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Unknown Program in Startup

Tags:
  • windows 8.1
  • Windows
  • win
  • startup
  • X64
  • Task Manager
  • program
  • 64
  • Windows 8
  • unknown
  • taskmgr
  • 64 bit
Last response: in Windows 8
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Should I worry about this?

Total: 1 vote

  • Yes, it's most likely an infected file
  • 100 %
  • No, it's most likely a glitch and/or harmless
  • 0 %
September 24, 2014 9:26:04 AM

Hi, I run Windows 8.1 x64. I noticed in the Startup tab of Task Manager, there's a listing simply called "Program".

Screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/8eyr1yB.png

When I right click on this program, the options "Open file location" and "Properties" are greyed out.

I was just curious if anyone else had this in their Startup. I'm not sure if this is simply a glitch or if it's an infected file, I get frequent blue screens that say "BAD_POOL_HEADER", despite frequent security scans, driver updates and constant avoidance of any possible sites that could infect my computer. I can't see any way that my computer could have a virus.

More about : unknown program startup

September 24, 2014 9:57:07 AM

I'm no professional, but that seems odd... have you tried running a boot-time anti-virus scan?
September 24, 2014 10:27:27 AM

elfin8er said:
I'm no professional, but that seems odd... have you tried running a boot-time anti-virus scan?


I don't know what a boot-time scan is. Can I do that with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware? It's all I use because I game a lot, though I use PeerBlock to block potentially harmful IPs if you can count that as a security program.
Related resources
September 24, 2014 10:54:01 AM

I personally have Avast. It's one of the top rated anti-virus programs out there. It's got real-time protection, scanning, and even a sandbox mode which allows you to run programs in the safe environment. The boot time scan allows you to scan the Windows files before the computer boots into Windows. I would run that to make sure that Windows itself doesn't have any viruses.
September 24, 2014 1:05:39 PM

elfin8er said:
I personally have Avast. It's one of the top rated anti-virus programs out there. It's got real-time protection, scanning, and even a sandbox mode which allows you to run programs in the safe environment. The boot time scan allows you to scan the Windows files before the computer boots into Windows. I would run that to make sure that Windows itself doesn't have any viruses.


What are the top 5 best antivirus programs? Money isn't a factor considering I want the best security possible.
September 24, 2014 1:37:23 PM

DRG77 said:
elfin8er said:
I personally have Avast. It's one of the top rated anti-virus programs out there. It's got real-time protection, scanning, and even a sandbox mode which allows you to run programs in the safe environment. The boot time scan allows you to scan the Windows files before the computer boots into Windows. I would run that to make sure that Windows itself doesn't have any viruses.


What are the top 5 best antivirus programs? Money isn't a factor considering I want the best security possible.

I'm not someone who is very knowledgeable in this field, but I'll do my best to answer. My personal favorite is Avast which has both a free and paid version, however, BitDefender 2015 was rated highest from PCMag. There is also a top 5 antivirus software list from PCMag that I think is worth checking out. Also, taking a look at CNET's Security software, as well as their Antivirus Software may be of some use. Last but not least, there's a great guide right here that explains what Antivirus Software is right for you.
September 24, 2014 2:58:14 PM

elfin8er said:
DRG77 said:
elfin8er said:
I personally have Avast. It's one of the top rated anti-virus programs out there. It's got real-time protection, scanning, and even a sandbox mode which allows you to run programs in the safe environment. The boot time scan allows you to scan the Windows files before the computer boots into Windows. I would run that to make sure that Windows itself doesn't have any viruses.


What are the top 5 best antivirus programs? Money isn't a factor considering I want the best security possible.

I'm not someone who is very knowledgeable in this field, but I'll do my best to answer. My personal favorite is Avast which has both a free and paid version, however, BitDefender 2015 was rated highest from PCMag. There is also a top 5 antivirus software list from PCMag that I think is worth checking out. Also, taking a look at CNET's Security software, as well as their Antivirus Software may be of some use. Last but not least, there's a great guide right here that explains what Antivirus Software is right for you.


Much appreciated :) 
September 24, 2014 3:34:42 PM

Absolutely! Glad to help :)  Feel free to mark as solved, and upvote my post if you'd like.
September 24, 2014 8:23:31 PM

I found the answer, I merely needed to enable command line on Task Manager to find what the files were. They were deleted long ago so it looks like they're stuck there.
!