A program in startUp listed as "Program". I don't know what it is or if it's needed.

Question

StartUp--"Program" is listed.   Strange startup program called "Program"  I have discovered a weird entry in my startup programs. A program with the name "Program" that has neither publisher nor can I open its location.  Can this "Program" be removed, or is it something important and needed for system.... or does it cause problems?

Answer 1

Hi Mark, this is very common, it is left over from a malware infection that has been removes already by Defender or your chosen Anti-virus

Task Manager and indeed Msconfig offer only limited control over Startup items . . .

Click the link below to download a small free utility that does not require installation

When the file downloads, unzip it.

Depending on your system, run Autoruns or Autoruns64 as Administrator

With that utility, scroll down and you will find that reference to 'Program'

Right click that and choose 'Delete'

That's It!

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/d...

Answer 2

Hi DaveM121,

I regret my efforts did not yield results.  I could not find 'program'.  When using the link you provided it got me to Autoruns v13.82 and it did not require unzipping as I ran it without downloading; also it was referenced sysinternals.com

At any rate, I checked various aspects of the program, but my meager understanding was not sufficient to get me to the gold ring.  Thanks, Mark

Answer 3

You really should identify what it does before deleting it.

Can you find the entry in Task Manager? Can you stop it there?

What you can do is just MOVE the shortcut from the startup foldeer to your desktop. Then see what happens. Does it magically reappear? That suggests it could be malware. Is something no longer working?

Answer 4

SOUNDS OUTSTANDING!!!  I WILL PROCEED.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Answer 5

Hi Mark, glad to Help!