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.

X	LanGuard	languard.exe	Adware downloader
U	LanSpeed2	LanSpeed2.exe	Monitors any traffic that is using a LAN adapter (Ethernet or Token ring network card)
U	LapLink scheduler	Llsched.exe	Utility that automatically performs file transfers as unattended background operations
X	Lar	Llass.exe	Added by the INOR-A TROJAN!
X	lar	[trojan filename]	Added by the ROXY.C TROJAN!
X	LARISSA ANTI VIRUS	LARISSA_ANTI_VIRUS.exe	Added by the KLASSIR TROJAN!
?	Lasb	ewat.exe	??
X	LAsIAf32	RePEAtLD.exe	Added by the REPEATLD WORM!
Y	LASTinst	N/A	For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems. Gilat rescue (Satellite system restore). Required if you have this system. Can cause a BSOD (blue screen of death) if left out
?	Later	later.exe	??
U	LaunApp	LaunApp.exe	Part of Acer Launch Manager - programmable keys on such laptops as the TravelMate 610
?	Launcg	launcg.exe	??
U	Launch Ai Booster	OverClk.exe	ASUS Ai Booster is an application that allows you to overclock the CPU either manually or automatically without the hassle of entering the BIOS Setup
N	Launch YahooPOPs! at Windows startup	YAHOOPOPS.EXE	YahooPOPs - enables free POP3/SMTP access to Yahoo! Mail through a service on localhost that emulates the web interface. Available via Start -> Programs
U	LaunchAp	LaunchAp.exe	Part of Acer Launch Manager - programmable keys on such laptops as the TravelMate 610
U	LaunchApp	Alaunch.exe	Acer Launch tool utility on laptops
U	Launchboard	lnchbrd.exe	"LaunchBoard software from Darwin turns your keyboard into a remote control for the Internet and your computer! With LaunchBoard 2.0, you can customize up to 38 keys on your PC keyboard to instantly launch Web Sites, start applications, perform custom macros, handle Windows shortcuts, store passwords, and perform loads of other customizable functions"
X	Launcher	launcher.exe	Spyware component related to DownloadWare and found in Program FilesKFH
N	Launcher	relaunch.exe	Audio Applications Launcher for the Philips Rythmiic Edge soundcard (the Philips Rhythmic Edge is the same as the Thunderbird PCI soundcard - see TBtray). Available via Start -> Programs
X	Lavasoft Ad-Aware	Ad-Aware.exe	Added by the RBOT-SO WORM! Note - this is not the popular Ad-aware spware/adware removal tool
U	Lavasoft Adwatch	Ad-watch.exe	Part of Lavasoft Ad-aware Plus - realtime spyware-monitor watching your memory and registry for spyware that tries to install or change your system
Y	laxmsp32.exe	laxmsp32.exe	Lexmark Scan and Copy Control Program for the X63 (and maybe others) printer/scanner. Required for the scanner to work
U	LCDC	LCDC.exe	LCDC is an application that displays various information on your LCD or VFD screen. The number of things that LCDC can do is expandable by Plugins
N	lcfep	lcfep.exe	Tivoli ‘TME’ System Tray icon - "'lcfep' is the program that displays statistics about the Endpoint. Apparently stopping/removing this process has no impact on the Endpoint itself which will continue to function normally"
X	lcvga	lcvga.exe	Added by the HOSTOL-A TROJAN!
