Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 Default Processes

A process is a running .exe file. The Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 (Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7) Task Manager includes a Processes tab which lists the currently running processes (i.e., the currently running .exe files). An understanding of what processes should, and should not be listed in the Processes tab is useful in identifying malware infection.

This page provides screenshots of the Processes tab after clean installations of Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 at various Service Pack (SP) levels.

1.1.  Abbreviations

• Orig = Original Release = operating system without a Service Pack.
• SP# = Service Pack #.
• Windows 98 = Windows 98 Second Edition.
• Windows ME = Windows Millennium Edition.
• Windows 2000 Pro = Windows 2000 Professional.
• Windows XP HE = Windows XP Home Edition.
• Windows XP Pro = Windows XP Professional.
• Windows XP = Windows XP HE/Pro = Windows XP HE and/or Windows XP Pro.
• Windows Vista HB = Windows Vista Home Basic.
• Windows Vista Ult = Windows Vista Ultimate.
• Windows Vista = Windows Vista HB/Ult = Windows Vista HB and/or Windows Vista Ult.
• Windows 7 HP = Windows 7 Home Premium.
• Windows 7 Pro = Windows 7 Professional.
• Windows 7 = Windows 7 HP/Pro = Windows 7 HP and/or Windows 7 Pro.

2.1.  Hardware: Windows 2000 Pro/XP Default Processes

• Motherboard: MSI KT6 Delta-LSR (VIA AMD KT600 Chipset).
• Processor: AMD Athlon XP 3000+.
• Memory: 1GB Kingston 400MHz DDR.
• Video: Motherboard does not include integrated video. Install add-in video ATI Radeon 9600 SE AGP 8x 128MB DDR.
• All hardware device drivers (including video): Use Windows 2000/XP plug-n-play defaults; meaning, if prompted to install a driver during Windows 2000/XP startup, cancel out.

2.2.  Hardware: Windows Vista/7 Default Processes

• Motherboard: Intel DG33FB (Intel G33 Express Chipset).
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750.
• Memory: 2GB Kingston 800MHz DDR2.
• Video: In BIOS, select Ext PCIE Graphics (PEG) over Int Graphics (IGD). Install add-in video Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT PCI-E x16 256MB GDDR3.
• All hardware device drivers (including video): Use Windows Vista/7 plug-n-play defaults; meaning, if prompted to install a driver during Windows Vista/7 startup, cancel out.

3.1.  Windows 2000 Pro SP3 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows 2000 Pro includes SP3:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows 2000 Pro includes SP3 product CD.
   2. In Windows 2000 Pro Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Getting Started with Windows 2000 dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. Wait 4-5 minutes.
5. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
6. Wait 1 minute.
7. Take a screenshot of the Windows 2000 Pro SP3 Processes tab:
   

3.2.  Windows 2000 Pro SP4 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows 2000 Pro includes SP3:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows 2000 Pro includes SP3 product CD.
   2. In Windows 2000 Pro Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Getting Started with Windows 2000 dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. Install Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 Network Install For IT Professionals (microsoft.com):
   • Select default/typical/recommended throughout.
5. Restart the computer.
6. The Getting Started with Windows 2000 dialog appears. Click Close, X.
7. Wait 4-5 minutes.
8. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
9. Wait 1 minute.
10. Take a screenshot of the Windows 2000 Pro SP4 Processes tab:
    

4.1.  Windows XP HE Orig Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows XP HE Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows XP HE Orig product CD.
   2. In Windows XP HE Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Take a tour of Windows XP balloon tip appears. Click the balloon tip. The Welcome to the Windows XP Tour dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. Wait a couple minutes for the To activate Windows now balloon tip to appear. Click the balloon tip. The Let's activate Windows dialog appears. Click Close, X.
5. Wait 4-5 minutes.
6. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
7. Wait 1 minute.
8. Take a screenshot of the Windows XP HE Orig Processes tab:
   

4.2.  Windows XP HE SP1 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows XP HE includes SP1:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows XP HE includes SP1 product CD.
   2. In Windows XP HE Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Take a tour of Windows XP balloon tip appears. Click the balloon tip. The Welcome to the Windows XP Tour dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. Wait a couple minutes for the To activate Windows now balloon tip to appear. Click the balloon tip. The Let's activate Windows dialog appears. Click Close, X.
5. Wait 4-5 minutes.
6. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
7. Wait 1 minute.
8. Take a screenshot of the Windows XP HE SP1 Processes tab:
   

