Task List Programs - AnswersThatWork's famous Database of Processes, Windows Startups, Windows XP Services, Windows Vista Services, Process Library

Task List
Name

PROGRAM &
MANUFACTURER

WHAT IT IS
AND WHAT YOU CAN DO

g2aservice

g2aservice.exe

(Citrix Online LLC)

GoToAssist Remote Assistance service. Background service installed by the GoToAssist software and which enables a remote technician to take over your PC as part of providing you with remote help.

Recommendation :
The Startup Mode of this service is set to Manual by default which means that the service only gets started as and when needed, namely when you authorize a remote technician to connect to your PC via GotoAssist. Leave alone therefore.

Gamechannel

GameChannel.exe

(Wild Tangent)

Wild Tangent Web Driver – Background task installed with games from Wild Tangent. This background task notifies you of new or updated Wild Tangent games whilst also supposedly making it faster for you to access your Wild Tangent games – it will also automatically download in the background updated version of your current games (if configured to do so). GAMECHANNEL will also show in the Task List of new PCs (2002), such as Hewlett-Packard’s Pavilion range, as they come pre-installed with demo versions of Wild Tangent games. Some Wild Tangent games : Atomic Pop, Betty Bad, Blackhawk Striker, Blasterball 2, BlasterBall Wild, Cannonballs, Dark Orbit, Dice Jam, Excavation, Gem Master, Hit the Pros, Honeycombs, Kublox, Men in Black II CROSSFIRE (& Extreme version), SabreWing, Slyder, Snowboard Extreme, Space Rocks, Virtual Warfare.

Recommendation :
This task consumes Internet bandwidth unnecessarily and unless you use your PC primarily for games, you should disable it with The Ultimate Troubleshooter (our preferred method) – it is not needed to run your games. Another way to disable it is by right-clicking the Wild Tangent icon in the System Tray, taking OFF all ticks, and clicking OK. Other issues with this task include problems with Internet access as a result of the task crashing in the background, and Internet Explorer crashes. If you do not play any Wild Tangent games, you should consider de-installing anything "Wild Tangent" in the "Add/Remove Programs" in the Control Panel.

Gbpoll

GBPoll.exe

(Roxio)

This is the GoBack Polling Service. Read GBTRAY below for more details on Roxio’s GoBack. According to Roxio, GBPOLL performs background services in support of GoBack’s various functions and is essential to the good functioning of the product.

Recommendation :
You have it from the horse’s mouth : leave it alone. That said, both GBTRAY and GBPOLL have been known to prevent ScanDisk and Defrag from completing, so you may need to temporarily disable them with The Ultimate Troubleshooter if you want to run ScanDisk/Defrag.

Gbtray

GBTray.exe

(Roxio)

Roxio’s GoBack System Tray icon. In a nutshell Roxio’s GoBack provides the System Restore feature of Windows Millennium Edition, and now Windows XP, with extra bells and whistles. A great product for Windows 95/98/NT4/2000 users where the System Restore facility does not exist, but not necessary, in our opinion, for Windows ME and Windows XP users.

Recommendation :
It is essential that GBTRAY is running for GoBack to work properly. Leave alone therefore. That said, both GBTRAY and GBPOLL have been known to prevent ScanDisk and Defrag from completing, so you may need to temporarily disable them with The Ultimate Troubleshooter if you want to run ScanDisk/Defrag.

Gcasserv

gcasServ.exe

(Microsoft)

Startup task for Microsoft’s AntiSpyware Beta software. This task starts the Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta software at startup. Then, once it has started, it continues running as a System Tray icon which enables you to configure the software (e.g. Enable/Disable real‑time anti‑spyware protection) or start the main Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta program.

Recommendation :
Essential for the proper functioning of your Microsoft AntiSpyware software – Leave alone.

Gdrive

Gdrive.exe

(IBM)

Startup Task found on IBM Netvista and Aptiva PCs running Windows Millennium Edition (Windows ME). This task sets the drive letter for the CD-ROM drive to G: .

