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	Uate	oocs.exe	PurityScan/Clickspring adware
U	UBSShell	UBSShell.exe	UBS (United Bank of Switzerland) banking software
U	UCmore XP - The Search Accelerator	rundll32.exe UCMTSAIE.dll, DllShowTB	UCmore toolbar - search accelerator
N	UC_SMB	ucstart.exe	Part of IBM Update connector on IBM PCs for updating drivers on a new installation. Once you manually run the IBM Update connector program (shortcut) this entry is removed
N	uc_start	ucstartup.exe	Auto updater feature for IBM machines that tries to connect to IBM to see if there are any new drivers, patches and etc
U	UD Agent	UD.EXE	The United Devices Agent can recycle your PC's unused resources and use them to perform valuable scientific and medical research without disturbing your usual computer use - similar to SETI@home but for medical research. Available via Start -> Programs
U	Ueproc32	UEPROC32.exe	Part of Norton Utilities - most likely associated with the Unerase Wizard in older versions
?	ugon	aockstrs.exe	??
N	Uidler	Uidler.exe	Uniloc Titlewave Browser used with some shareware
N	UIWatcher	UIWatcher.exe	Ashampoo Uninstaller Suite - installation watcher. Available via Start -> Programs
X	UKVideo2	ukvideo2.exe	Adult content dialler
N	Ulead Photo Express x.0 Calendar	calcheck.exe	Ulead Calendar Checker - part of Ulead Photo Express, where "x" represents the version number. Automatically replaces your calendar desktop wallpaper on a weekly/monthly/yearly basis if you've created them. Not required - change them manually. See here for disabling instructions
N	UltimateZip Quick Start	uzqkst.exe	UltimateZip - file compression utility
N	Ultra Hal Assistant 4.5 Startup	HalAsst.exe	Zabaware Ultra Hal Assistant - artificial intelligence conversation simulator. It is capable of being your digital secretary and companion
X	Ulubione	sys****.exe	Search Hijacker, redirecting to maxxxhosters.com - where **** are random characters
N	UMAX VistaAccess	vsaccess.exe	VistaAccess gives you quick and easy access to scanning functions right from your desktop
U	UMonit	umonit.exe	Alerts when USB device is plugged in
Y	umxagent	umxagent.exe	Tiny Personal Firewall V4 - main engine
Y	umxldra	umxldra.exe	User mode executive module DLL loader - part of Tiny Personal Firewall V4
Y	UMXLDRW	UMXLDRW.exe	Tiny Personal Firewall (pre V4)
X	un32info	un32info.Exe	Added by the CRYPTER.A TROJAN!
X	uninstal	regsvr32 /u /s image.dll	CoolWebSearch parasite related
X	Uninstall****	upd.exe	Adult content based screen saver where **** can be any number
N	UninstallAbility	uability.exe	UninstallAbility uninstaller
X	Uninstall_TBPS	TBuninst.exe /remove	WebSearch toolbar related, HuntBar parasite variant
U	UniPrint	SetDfltSettings.exe	Drivers for Uniprint, a printing help for Terminal Services and Citrix which recieves downloaded files from a Uniprint enabled server and prints them locally allowing for truly universal printing through Terminal Services or Citrix
U	UniSc	Unisc.exe	McAfee UnInstaller
?	uniucu	uniucu.exe	??
X	unldr16	unldr16.exe	Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN!
X	unldr32	unldr32.exe	Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN!
Y	untray	untray.exe	Part of Command AntiVirus
N	uoltray	exec.exe	Netzero free ISP software - not required
N	UpConfgVer	UpgConf.exe	Panda Antivirus Platinum. Purpose unclear, but according to Panda Software not required for the AV to function
X	Update	[original file path]	Added by the LYNDEGG WORM!
X	Update	CDUpdater.exe	"Carpe Diem" adult premium rate dialler related
X	Update	Sysupd.exe	Added by the SLACKBOT VIRUS!
X	Update	Zupdate.exe	B3d Projector foistware - periodically trys to access the internet. (1) Uninstall it via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. (2) Remove the BDEsecureinstall.exe if still present in C:\Windows\System. (3) Disable and ideally delete it from the registry. (4) Remove the "BDE" directory and all its contents
X	Update	mshtm.exe	Browser hijacker - redirecting to buldog-search.com
X	Update	UPDATE-28062004.exe[25 blank spaces].vbs	Added by the MIDFIN WORM!
X	update	winis.exe	Added by the RBOT-VD WORM!
?	Update for Works	MSWkstz.exe	Maybe related to later versions of MS Works?
N	Update Grokster	WiseUpdt.exe	Automatically updates the Grokster file sharing software. Beware of adware and spyware when using this type of program, for instance, Grokster contains CyDoor
X	Update Install	Schost.exe	Added by the GAOBOT.AO WORM!
?	Update local	SetCPQLC.exe	Running on a Compaq desktop. Any ideas?
N	Update Manager	UpdateManager.exe	Searches for updates for the Rogers Yahoo! Browser - can be run manually
X	update run dos	logon.exe	Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!
Y	Update Service	Update.exe	Loaded by Handybits programs such as EasyCrypto. Re-instates itself every time the program is run so best to leave it enabled. Prevent it dialling out via a firewall
X	update service	svxhost.exe	Added by the RBOT-MG WORM!
?	Update TUT	WiseUpdt.exe	??
X	Update ver 1.0	Swap.exe	Added by the SWAP-C WORM!
X	UpdateComponent	CNF UPD.EXE	Added by the SPYBOT.GEN VIRUS!
?	UpdateFW	fwdload.exe	Appears to be firmware update software for a Network Associates ATMbook OC-3 SMF Interface Module?
?	UPDATEHOOK	Rundll32.exe	??
U	UpdateManager	sgtray.exe	StorageGuard from Veritas (this version by Sonic). Free utility that integrates with Backup MyPC (formerly Backup Exec Desktop), Simple Backup and MS Backup. Provides system tray access and background monitoring - warning you of files that haven't recently been backed up. Required unless you backup manually on a regular basis or have scheduled backups
X	UpdateMedia	UpdateMedia.exe	MediaUpdate foistware
N	updatemgr.exe	updatemgr.exe	Once a month, your EarthLink 5.0 Update Manager contacts EarthLink's servers to check for software updates. If an update is available for your EarthLink software, Update Manager will inform you and, with your permission, download and install the update. Can go to http://www.earthlink.net and download the updates manually
X	updater	wupdater.exe	eUniverse KeenValue parasite related
?	updater	updater.exe	??
X	Updater	adservernow.exe	AdServerNow adware
X	Updater Service Process	svhost32.exe	Added by the AGOBOT.TY WORM!
X	updater32	winload32.exe	Added by the CULT.M WORM!
X	Updates	msupdate.exe	CoolWebSearch parasite variant
N	Updates from HP	backweb*****.exe	Automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates - * is random digit
N	Updatestats	Updatestats.exe	Statblaster - "Get officially liscensed MLB pitch-by-pitch real time updates from every stadium around the league. StatBlaster provides live streaming statistics for each fantasy matchup you want tracked either in one league or across all your leagues"
N	updatev01	updatev01.exe	Ultra-networks.com software updater/downloader