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The information regarding startup programs was written for users of Windows 9X operating systems. Users of Windows XP have less to be concerned about because of the way XP manages memory, but a comprehensive listing of startup items for their use can be found at Pac's Portal and that site's database can be conveniently searched with the facility here.

Many new users are concerned about the low level of system resources available to them. Much of the problem can be due to the number of programs which are loaded and run when the system starts up.

In an effort to clarify what these programs are and whether they are necessary the following list is provided. Programs are color-coded to aid in determining whether they are necessary. Those which must not be removed have their names in red, those which can be removed without a problem are in green, and those which may or may not be required are in yellow.

In the event you have an entry which is not listed here, post it on Delltalk and you should get clarification about it. For those who have Compaq or other non-Dell systems, another excellent source of information on startup items is Pac's Portal.

Note that if you uncheck any items on the Startup tab you will receive a warning when booting up that you are in Selective Startup mode for troubleshooting. This is perfectly normal--any time you modify Startup you are put into Selective Startup. Merely check the box to tell Windows not to display that warning in the future.

Program Name	Comments
Adaptec DirectCD	Allows the user to drag and drop files to a CD-R. If this capability isn't used frequently, this doesn't need to always be loaded.
Adobe Gamma Loader.exe	Used to load graphics parameters. Not necessary in Startup.
alogserv.exe	A McAfee file. It is reported to cause jerky graphics response in many games.
Ahqtb	More controls for a Creative sound card. These functions are all available through the Start menu.
AudioHQ	This loads the desktop control panel for the Creative Live card. Leave it checked if you want it.
AvconsoleEXE	This is an antivirus program. Some users don't have AV running all the time, preferring rather to do manual scans. It's your call.
C:\Program File\Dell\Motive	Related to Dell's Resolution Assistant
CleanSweep, SmartSweep, InternetSweep	All three of these CleanSweep modules can be run manually.
Cal reminder shortcut	Produces a pop-up reminder of events scheduled using the MS Works Calendar.
Controller	This starts WinFax Pro at startup. Not needed.
Critical Update	Contacts Microsoft frequently looking for updates. Uncheck it and visit the update site manually.
CSInject.exe	Related to CleanSweep. Unchecking it will disable some functions of CleanSweep. Details are available here.
CTSysVol	This is associated with a Creative sound card, and adds volume controls to the Windows volume controls
DDT	See DellWB1
DEMCleanup	See DellWB1
DellWB1, DellWB2, DellWB3, etc.	These programs are used by Dell as part of the software download checkout at the factory. If they are still on your machine, they serve no purpose. You can delete them by going to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\|Software\|Microsoft\|Windows\|CurrentVersion\|Run and right-clicking any found there and selecting "Delete." Do the same for HKLM\|Software\|Microsoft\|Windows\|CurrentVersion\|RunServices.
devldr16.exe	Associated with Creative Labs sound cards. Provides audio support for DOS applications. If you don't have those, you don't need this.
Disknag	This is a little program that reminds you to make your backup diskettes. It is not necessary in Startup.
EM-EXEC	This is mouse software. Some users uncheck it with no problem. Try unchecking it and if problems occur, restore it to Startup.
ENCMON	The Encompass Monitor. This program is the Connect Direct Program. It is more trouble than it is worth and few use it. There are instructions for its removal in the Dell Knowledge Base, here.
EPSON Background Monitor	This little utility is supposed to keep an Epson printer ready for quick printing. Users report little difference whether it is on or not.
explorer	This is required for Windows.
FEELitDeviceManager	Associated with Immersion TouchSense devices (Logitech Wingman Force Feedback Mouse and possibly other peripherals)
Hidserv.exe.run	This is the Human Interface Device Server, it is required if you are using USB Audio Devices
HP ScanPicture	Used with an HP scanner. It will load when the scanner is going to be used--no need to have it available all the time.
ICQ NetDetect Agent	This automatically connects to ICQ when the user goes online. Not necessary, but a convenience.
ICSMGR	Monitors DNS and DHCP requests for ICS (Internet Connection Sharing).
Iomega Disk Icons	All this does is change the icon form the Iomega drive.
Iomega Startup Options	This is related to the Zip drive. It adds the right-click context menu selections for the Zip drive.
Iomega Watch	Related to the Zip drive--not needed.
LoadPowerProfile	This is required if you are using Power Management (accessed through Start\|Settings\|Control Panel\|Power). If so, there will be two instances. This is normal.
Loadqm	Loads the MSN Explorer Query Manager--a waste of resources and bandwidth. (It is also used by MSN Explorer 6.x to check for updates.)
Machine Debug Manager (mdm)	Used by developers for debugging. Those who have encountered it have unchecked it with no degradation in performance.
Mad.exe	Related to Dell's Resolution Assistant
McAfeeWEbScanX	Antivirus program. Keep it unless you are sure you will faithfully do manual scans and practice safe computing.
MiniLog	This activates ZoneAlarm's logging module. It is not required if logging is not enabled (by checking "Log alerts to a text file" under the Alerts button).
Mixghost	This is management software for Altec Lansing speakers. If a change is needed, the user can launch it from the Start menu.
Microsoft Critical Update	Detects and installs critical updates from the Microsoft site. Most users prefer to install these manually.
Microsoft Find Fast	This program is unnecessary and troublesome when it is running.
Microsoft Greetings Reminders	Are you willing to give up resources to remember Aunt Sadie's birthday? Me either.
