Added by the DADOBRA-IW TROJAN! Note - has a blank entry under the Startup Item/Name field

Added by the DADOBRA-IW TROJAN! Note - has a blank entry under the Startup Item/Name field

Added by the DADOBRA-IW TROJAN! Note - has a blank entry under the Startup Item/Name field

Related to Advanced Desktop Shield

Related to Advanced Desktop Shield

Absolute Shield Evidence Eliminator - internet history eraser

DirectCD primarily allows you to drag and drop files onto a suitably formatted CD-RW disc. Unless you use this on a frequent basis it isn't required and is available via Start -> Programs. Start the program before inserting a DirectCD formatted CD-RW in the drive. A re-boot is recommended if you close Adaptec DirectCD before re-opening it again later

DirectCD primarily allows you to drag and drop files onto a suitably formatted CD-RW disc. Unless you use this on a frequent basis it isn't required and is available via Start -> Programs. Start the program before inserting a DirectCD formatted CD-RW in the drive. A re-boot is recommended if you close Adaptec DirectCD before re-opening it again later

Added by the PUNYA-B WORM!

Added by the AGENT-FZ TROJAN!

Keyboard related

Added by the SDBOT-SC WORM!

Dialer_Watcher is an application that allows you to detect dialers on your computer

APC PowerChute Personal Edition status icon

AsdPlug premium rate adult content dialer variant

AsdPlug premium rate adult content dialer variant

AsdPlug premium rate adult content dialer variant

Added by the LEGMIR-ARF TROJAN!

ATK Media utility for ASUS laptops - what does it do and is it required?

Dealio Toolbar is a free shopping comparison toolbar that allows users to search for a wide range of consumer products

Related to Creative DLL Module Loader for the Sound Blaster X-Fi (and maybe others). This program is non-essential process to the running of the system, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems

Added by the MAILBOT-CF TROJAN!

Added by the RBOT-AVO WORM!

Added by the RBOT-AKE WORM!

Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!

Detected by Kaspersky as the AGENT.PH TROJAN!

Added by the SERFLOG.B WORM!

Hot-swappable drive management on laptops allowing you to change drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices

Added by the RASDOOR-A TROJAN!

Added by the KUULLIO WORM!

Added by the TACTSLAY.C TROJAN!

BT Yahoo! internet connection manager

DIYNet adware

ACDSee Auto Device Detector detects when a device is connected to your PC and gives you the option to acquire images from it automatically

Project Labs Century CD manager for their CD/DVD storage device

Adult content dialler

Added by the TOMPAI-D TROJAN!

Codename: Dashboard - "an application that resides at the side of your screen. Built on the Microsoft .NET Framework, it is a host for interchangeable components through which C.D. allows you to have any information you want, on your desktop, all the time"

Added by a variant of the LOVGATE WORM!

Added by the GAOBOT.AO WORM!

Added by the SDBOT-OB WORM!

Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!

Added by the SDBOT-XY WORM!

Copernic Desktop Search - "Easily search your entire hard drive in less than a second to pinpoint the right file, e-mail, music or pictures"

Copernic Desktop Search - search agent

The Desktop Application Director (DAD) gives you easy access to all Corel applications - x represents ther version number. Available via Start -> Programs

Added by the TACTSLAY.C TROJAN!

Added by the RUSTY WORM!

Added by the PUNYA-B WORM!

Added by the MYTOB-FN WORM!

TWAIN driver for the CanoScan D660U flatbed scanner. Start scanning via your scanner management software

CoolWebSearch/HomeSearch adware - for examples, see this log

CoolWebSearch/HomeSearch adware - for examples, see this log

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

3Com NIC Diagnostics. Available via Start -> Programs

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

Pre-loads game profiles for MS Sidewinder game controllers prior to release 2.0 of the software. Recommend upgrade. Available via Start -> Programs

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

Added by the SELOTIMA.A WORM!

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

DAEMON Tools Pro converts your computer games CD/DVD discs into virtual discs" or so called "disc image" files, which run directly on your hard drive"

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

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

Added by the RBOT-AOJ WORM!

Added by the VB-NIB WORM!

