Process Information

Process File: alg.exe
Process Name: Application Layer Gateway Service

Author: Microsoft Corp.
Part Of: Microsoft Windows Operating System

Description:
alg.exe is a part of the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Alg.exe (Application Layer Gateway) service found only on Windows XP/2003. ALG is an integral part of ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) and ICF (Internet Connection Firewall) in Windows XP/2003 – in simple terms, your Windows XP/2003 Firewall uses ALG.
It is a core process for Microsoft Windows Internet Connection sharing and Internet connection firewall.
This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.
Do not end this program in task manager: you will lose all internet connectivity until next restart or login.

Note: The alg.exe file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. In other cases, alg.exe is a virus, spyware, trojan or worm!

Recommendation for alg.exe:
Should not be disabled, required for essential applications to work properly.
If you use the Windows XP/2003 Firewall, you must have ALG running.
If you use a 3rd Party firewall, or if you have disabled your Windows XP/2003 firewall because you are on an already firewalled internal corporate network, for example, then set the Startup Mode of this service to Manual on the Services tab.

System Process: Yes
Application: No
Background Process: Yes
Uses Network: Yes
Uses Internet: Yes