Recommendation :
The mind boggles as to why someone at IBM thought it would be a good idea to have such a program. It causes nothing but problems, from the inability to access a network drive set to G: by the fileserver’s login scripts, to not being able to choose a letter of your own for your CD-ROM drive. Utterly useless. If, like us, this task annoys you, disable it with The Ultimate Troubleshooter. Before you do that, however, note that this will probably result in the drive letter for your CD-ROM drive changing, probably to something like E: or F:, which may affect CD based software programs such as games, encyclopaedias, reference programs, etc…

Gearsec

Gearsec.exe

(GEAR Software)

Service installed by GEAR Software’s CD and DVD writing software on Windows NT4/2000/XP PCs. This service shows as Gear Security Service on the Services tab of The Ultimate Troubleshooter. GEARSEC.EXE is the driver part of the software which allows the GEAR software (through the GEAR.wrks API) to recognize and work with recorders under Windows NT4/2000/XP. The GEAR.wrks API is used in GEAR Software's products and, as per GEAR Software’s website on 31-Mar-2004, it is also used in several 3rd party applications such as Apple's iTunes, Cakewalk's Pyro, Audible's AudibleManager and DiscWelder by Minnetonka, MixMeister, some Kodak products, 321 Studios, etc.... At the time of writing most users who have GEARSEC running on their PCs had it installed when they installed Apple’s iTunes for their iPods.

Recommendation :
This service is essential for the software that installed it. Thus if you have any of the products mentioned above or on the following webpage, http://www.gearsoftware.com/partners/ strategic/index.cfm, then you need this service to be running. There have been reports of slow shutdown caused by GEARSEC. When that is the case make sure you have the latest service pack for your operating system (at the time of writing they are Service Pack 6a for Windows NT4, Service Pack 4 for Windows 2000, and Service Pack 1/1a for Windows XP) and that you have done a recent Windows update. Next, download the latest version of the software which installed GEARSEC (eg. the latest version of Apple iTunes) as it may have an updated GEARSEC driver. If, however, you no longer use any software which uses the GEARSEC driver, then set the Startup Mode of this service to Disabled on the Services tab of The Ultimate Troubleshooter.

Ghoststartservice

Ghosts~2

GhostStartService.exe

GHOSTS~2.exe

(Symantec)

Norton’s Ghost Start Service which runs as a task under Windows 9x/ME and as a service under Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003. This task/service gets installed if you install either the Windows portion of Ghost the standalone product, or if you install Norton SystemWorks 2002 or later and include the Ghost option. GHOSTSTARTSERVICE is the background support task/service for Ghost for Windows. When you use Ghost Explorer, or start Ghost tasks such as backup and restore, they are implemented in the background by GhostStartService.

Recommendation :
Essential for the proper functioning of Ghost for Windows (not needed if you only use the DOS Ghost program that also comes with Ghost for Windows).

Ghoststarttraya

Ghoststarttrayapp

GhostStartTrayApp.exe

(Symantec)

Norton’s Ghost System Tray icon installed when you install the Windows portion of Ghost the standalone product, or if you install Norton SystemWorks 2002 or later and include the Ghost option. This big "Ghost" icon enables you to access the Norton Ghost functions from the System Tray.

Recommendation :
Down to end-user preference. You can disable/enable this icon with The Ultimate Troubleshooter.

Gigabit

Gigabit.exe

(???)

You have the W32.Beagle.U@mm \ W32/Bagle.U@mm virus.

Gisdnlog

GISDNLog.exe

(British Telecom)

ISDN Connection Event Recorder. This task is installed by the drivers for BT’s USB ISDN modems which come integrated with the ISDN wall socket – it appears as an icon in the System Tray. If you click on the icon you can see if you are connected, how many channels you are using, the number of bytes transmitted, etc...

Recommendation :
This task is often responsible for shutdown problems (the PC will not shut down fully) under Windows 9x/ME, and possibly under Windows 2000/XP as well – yet it is not needed for the ISDN modem to function properly. Disable with The Ultimate Troubleshooter.

Gmt

GMT.exe

(Gator)

Background program which is part of the Gator GAIN software (Gator Advertising and Information Network). Gator GAIN is what we call adware (advertising spyware). Gator GAIN is used by software manufacturers to enable them to offer you the FREE use of their software – instead, they receive advertising revenue through the advertisements displayed by the Gator GAIN add-on whenever you are using their software.