Microsoft Office Startup	A resource hog and not needed. If quick access to Office is needed, put a shortcut on the desktop. (Some users report that unchecking this item cause difficulty. Bear this in mind if it is removed and performance is degraded.)
Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders	See Greetings Reminders, above.
mmtray	Places a Music Box Jukebox icon in the task tray. The program works fine without it.
Motive Monitor	Related to Dell's Resolution Assistant. For details about Resolution Assistant, see here.
MSMSGS	MSN Messenger Service. Not required at startup unless it is used regularly. An easier way to remove it from startup is to open the program, go to Tools\|Options and uncheck "Run this program when Windows starts" on the Preferences tab. If you are running IE6, you should also go into Outlook Express to Tools\|Options and on the General tab uncheck the item that loads MSN Messenger at startup.
NAV defalert	This a reminder from Norton Antivirus to update virus signatures. Leave it if you think you might forget.
Norton AutoProtect	This is Norton's real-time scanner for viruses. It can save a lot of grief in the event an email with a contaminated attachment.
Norton Crashguard Monitor	Generally considered an unstable program, most users avoid it.
Norton Email Protect	This is a feature which sets up a proxy server to isolate the main system from email-borne viruses. If this feature is not desired, it is recommended that it be turned of in the programs control panel under Options\|E-Mail Protection. When it is inactivated incoming email is still scanned as it is saved to your hard disk, but no proxy server is involved as an additional layer of protection.
Norton System Doctor	A major resource hog, you will be well off without it.
OSSetupDebug	See DellWB1
PCHealth	This is a part of Windows ME which provides Restore functionality. See here.
Pointer	This is mouse utilities, and is required for the wheel to work with full functionality.
Ptsnoop.exe	This is a modem driver used by several software modems to monitor the COM port. Its functions become active when the modem is in use. Additional information can be found here.
QuickShelf 99	Places an icon in the system tray for launching Microsoft Bookshelf. Use the Start menu or a shortcut instead.
Power Reg Scheduler	Displays reminders to register software. Not needed.
Real Jukebox Systray	This is the Jukebox counterpart to Real Player. It makes no discernible difference if it is not running.
RealTray	A similar program to Real Jukebox Systray for RealPlayer v7.
Reminder	Used with Microsoft Money. Not needed at Startup.
rnaapp	Used in Dial Up Networking. It loads when you initiate a connection. There is no particular reason to have it load at startup.
run=hpfsched	This program pops up a reminder to register a new HP printer or scanner. It is not necessary.
Rundll32.exe	Required for Dial Up Networking. This also appears in the Startup list if the resolution monitor (used to change monitor resolution on the fly) is placed in the system tray even if unchecked in Startup.
RxMon, RxUser	Related to Dell's Resolution Assistant
SBServ.exe	The script blocking component of Norton AntiVirus
ScanReg	This program scans your Registry at startup and makes copies. Useful for backing up in the event of a corrupted Registry.
Scheduling Agent	Keep this if Task Scheduler is being used. I not, it can be eliminated.
SpeedRacer	Software for a Creative sound card. Not needed at startup.
SSPDSRV.exe	Provides Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) and General Event Notification Architecture (GENA) services for Universal Plug and Play functionality.
*StateMgr	Another portion of Windows ME required for Restore functionality.
Stimon.exe or StillimageMonitor	Scanner software. Can be deleted unless an HP scanner is used in which case eliminating it will cause BSODs.
Systray	Required for your clock and other items in the System Tray.
TaskMonitor	This is a Microsoft utility which keeps track of the rate of usage of programs to make defragging more efficient. With short seek times and high transfer rates of today's hard drives, it is probably superfluous.
TCAUTIEXE, TCAUDIAG	These are associated with the 3COM diagnostic module (3COM NIC Doctor). No further information is available.
Tips	Provides tips for using the mouse--probably not needed by most users.
Touch Manager	A keyboard utility. Not required for Windows, but a very nice program. NOTE: some users report that unchecking this item resulted in loss of screen and power saver functions.
TrueVector	Required for users running the ZoneAlarm firewall
TweakUI	Some users will need to have this loaded at startup to enable some of its options. If TweakUI is used to enter a network password it will be listed twice.
UpdReg.exe	Reminder to register the Creative Sound Blaster Live! card
VoyetraTray	This provides an abbreviated Control Group for the Turtle Beach Montego II sound functions/associated with AudioStation 3 and 32.
Vs Stat EXE	McAfee antivirus program. If you are careful about downloads and faithfully perform manual virus scans this can be unchecked. For most users, however, it should stay.
VsecomrEXE	McAfee "nag" popup to encourage users to upgrade to the latest version.
Vshwin32.exe	Also McAfee. Not needed if manual scans of downloads and disk contents are faithfully done--should remain checked for most users..
VsStat.exe	See Vshwin32.exe above.
Winmgmt.exe	Used for Enterprise Management. If you are not an IT Administrator you don't need it to be running.
winmodem	This is not needed.
Wkcalrem	The Works Calendar Reminder. Leave it checked if you want the calendar to remind you of something.
WKDETECT	A program that automatically looks for updates for Microsoft Works. The user can easily do this manually at convenient intervals.
WorksFUD (wkfud.exe)	A marketing program for Microsoft Works. DEFINITELY NOT NEEDED.
ZipDisk Icons	Related to the Zip drive--not needed.
ZoneAlarm	This is the ZoneAlarm firewall program.

There are some entries in Msconfig which are unique to laptops. Laptop users can find information on these items here.

For entries in Msconfig not listed here, try a search for them in Google, one of the best search engines on the Internet.

Many thanks to the Delltalk regulars who contributed their knowledge and suggestions for this list: Pam G., Dan B., Dan Manley, Tom (Goonboy), Eric Robins, Kay Hammil, Cynthia Lux, and Ralph Caddell..