Part of Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition - see here

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

Added by the ONLINEG-J TROJAN!

Added by the ONLINEG-Q TROJAN!

Backweb installer - see here

PowerQuest DataKeeper (now owned by Symantec) backup software

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

Installed with DataViz "Documents to Go" software

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"

Added by the KEYPANIC TROJAN!

Date Manager - calender program. Spyware/adware based provided by The Gator Corporation. Please note that Claria Corporation no longer support GAIN-Supported software - see here

Premium rate adult content dialler

NavEnhance adware

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

DayToday from RoboMagic Software Corp. Displays the date on the taskbar

Control and send documents, etc, to any destination. The Dazel Corporation has now been taken over by HP

Added by the WINKO.AO WORM!

Related to SQL Anywhere from Sybase. A comprehensive package providing data management and data exchange technologies

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

Added by the COIDUNG-A WORM!

DriveCleaner misleading security program - not recommended, see here

WinAntiVirus 2006 virus software - not recommended, see here

SystemDoctor is a Security Risk that may give exaggerated reports of threats on the computer. The program then prompts the user to purchase a registered version of the software in order to remove the reported threats

Added by the TUMAG TROJAN!

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

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

DriveCleaner is a security assesment tool which gives exaggerated reports of security and privacy risks on a computer. The program then prompts the user to purchase a registered version of the software in order to remove the reported risks

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

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

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

Webcelerator from eAcceleration speeds your Web browsing by both remembering where you have been and anticipating where you will go. Only needed if you find it improves web browsing. Now no longer available and supported and when available was classed as spyware - see here

Adult content dialler

Direct Disc Writer Event Monitor from TOSHIBA

Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN!

Added by the DEADCAT-A WORM!

DealHelper adware

DealHelper adware

DealHelper adware

Added by the DELF-ERW TROJAN!

Added by the GUBED TROJAN!

Added by the MYTOB-FW WORM!

Added by the MYDOOM.BG WORM!

DeeEnEs - automatically updates a dynamic IP address when it changes

DollarRevenue adware

DollarRevenue adware

Related to IBM Standard Software Installer. What does it do and is it required?

CoolWebSearch parasite variant

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

Associated with the Deko550 entry-level SD real-time graphics system from Avid Technology

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

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

??

Delete History Free - "Privacy protection software for deleting Internet surfing and other computer activity tracks from your PC"

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

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

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

System Tray application for the Dell Photo AIO Printer 920 that enables scan or fax functions to run directly from the printer via the buttons

System Tray application for the Dell Photo AIO Printer 940 that enables scan or fax functions to run directly from the printer via the buttons

System Tray application for the Dell Photo AIO Printer 960 that enables scan or fax functions to run directly from the printer via the buttons

Dell Alert utility, that's supposed to make interaction with Support easier

Dell Photo AIO Printer 922 Device Monitor. Is it required?

Dell Photo AIO Printer 942 Device Monitor. Is it required?

Dell Photo AIO Printer 962 Device Monitor. Is it required?

Dell Webcam Manager - Webcam management software provided on Dell PCs

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?

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

Dell Solution Center - web-based troubleshooting tools and educational offerings

Dell Support Agent offers additional support and update features for your Dell computer or laptop

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

NCase adware

NCase adware

Reportedly part of BT ISP software - what does it do and is it required in startup?

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

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

Deluxe Communications, a SurfSideKick adware variant

Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!

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

Adult content dialler

??

DeskAd.Service adware

Provides transparent icon text backgrounds and coloured icon text

DeskFlag - animated USA flag on the desktop

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

"DeskSlide is utility for automating wallpaper changes on your desktop"

Added by the SDBOT.MD WORM!

Added by the VB-DRN WORM!

IE-Title malware

Desktop theme manager available here - for managing the desktop appearance, fonts, sounds, etc

Desktop Calendar - "Desktop Calendar is a highly customizable calendar program that turns your desktop into a traditional wall calendar, by rotating the background image on a monthly basis"

iSearch "Desktop Search" hijacker

OptusNet DSL or Dial-Up connection software

"Desktop Icon Toy is an easy to use desktop icon enhancement tool, which allows you to make many funny but useful patterns out of your windows desktop icons"

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

A program that replaces the regular Desktop and Taskbar, and can be changed to the user's liking

Adds Iomega Zip drive icons to the desktop

Added by the DELF-KO TROJAN!