X	ld	ld.exe	CoolWebSearch parasite related - redirects to fastwebfinder.com
N	LDM	backweb-8876480.exe	Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades AND new products, services and special offerings from Logitech
N	LDM	ldmconf.exe	Installed with the software for Logitech products. Automatically checks for software upgrades AND new products, services and special offerings from Logitech
U	LED TRAY	LEDTRAY.EXE	Installs a USB compact flash card reader or drive on start-up. The device is distributed by Microtech and is made by a company called SnapShot. Required if you want the reader to work
U	ledpointer	CNYHKey.exe	Chicony Electronics Multimedia Keyboard Hotkey Driver
N	LeechGet	LeechGet.exe	LeechGet download manager
X	LetsSearch	LetsSearch.exe	BrowserAid/BrowserPal foistware variant
U	Lexmark **** Series	lxbabmgr.exe	Lexmark System Tray application (where "****" is the model) that enables scan or fax functions to run directly from the printer via the buttons. Can be launched from a desktop shortcut
U	Lexmark **** Series	lxbkbmgr.exe	Lexmark System Tray application (where "****" is the model) that enables scan or fax functions to run directly from the printer via the buttons. Can be launched from a desktop shortcut
U	Lexmark **** series	lxbtbmgr.exe	Lexmark System Tray application (where "****" is the model) that enables scan or fax functions to run directly from the printer via the buttons. Can be launched from a desktop shortcut
Y	Lexmark 3100 Series	lxbrbmgr.exe	Lexmark printer button manager. Required for correct operation
Y	Lexmark Xxx Button Manager	AcBtnMgr_Xxx.exe	Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation
Y	Lexmark Xxx Button Monitor	ACMonitor_Xxx.exe	Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation
N	LexmarkPrinTray	printray.exe	Lexmark Printer icon in the System Tray for quick access. Not required - uncheck via Printer configuration rather than MSCONFIG. Can also be listed as PrinTray
X	lexplore	lexplore.exe	Added by the BROPIA WORM! Note - the executable is spelt with a lower case "L" rather than an lower or upper case "i" which is the case with Internet Explorer
N	lexpps	lexpps.exe	For Lexmark printers. From Lexmark: "This enables bi-directional printing over a peer to peer network. If the printer is connected directly to your PC, the file is not used, (or should not be used) at all". It is known that firewalls can however alert you to "lexpps.exe" requesting server privileges
U	LexStart	lexstart.exe	Lexmark printer software may add Lexstart.exe in the startup folder to handle print commands that you send to the printer. Sometimes required for the printer to work correctly - not in the case of a Lexmark Z42 for instance
U	Lfsndmng	lfsndmng.exe	LightningFAX Enterprise Fax Server - "puts faxing at the fingertips of networked enterprise users. It enables rapid, secure sending and Direct-To-Desktop Delivery of mission-critical documents"
N	lhttseng	rundll32.exe ..lhttseng.inf, RemoveCabinet	Left over after installation of the British English version of the Lernout & Hauspie Text To Speech (TTS) Engine
X	li-multi****	li-multi****.exe	Adult web-dialler - **** is random
X	li-speed****	dlres.exe	Adult web-dialler - **** is random
X	li-thund****	li-thund****.exe	Adult web-dialler - **** is random
X	li-vita****	li-vita****.exe	Adult web-dialler - **** is random
X	li01f948	rundll32.exe [path] li01f948.dll, EnableRunDLL32	LZIO.com adware downloader
N	LicCrtl	runservice.exe	eLicense, licensing system incorporated with some software and games
U	LicCtrl	rundll32.exe [path] MMFS.DLL, Service	Part of the eLicense Copy Protection scheme employed by some software and games. When this service is not running, the eLicense wrapper is unable to extract and execute the program
U	LicCtrl	runservice.exe	Part of the eLicense Copy Protection scheme employed by some software and games. When this service is not running, the eLicense wrapper is unable to extract and execute the program
N	LifeScape Media Detector	PicasaMediaDetector.exe	Media detector for Picasa's automatic photo organizer
U	Lightning Download	Lightning.exe	Lightning Download download manager. Can be launched manually, but will need to start up if you want it to "catch clicks" off Internet Explorer
N	LimeWire x.x	LimeWire.exe	LimeWire - Peer to Peer (P2P) file-sharing client. x.x represents the version number. Note - as with all P2P sharing programs they are susceptible to various forms of malware
N	Line Speed Meter V3.0	LineSpeedMeter.exe	LineSpeedMeter - detect the download and upload speed of your internet connection
N	Linksts	linksts.exe	Tray icon which gets installed when you install the drivers for Asuscom internal ISDN modem cards (or rebadged Asuscom ISDN cards, such as MRi). This icon enables you to monitor or configure your ISDN card. Once you have configured your ISDN card correctly, you will never need to use this icon
X	Linksts	linksts.exe	Tray icon which gets installed when you install the drivers for Asuscom internal ISDN modem cards (or rebadged Asuscom ISDN cards, such as MRi). This icon enables you to monitor or configure your ISDN card. Once you have configured your ISDN card correctly, you will never need to use this icon
X	Linux	Linux.vbs	Added by the LOVELETTER.AS VIRUS!
