusNet DSL or Dial-Up connection software - is it required?

N Desktop Weather THE WEATHER CHANNEL.exe Desktop Weather by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature, conditions, alerts, etc

N Desktop Weather 3 THE WEATHER CHANNEL.exe Desktop Weather 3 by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature, conditions, alerts, etc

N Desktop Weather 3 THEWEA~1.EXE Desktop Weather 3 by The Weather Channel - provides current temperature, conditions, alerts, etc

N desktopmgr desktopmgr.exe Synchronisation manager for the cradles for the Research In Motion range of wireless handhelds, including the "Blackberry"

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 DEventAgent eventagt.exe DEvent Agent Module client - part of Dell OpenManage and used for server management. Only required if you use this

X Device Configuration Loader msdvc32.exe Added by a variant of the AGOBOT/GAOBOT WORM!

U Device Detector DevDetect.exe Watches for external digital imaging products being connected from ACD Systems

N Device Detector 2 DevDtct2.exe Installed by various Olympus products, this program detects the active connection of a speech device (voice recorder, etc) to a USB port then runs specific client software used to access that device. The DevDtct2 process has a "high" priority level which can negatively impact system resources

U DeviceDiscovery hpotdd01.exe Detection of new imaging, printing and other peripherals on HP machines such as USB printers, cameras and Bluetooth products. "This program is a non-essential process, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems"

X DevicePath Proyecto1.exe Added by the GRUEL WORM!

X DevicePath Root.exe Added by the GRUEL WORM!

U Devices olesvr.exe Salfeld Child Control 2003 - parental control 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

? Devlog ?? ??

? Devlog devlog.exe Apparently mainboard/chipset related, by a French company called AS Media - what exactly is it, and is it required

? DGJM DGJM.exe ??

N dguard dguard.exe eAcceleration Stop-Sign related - not recommended, see note

X DHCP Server regsvr.exe Added by the RBOT-PR WORM!

Y dhcpagnt dhcpagnt.exe Intel DSL modem driver - leave enabled or you'll have to re-install the drivers

? DHNUXB DHNUXB.exe ??

N diagent diagent.exe System Tray access for Creative Diagnostics for the Creative SoundBlaster series soundcards. Available via Start -> Programs

X Dial22 dlm.exe Adult content dialler

X Dial33 dlm.exe Adult content dialler

X Dialer rundll32.exe msa32chk.dll Unidentfied malware

U Dialer Control dc.exe Dialer-Control. Detects and protects from premium rate p0rn diallers

U Dialer Detect dd.exe DialerDetect detects stealth installed premium rate diallers, and sounds the alarm when such a connection is being installed without you knowing it

U Dialgo SDK PhoneAnswer.exe Dialgo Wave Modem ActiveX - "Telephone Answering Machine for scripting your own professional call center business scripts using a voice modem. Features Caller-ID, Wave Playback, Wave Recording, Digit Monitoring, POP3 e-mail Manipulation, Speech Recognition and Synthesis"

X DialNet mxt32.exe Adult content dialler

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

X DIECOX csrss.exe Added by a variant of the ATM.GEN TROJAN! Note - this is not the legitimate csrss.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup!

X Diesel Recalculate.exe Added by the LAZAR TROJAN!

U DietK DietK.exe DietK - add-on for Kazaa Media Desktop; "removes all adware and popups, built in Download Accelerator, makes searches faster and helps produce more results"

U DigiCell DigiCell.exe MSI DigiCell - "the most useful and powerful utility that MSI has spent much research and efforts to develop, helps users to monitor and configure all the integrated peripherals of the system, such as audio program, power management, MP3 files management and communication / 802.11g WLAN settings. Moreover, with this unique utility, you will be able to activate the MSI well-known features, Live Update and Core Center"

X DigiD DigitalSound.exe Adware downloader