Automatically starting programs and services for virus detection

Automatically starting programs and services for virus detection



This tip was submitted to the searchSecurity Tip Exchange Contest by user Ronald Tuik. Let other users know how useful it is by rating the tip below.

If your computer is acting weird all of the sudden, there is the possibility that you've been infected by a virus.

One quick way to find out is to check the automatically starting programs and services by running msconfig.exe and choosing the last tab. This only works on Windows 98+, though. Windows 95 users can use poledit, which is located on the Win95 CD.

When doing this, check for anything weird, like automatically starting vbs-scripts, programs with unusual names, or programs starting up from unusual places (such as the Recycle Bin).

    Requires Free Membership to View

    SearchSecurity.com members gain immediate and unlimited access to breaking industry news, virus alerts, new hacker threats, highly focused security newsletters, and more -- all at no cost. Join me on SearchSecurity.com today!

    Michael S. Mimoso, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchSecurity.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchSecurity.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

This was first published in August 2001

Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.