U	LiquidView	lviewj.exe	"Liquid View lets you increase the legibility of the Microsoft Windows interface regardless of your display's native resolution. The software lets you increase the size of items that are hard to read on your monitor"
N	LIU	LIU.exe	Logitech Internet Update. Used to update drivers/software for Logitech's Wingman, QuickCam, etc devices. Reports claim it doesn't work very well and you can manually update the files anyway
N	LIU	Rubicon.exe	Logitech Internet Update. Used to update drivers/software for Logitech's Wingman, QuickCam, etc devices. Reports claim it doesn't work very well and you can manually update the files anyway
N	Live Menu	Dllcmd32.exe	eFax Send button for eFax Messenger Plus. Available via Start -> Programs Disabling instructions available here
N	LiveMonitor	LMonitor.exe	MSI Live Update - auto-detects and suggests the latest BIOS/Driver/Utilities information
N	LiveNote	Livenote.exe	Asus graphics card driver live update feature
X	LiveSexCams	LiveSexCams.exe	Premium rate adult content dialler
U	LiveUpdate	LiveUpdate.exe	Web-update utility as used by various types of software - see here
X	LiveUpdate	[Windows username]05.exe	Added by the LINEAGE TROJAN!
X	Livre	Dibane.bat	Added by the BANEDI VIRUS!
?	LLMODCL2	rundll.exe setupx.dll, InstallHinfSection ..LLMODCL2.INF	??
U	LManager	QtZgAcer.EXE	Acer Launch Manager - on Acer laptops it allows users to configure shortcut keys and to set the operating state of the WLAN module and the (optional) Bluetooth radio
U	LManager	QtZpAcer.exe	Acer Launch Manager - on Acer laptops it allows users to configure shortcut keys and to set the operating state of the WLAN module and the (optional) Bluetooth radio
N	LMonitor	LMonitor.exe	MSI Live Update - auto-detects and suggests the latest BIOS/Driver/Utilities information
?	lmpdpsrv	lmpdpsrv.exe	Related to a Lexmark printer/scanner. Printer sharing server? Is it required?
N	LMSTATUS	LMSTATUS.EXE	Lexmark Status Monitor. Checks the current status of Lexmark printers (and other devices?)
X	lmu	LMU.exe	Downloader trojan, recognized by Kaspersky antivirus as Agent.bg
X	lnternet Explorer	AMSNDMGR.EXE	Added by the KWBOT.R WORM! Note that the "l" is a lower case "L" and not an upper case "I"
X	load	mdm.exe	Added by the BINGHE TROJAN!
U	LOAD WB	LOADWB.EXE	Part of Stardock's WindowBlinds custom desktop program. "WindowBlinds is the first utility of its kind. It extends Win98/NT/2K/XP to have a fully skinnable user interface. You can change the style of title bars, buttons, toolbars and much more". If you use it - keep it if not then uninstall it
X	Load-Guard	Wscript.exe LGuarg.exe.vbs	Added by the YENO.B and YENO.C WORMS!
X	LOAD32	Lorena.exe	Added by the MAPSON.C WORM!
X	load32	load32.exe	Added by the NIBU, BAMBO TROJANS and DUMARU WORM!