Recommendation :
We are against all adware. Download SpyBot Search & Destroy from our Downloads area and use it to remove Gator and any other adware or spyware. Note, however, that in some cases removing adware will totally disable the application which installed it, and this maybe an application which is important to you, so you may want to initially only disable this with The Ultimate Troubleshooter while you ascertain how Gator Gain got into your PC.

GoogleDesktop
Manager

GoogleDesktop Manager.exe

(Google)

Google Desktop Manager. Service installed by Google Desktop Search. This service is installed with a Startup Mode of Manual and only runs in the background when Google Desktop Search needs to perform specific functions. Once those tasks are performed this program, GoogleDesktopManager.exe, stops.

Recommendation :
Leave alone – this program runs only as and when needed.

Gosync

GoSync.exe

(Zita Farm Ltd)

GoSync System Tray icon. GoSync is a nifty piece of software which makes it significantly easier to HotSync your Palm PDA.

Recommendation :
The System Tray is the best place for GoSync.

Grpconv

GrpConv.exe

(Microsoft)

Windows Program Group Converter. This utility is called upon by Windows 95/98/ME during the Setup phase, or when upgrading from Windows 3.1 where it converts the Windows 3.1 groups to folders. An interesting tip to memorize : GRPCONV /S (in the "Start \ Run" box) will recreate all the standard Start Menu folders which normally get created when you first install Windows 95/98/ME – good to know when you have standard Windows "Start \ Programs" program folders which have disappeared.

Recommendation :
GRPCONV never normally appears on the Task List. However it gets executed when you install software which, at the end of the installation, creates "Program Groups" through the old Windows 3.1x techniques rather than through Win9x/ME techniques, typically driver type software. When this happens GRPCONV takes over and automatically converts the new program group to a "Start Menu" program folder. During that conversion you may briefly see GRPCONV in your Task List, or it may remain there after the conversion. It is harmless.

Grpwise

GrpWise.exe

(Novell)

This is the Novell GroupWise e-mail and calendaring software which you currently have open.

Gsyno

Gsyno.exe

(FHLP – BeWan)

This task is installed by the drivers for BT’s USB ISDN modems which come integrated with the ISDN wall socket. These ISDN modems are originally made by FHLP-BeWan, and re-badged by BT.

Recommendation :
This task is essential for the proper functioning of the ISDN modem. Even if you disable it with The Ultimate Troubleshooter, it gets re-entered as a startup item, so leave it alone.

GuardGui

GuardGui.exe

(Ashampoo GmbH)

Ashampoo Antivirus System Tray icon. Program which displays an icon in the System Tray through which you can access all the features of your Ashampoo Antivirus security program. This program also displays alerts and information messages.

Recommendation :
Keep – It is important to always have a constant visual status of your antivirus program, and it is also important to be able to access its facilities instantly from the System Tray. This program normally uses 4Mb to 7Mb of memory.

Gwhotkey

GWHotkey.exe

(BillP Studios)

GWHotkey is the Control Panel application for Gateway’s Multi-function Keyboards which are standard equipment on most Gateway multimedia PCs. It controls all the extra customisable keys at the top of the keyboard and enables you to configure them for one-key access to various functions such as e-mail, Internet access, CD Playing, DVD playing, volume control.

Recommendation :
Properly configured multi-function keyboards backed up by good quality configuration software can significantly increase productivity for users who often switch between applications, or they can significantly ease the learning curve for very young children or older first-time computer users. The decision is yours, therefore, as to whether you wish to retain GWHOTKEY. Note that, as with many multifunction keyboard software, there can sometimes be conflicts between GWHOTKEY and specific applications. If you encounter such a conflict, disable GWHOTKEY in The Ultimate Troubleshooter, or de-install the GWHOTKEY software through "Add/Remove Programs".

Gwmdmmsg

GWMdmMsg.exe

(Gateway)

Gateway Modem Messaging Application. Background task installed with the drivers for Gateway modems on Gateway PCs.