4.3.  Windows XP HE SP2 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows XP HE includes SP2:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows XP HE includes SP2 product CD.
   2. In Windows XP HE Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. When the Help protect your PC dialog appears, select Not right now.
   4. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Take a tour of Windows XP balloon tip appears. Click the balloon tip. The Welcome to the Windows XP Tour dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. The Your computer might be at risk balloon tip appears. Click Close, X.
5. Wait a couple minutes for the To activate Windows now balloon tip to appear. Click the balloon tip. The Let's activate Windows dialog appears. Click Close, X.
6. Wait 4-5 minutes.
7. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
8. Wait 1 minute.
9. Take a screenshot of the Windows XP HE SP2 Processes tab:
   

4.4.  Windows XP HE SP3 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows XP HE includes SP2:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows XP HE includes SP2 product CD.
   2. In Windows XP HE Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. When the Help protect your PC dialog appears, select Not right now.
   4. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Take a tour of Windows XP balloon tip appears. Click the balloon tip. The Welcome to the Windows XP Tour dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. The Your computer might be at risk balloon tip appears. Click Close, X.
5. When the To activate Windows now balloon tip appears, ignore it.
6. Install Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package For IT Professionals And Developers (microsoft.com):
   1. When the Help protect your PC dialog appears, select Not right now.
   2. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
7. Restart the computer.
8. The Your computer might be at risk balloon tip appears. Click Close, X.
9. Wait a couple minutes for the To activate Windows now balloon tip to appear. Click the balloon tip. The Let's activate Windows dialog appears. Click Close, X.
10. Wait 4-5 minutes.
11. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
12. Wait 1 minute.
13. Take a screenshot of the Windows XP HE SP3 Processes tab:
    

4.5.  Windows XP Pro SP2 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows XP Pro includes SP2:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows XP Pro includes SP2 product CD.
   2. In Windows XP Pro Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. When the Help protect your PC dialog appears, select Not right now.
   4. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Take a tour of Windows XP balloon tip appears. Click the balloon tip. The Welcome to the Windows XP Tour dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. The Your computer might be at risk balloon tip appears. Click Close, X.
5. Wait a couple minutes for the To activate Windows now balloon tip to appear. Click the balloon tip. The Let's activate Windows dialog appears. Click Close, X.
6. Wait 4-5 minutes.
7. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
8. Wait 1 minute.
9. Take a screenshot of the Windows XP Pro SP2 Processes tab:
   

4.6.  Windows XP Pro SP3 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows XP Pro includes SP2:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows XP Pro includes SP2 product CD.
   2. In Windows XP Pro Setup, delete all existing partitions, create a partition, and format it NTFS.
   3. When the Help protect your PC dialog appears, select Not right now.
   4. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Take a tour of Windows XP balloon tip appears. Click the balloon tip. The Welcome to the Windows XP Tour dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. The Your computer might be at risk balloon tip appears. Click Close, X.
5. When the To activate Windows now balloon tip appears, ignore it.
6. Install Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package For IT Professionals And Developers (microsoft.com):
   1. When the Help protect your PC dialog appears, select Not right now.
   2. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
7. Restart the computer.
8. The Your computer might be at risk balloon tip appears. Click Close, X.
9. Wait a couple of minutes for the To activate Windows now balloon tip to appear. Click the balloon tip. The Let's activate Windows dialog appears. Click Close, X.
10. Wait 4-5 minutes.
11. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
12. Wait 1 minute.
13. Take a screenshot of the Windows XP Pro SP3 Processes tab:
    

5.1.  Windows Vista HB Orig Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista HB (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows Vista HB (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Type your product key for activation dialog appears, enter the Product Key and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   3. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   4. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. Wait a couple minutes for the Windows Security Alerts icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
5. Wait 3-4 minutes.
6. Either:
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista HB Orig Processes tab:
      
   or,
   
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista HB Orig Processes tab:
      

5.2.  Windows Vista HB SP1 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista HB (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows Vista HB (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Type your product key for activation dialog appears, enter the Product Key and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   3. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   4. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. When the Windows Security Alerts icon appears in the notification area, ignore it.
5. Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone (KB936330) (microsoft.com).
6. Restart the computer.
7. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
8. Wait a couple minutes for the Windows Security Alerts icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
9. Wait 3-4 minutes.
10. Either:
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista HB SP1 Processes tab:
       
    or,
    
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista HB SP1 Processes tab:
       