X	load32	l32x.exe	Added by the DUMARU.Z or DUMARU.Y or DUMARU.AD WORM!
X	load32	1111a.exe	Added by the DUMARU.AH WORM!
X	load32	swchost.exe	Added by the TURTA.A WORM!
X	load32	netda.exe	Added by the NIBU.E TROJAN!
N	load=	adw30.exe	After Dark for Windows - screen saver program. Popular before screen savers were integrated into Win95
U	load=	asistat.exe	Status monitor for an NEC SuperScript printer
?	load=	cfgsys32.exe	??
U	load=	esspk.exe	Speakerphone capability through a soundcard for an ESS modem
Y	load=	hotkey.exe	Solo 5300 display driver for Win2K on some Gateway laptops
N	load=	HPWHRC.EXE	Loads the Status Window software for the HP Laserjet printers
?	load=	WPSLOAD.EXE	Windows printing system that comes with the setup for Canon BJC series on the manufacturer's disk
N	load=	vi_grm.exe	Monitor drivers for Trio2x/3x based video cards - displays control panel for quick access to display settings
?	load=	WINOSCFG.EXE	Could it be something to do with configuring Windows on a new PC from an OEM supplier?
Y	load=	wpshrc.exe	Required to prevent configuration errors on a Compaq LBP-660 parallel port laser printer (and maybe others)
Y	load=	Bfrecv.exe	Bitware modem driver
X	load=	msater.exe	Added by the RETSAM TROJAN!
X	load=	shambl3r.exe	Added by the REMABL WORM!
X	load=	Spoolsv.exe	Added by the CIADOOR.B TROJAN! Note - "Spoolsv.exe" is located in the Windows or Winnt directory, and not in System32, like the legitimate Spoolsv.exe system file
?	Load=	wtfeat.exe	Associated with the Wintab Digitizer
Y	load=	AICLIENT.EXE	Asset Insight from Tangram - asset managing software. Required if an organisation is running a centrally administered asset management system
X	load=	hint.exe	Added by the ATAK WORM!
X	load=	win32exec.exe	Added by the BITTER WORM!
X	load=	a1g.exe	Added by the ATAK.B WORM!
X	load=	dapdll.exe	Added by the ATAK.E WORM!
Y	LoadBlackD	blackd.exe	This is the "intrusion detection system" of the BlackICE PC Protection (was Defender) firewall which loads independently of the "user interface" (BlackICE Utility)
?	LoadBtnHnd	BtnHnd.exe	Fujitsu LifeBook related
X	LoadDBackUp	BcTool.exe	Added by the GIBE WORM!
X	loaddll	loaddll.exe	Winvest spyware
?	LoadDvpApi9x	DVPAPI9X.exe	Part of Command AntiVirus for Windows 95/98/Me. Is it needed?
X	loader	loader.exe	Homepage hijacker, redirecting to coolwwwsearch.com. Downloader for iedll.exe
X	loader	WMPLAYER.EXE	Unknown baddie - WMPLAYER.EXE is stored in the location and uses the same name as Windows Media Player but that valid Windows program doesn't load at startup
X	loader32	sys*****.exe [***** = random digit]	Added by the DOMCOM TROJAN!
X	LoadFonts	LoadFonts.vbs	Homepage hijacker that changes your homepage to an adult content site
X	LoadFonts	Tahoma.vbs	Homepage hijacker that changes your homepage to an adult content site
X	LoadHTML	rundll32.exe mshtmpre.dll, MShtmpre	Browser hijacker
X	LoadingAgent	ZipLoader32.exe	Added by the OBLIVION TROJAN! This executable is one of the most common but there are more
X	LoadingAgent	msload32.exe	Added by the OBLIVION TROJAN! This executable is one of the most common but there are more
X	LoadManager	msload.exe	Added by the OPASERV.T WORM!
X	loadMecq0	explorer.exe	Added by the MUMUBOY.C TROJAN!