Spyware and Adware What are Startup Entries and Can They be Spyware? SUMMARY: Windows startup entries defined, and whether or not they are malicious.   Startup entries are processes or services that automatically run whenever you start Windows. For the most part, these are very useful. Startup entries can, among other things: * Launch antivirus, firewall, and anti-spyware applications * Pre-load parts of various applications, such as Microsoft Office, in memory, so that when you want to use Microsoft Word it will load much quicker * Add icons to your Windows System Tray, such as for multimedia players, making them easier to access However, some startup entries can be malicious. If adware, spyware, or other malware infects your machine, it may add software that starts up whenever you load Windows. This way it can display advertisements, scan on your activities, or re-install itself if anti-spyware applications try to remove it. Thus, while startup entries are not always malicious, the list of entries should be watched to make sure that no new malware exists. Luckily, there are a wide variety of anti-spyware removal tools that can help perform this monitoring for you.   Add: Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl | My Yahoo!   Discuss This Tip Print This Tip Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online Return to the Spyware and Adware page.