5.3.  Windows Vista HB SP2 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista HB (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows Vista HB (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Type your product key for activation dialog appears, enter the Product Key and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   3. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   4. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. When the Windows Security Alerts icon appears in the notification area, ignore it.
5. Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone (KB936330) (microsoft.com).
6. Restart the computer.
7. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
8. When the Windows Security Alerts icon appears in the notification area, ignore it.
9. Install Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 And Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone (KB948465) (microsoft.com).
10. Restart the computer.
11. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
12. Wait a couple minutes for the Windows Security Alerts icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
13. Wait 3-4 minutes.
14. Either:
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista HB SP2 Processes tab:
       
    or,
    
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista HB SP2 Processes tab:
       

5.4.  Windows Vista Ult Orig Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista Ult (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows Vista Ult (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Type your product key for activation dialog appears, enter the Product Key and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   3. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   4. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. Wait a couple minutes for the Windows Security Alerts icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
5. Wait 3-4 minutes.
6. Either:
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista Ult Orig Processes tab:
      
   or,
   
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista Ult Orig Processes tab:
      

5.5.  Windows Vista Ult SP1 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista Ult (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows Vista Ult (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Type your product key for activation dialog appears, enter the Product Key and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   3. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   4. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. When the Windows Security Alerts icon appears in the notification area, ignore it.
5. Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone (KB936330) (microsoft.com).
6. Restart the computer.
7. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
8. Wait a couple of minutes for the Windows Security Alerts icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
9. Wait 3-4 minutes.
10. Either:
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista Ult SP1 Processes tab:
       
    or,
    
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista Ult SP1 Processes tab:
       

5.6.  Windows Vista Ult SP2 Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista Ult (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows Vista Ult (OEM System Builder Pack) Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Type your product key for activation dialog appears, enter the Product Key and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   3. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   4. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
4. When the Windows Security Alerts icon appears in the notification area, ignore it.
5. Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone (KB936330) (microsoft.com).
6. Restart the computer.
7. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
8. When the Windows Security Alerts icon appears in the notification area, ignore it.
9. Install Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 And Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone (KB948465) (microsoft.com).
10. Restart the computer.
11. The Welcome Center dialog appears. Click Close, X.
12. Wait a couple minutes for the Windows Security Alerts icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
13. Wait 3-4 minutes.
14. Either:
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista Ult SP2 Processes tab:
       
    or,
    
    1. Right click the taskbar and then click Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
    2. Wait 1 minute.
    3. Take a screenshot of the Windows Vista Ult SP2 Processes tab:
       

6.1.  Windows 7 HP Orig Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows 7 HP Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows 7 HP Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   3. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   4. When the Set Up Windows: Type your Windows product key dialog appears, leave it blank and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect your computer and improve Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Wait a couple minutes for the Action Center icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
4. Wait 3-4 minutes.
5. Either:
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Start Task Manager | Processes.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows 7 HP Orig Processes tab:
      
   or,
   
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Start Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows 7 HP Orig Processes tab:
      

6.2.  Windows 7 Pro Orig Default Processes

1. Perform a clean installation of Windows 7 Pro Orig:
   1. Boot the computer from the Windows 7 Pro Orig product DVD.
   2. When the Install Windows: Which type of installation do you want dialog appears, click Custom (advanced).
   3. When the Install Windows: Where do you want to install Windows dialog appears, delete all existing partitions and create a new partition.
   4. When the Set Up Windows: Type your Windows product key dialog appears, leave it blank and uncheck Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
   5. When the Set Up Windows: Help protect your computer and improve Windows automatically dialog appears, click Ask me later.
   6. Otherwise, select default/typical/recommended throughout.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Wait a couple minutes for the Action Center icon to appear in the notification area. Ignore it.
4. Wait 3-4 minutes.
5. Either:
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Start Task Manager | Processes.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows 7 Pro Orig Processes tab:
      
   or,
   
   1. Right click the taskbar and then click Start Task Manager | Processes | Show processes from all users.
   2. Wait 1 minute.
   3. Take a screenshot of the Windows 7 Pro Orig Processes tab:
      

• Default Processes In Windows 2000 (263201) (support.microsoft.com)
• Description Of Svchost.exe In Windows 2000 (250320) (support.microsoft.com)
• A Description Of Svchost.exe In Windows XP Professional Edition (314056) (support.microsoft.com)
• Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 Network Install For IT Professionals (microsoft.com)
• Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package For IT Professionals And Developers (microsoft.com)
• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone (KB936330) (microsoft.com)
• Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 And Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone (KB948465) (microsoft.com)