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

Related to Roxio MyDVD (was Sonic) DVD authoring software

Added by the DELBOT-AH WORM!

ACDSee Auto Device Detector detects when a device is connected to your PC and gives you the option to acquire images from it automatically

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

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

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

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

??

DigitalNames.g adware

eAcceleration Stop-Sign security software related. Previously not recommended, see here

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

??

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

Added by the ALPHA-C TROJAN!

Adult content dialler

Adult content dialler

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

DialerDetect detects stealth installed premium rate diallers, and sounds the alarm when such a connection is being installed without you knowing it

Manulife Financial Insurance program. Is it required at startup?

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

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"

Adware downloader

Related to camera software from DigitalDreams

For Compaq PC's. Loads Digital Dashboard options

Detects whether your are plugged into a digital telephone line and displays the information graphically. Installed by Dell (and maybe others) and is included with all Connexant V.92 and Broadcom modems

Digital River Systems EBOT for downloading software from their site. In some cases, if you purchase software online for a download from a software manufacturer, you will be sent to this online company's site for the download after the purchase is complete. Read more here

DigitalNames spyware variant

InstallShield's DigitalWizard - free, complete Digital Content Management Solution that makes it easy to experience digital content

Created by Disney but licensed to ESPN for watching videos

Created by Disney but licensed to ESPN for watching videos

DIGStream Cache Manager - part of ESPN Motion and Disney Motion that periodically check for new videos and indication they're available in the System Tray. Starting ESPN Motion/Disney Motion starts digstream automatically

Dimension - a program which lets you customize MSN messenger such as adding animated and coloured nicknames, personal toast creator, war tools (login flooder), and allows viewing and interacting with the raw MSN protocol

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

Related to Jurassic Park III and enables a dinosaur to walk across the screen. Also generates adverts and classified as adware as a result

IMIServer/IEPlugin adware

DirectUpdate dynamic DNS updater

Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!

Added by a variant of the RBOT-CJ WORM!

Added by the CERTIF-F TROJAN!

DirectCD primarily allows you to drag and drop files onto a suitably formatted CD-RW disc. Unless you use this on a frequent basis it isn't required and is available via Start -> Programs. Start the program before inserting a DirectCD formatted CD-RW in the drive. A re-boot is recommended if you close Adaptec DirectCD before re-opening it again later

Directory Opus - an advanced file manager. "Directory Opus goes beyond the simple file manager metaphor, and offers you a complete replacement for Windows Explorer and many other utility programs for handling FTP, ZIP, viewing files and images, running slideshows and more"

Added by the BEAGLE.O or BEAGLE.R or BEAGLE.S or BEAGLE.T WORMS!

Starts DirectTV DSL modem at boot up. Can also be started manually

Added by the BIONET.318 TROJAN! Note - not the DirectX helper which is ddhelp.exe

Added by the SDBOT.D TROJAN!

Added by the BLAXE or LOGPOLE WORMS!

Added by a variant of the AGOBOT/GAOBOT WORM!

Added by the PROGENT TROJAN!

Detected by PCTools as the RBOT.UXL WORM! See here

Added by the WILAB-A TROJAN!

Added by the BROWNEY.A WORM!

Detected by Kaspersky as the AGENT.EDW TROJAN! See here

Added by the RBOT-ALT WORM!

Dirkey - small utility that allows you to bookmark up to 9 folders by using the Ctrl+Alt+1..9 shortcut keys in an Open/Save File dialog or in Windows Explorer. After this the Ctrl+1..9 shortcut keys can be used in the same or another window to go to any of the 9 bookmarked folders

??

Related to DISCover Drop from Digital Interactive Systems Corporation. What does it do and is it required?