Recommendation :
We have no idea as to what it really does. However, in our experience, disabling this task has no adverse effect whatsoever on the operation of your Gateway modem.

Gwmdmpi

GWMdmPi.exe

(Gateway)

GWMDMPI is a software patch (fix) for internal modems on Gateway 450 and 500 series laptops. It fixes a problem in Windows XP where the audio settings of your modem are not remembered unless you install this fix.

Recommendation :
Essential, leave it alone.

All of the tasks below, and many more, although not detailed on this page, are explained in full in The Ultimate Troubleshooter.

The Ultimate Troubleshooter (TUT), has the full database in a remarkably easy and pleasing interface which makes the process of fine tuning your PC, or troubleshooting your computer problems, a snip. Get it here.

G.exe, G_Server.exe, G0mez.vbs, G2AudioH.exe, G2comm.exe, G2host.exe, G2mainh.exe, G2pre.exe, G2printh.exe, G2ProcessFactory.exe, G2svc.exe, G2Tray.exe, G2viewer.exe, GA311.exe, GA511.exe, GAIM.exe, Game.exe, .vbs, gcasDtServ.exe, Gcc.exe, GEAR311T.exe, Generic.exe, GetFlash.exe, GetRight.exe, Ggviewer.exe, Ggviewer67-2.exe, Ggviewer67-20.exe, Ggviewer67-22.exe, Ggviewer67-23.exe, Ggviewer67-24.exe, Ggviewer64-29.exe, Ggviewer67-38.exe, Ggviewer67-4.exe, Ggviewer67-42.exe, Ggviewer67-45.exe, Ggviewer67-46.exe, Ggviewer67-50.exe, Ggviewer67-56.exe, Ggviewer67-58.exe, Ggviewer67-6.exe, Ggviewer67-67.exe, Ggviewer67-68.exe, Ggviewer67-7.exe, Ggviewer67-75.exe, Ggviewer67-76.exe, Ggviewer67-78.exe, Ggviewer67-79.exe, Ggviewer67-80.exe, Ggviewer67-84.exe, Ggviewer67-9.exe, Ggviewer67-91.exe, Ggviewer67-93.exe, Ggviewer67-96.exe, Ggviewer81-2.exe, Ggviewer81-20.exe, Ggviewer81-22.exe, Ggviewer81-25.exe, Ggviewer81-26.exe, Ggviewer81-3.exe, Ggviewer81-31.exe, GgViewer81-33.exe, Ggviewer81-39.exe, Ggviewer81-45.exe, Ggviewer81-49.exe, Ggviewer81-50.exe, Ggviewer81-56.exe, Ggviewer81-59.exe, Ggviewer81-63.exe, Ggviewer81-64.exe, Ggviewer81-7.exe, Ggviewer81-78.exe, Ggviewer81-87.exe, Ggviewer81-94.exe, Ggviewer81-96.exe, Ggviewer81-97.exe, GhostTray.exe, GIANTAntiSpywareMain.exe, GIANTAntiSpywareUpdater.exe, Gigabyte.exe, Givohise.exe, GKBLA.exe, Gld.exe, GMW5.exe, GMW6.exe, Gnotify.exe, Gog.exe, GoldWave.exe, GoLive.exe, GoogleDesktop.exe, GoogleDesktopDisplay.exe, GoogleDesktopCrawl.exe, GoogleDesktopIndex.exe, GoogleDesktopMail.exe, GoogleDesktopOE.exe, GoogleEarth.exe, GoogleTalk.exe, GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe, GoogleUpdate.exe, GoogleUpdater.exe, GoogleUpdaterService.exe, GoogleWebAccClient.exe, GoogleWebAccWarden.exe, Gopcsrv.exe, GravitixService.exe, GridVistaU.exe, Groove.exe, GrooveAuditService.exe, GrooveMonitor.exe, Gsicon.exe, GStudio.exe, Guard.exe, GuruNet.exe, GWInkMonitor.exe, Gwwgtp.exe

If you know of a background program that is missing from our database, but which you feel others should know about because of its potential side-effects, then let us know via the Feedback button.