Discover Deskshop - single use "virtual" credit card

Disc Update Manager for Digital interactive's DISCover Console. Provider of on-demand video games

DISCover from Digital Interactive Systems Corporation Inc. "The company’s patented Drop ’n’ Play technology provides a simple, console-like experience when playing PC titles allowing for seamless play of CD/DVD-based games while its unique Parental Control system incorporates ESRB ratings to help users limit access to younger players"

Seagate DiscWizard - hard disk utility for Seagate's SATA and PATA (IDE) drives

Hard disk management part of TuneUp Utilities from TuneUp Distribution GmbH

Added by a variant of the IRCBOT TROJAN!

Added by the RBOT.AQT WORM!

Detected by PCTools as the IRCBOT.BSQ TROJAN! See here

DisKeeper defragmentation software - can be started manually

Added by the CRYPTER.A TROJAN!

??

Dell program that reminds you to make your backup diskettes

Multi-media, Smartmedia, Compact Flash card reader for reading digital camera cards. Device is recognised as internal USB disk drive. Necessary if camera cards are to be recognised as soon as they are inserted into the reader

Added by the DORF-AE WORM!

Added by the DLOADR-AS TROJAN!

DisplayFusion from Binary Fortress Software - "is a fantastic application that can make your dual monitor (or triple monitor or more) life much, much easier! From allowing you to use a different wallpaper on each monitor, to integrating with Flickr for image searching, to providing hotkeys for managing your application windows"

Disspy spyware detection and removal software

From Adobe. Creates PDF universal files for Acrobat Reader. Available via Start -> Programs

Added by the MYFIP.A or MYFIP.K WORMS!

Dsitributed computing projects client from Distributed.net where numerous computers are used to share a projects workload - similar to SETI@Home and Folding@Home. Also prone to being distributed by viruses

Drive Icon and Label Utility - assigns drive icons and names to flash memory cards. Required, otherwise the drives aren't found

Added by the LAZAR-A TROJAN! Note - this is located in the System (9x/Me) or System32 (NT/2K/XP) folder

Associated with an Eicon Networks ISDN or ADSL modem. System Tray icon which shows you the status of your lines (free, occupied with incoming or outgoing call). Available via Start -> Programs

Associated with an Eicon Networks Diva ISDN or ADSL modem - what does it do and is it required?

Added to the SPBOT.B TROJAN!

Added by the ALADINZ.G TROJAN!

Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!

Added by the NALDEM TROJAN or MASTAK VIRUS!

Added by an unidentified WORM or TROJAN!

Added by an unidentfied VIRUS! Note - this is not the legitimate Creative Labs devldr32.exe file

Symantec Licensing Detect Internet Connection, part of Norton Antivirus. What does it do and is it required?

WebRebates adware

Added by the DECOY-A WORM!

From Executive Software's Diskeeper defragmenting utility - a replacement for Windows Disk Defragmenter. It's recommended to leave this enabled, otherwise you could have problems starting it manually.

Added by the LUNII TROJAN!

RapidBlaster variant (in a "DonkeySoft" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here

RapidBlaster variant (in a "DonkeySoft" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here

??

Sonic CD/DVD burning applications

System Tray access to DLA - Drive letter access to HP's and Veritas' version of DirectCD. Does the same thing as DirectCD. From HP - "This is a needed file as it controles the readability of the Combo drives. Without this file loading the end user will be able to burn CD's but wont be able to read them. The drive itself will be able to read store bought master Cd's without the file but not burnt ones"

Related to Dell Photo Printers and provides additional configuration options for these devices

Dell Photo AIO Printer 924 device monitor

Dell Photo AIO Printer 944 device monitor

Dell Photo AIO Printer 810 device monitor

Added by the MAILBOT-CB TROJAN!

Dell Photo AIO Printer 964 device monitor

Dell Photo AIO Printer 964 device monitor

Dell Photo AIO Printer 964 device monitor

Dell printer software - reports back on printer and cartridge useage

Advertising spyware. Considered to be one oft the worst - even creating a fake "explorer.exe" file. Can be installed via versions of "Grokster", "Lime Wire" and "KaZaA" amongst other file-sharing utilities (see here). Reported in the past as a virus

??

Backweb part of Data LifeGuard - diagnostic tools for Western Digital's series of hard drives. Automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates