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Author: shadowwraith
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A lot of people don't realize Windows XP has nearly 40 services enabled by default. Most of these are not needed and use up a lot of system resources or are potential security risks. In the following article, I'll break down each service and what setting is optimal.
First, a couple tips...
Don't disable things through msconfig in win2k and winXP unless you have no other choice. The proper way to do it is to go to START -> RUN and type in "services.msc" or go to control panel -> administrative tools -> services. From there you can see all your services, whether they are running or not, what dependencies they have on other services, and the ability to enable/disable them.
WINDOWS XP HOME/PRO DEFAULT SERVICES
Alerter - Set to disabled. I haven't found a use for this.
Application Layer Gateway Service - Only needed if you're using Internet Connection Firewall/Sharing Service. If you are, set it to manual. Otherwise, set to disabled.
Application Management - Used for Assign, Publish and Remove software services. Set to manual to be safe.
Automatic Updates - Used to check up to see if there is any critical updates available for download. Not only is it taking resources, but it's also sucking down internet bandwidth every time it starts. Unless you're lazy and don't want to go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com, set this to disabled.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Allows auto-update programs to do their thing in the background. Like I said before, unless you're too lazy to update windows by yourself, set it to disabled.
ClipBook - Used to share clipbook information between computers. I have never found a need for this. Set to disabled.
COM+ Event System - I am unaware of any application that uses COM+, but if set to manual, many services report to it, so it will start anyway. Go to "C:Program FilesComPlus Applications" - if there is nothing there, you can disable this service. Otherwise, set it to manual.
COM+ System Applciation - See above.
Computer Browser - Computer Browser service maintains a listing of computers and resources located on the network. You can disable this if you're not on a network. Otherwise, set to Automatic.
Cryptographic Services - Confirms signatures of Windows files. You may get dialog boxes complaining about uncertified drivers if this is disabled. This service is also required for Windows Update to function at all (either through auto-update or manually). I'd recommend leaving this set to Automatic.
DHCP Client - If you use DHCP on your network or to connect to the internet (as most do), leave this set to Automatic. If you're on a standalone system and have a static IP address, you can disable this.
Distributed Link Tracking Client - Maintains links with NTFS files within your computer or across a domain (for example, if you create a shortcut to a file on another NTFS computer, and that file moves, it will update the link). I've not found a use for this service, especially if you don't use NTFS. Set it to disabled.
Distrbuted Transaction Cooridinator - Automatically takes care of transactions that span multiple resources. I've seen no side effects of diabling this service.
DNS Client - Resolves and caches DNS names and Active Directory domain controller functions. This service is NOT required for DNS lookups. However, DNS Client is required if using the IPSEC Service. If you're not using IPSEC, set to disabled.
Error Reporting Service - Reports to Microsoft when application errors occur. A waste of resources, not to mention privacy. Set to disabled.
Event Log - Logs errors. Always good for troubleshooting, and the Windows Management Instrumentation service requires it. Leave it set to Automatic.
Fast User Switching Compatability - You only need this if you use XP's "Switch User" function. Personally, I don't have multiple user accounts. If I did, I'd just log off anyway. The system runs terribly slow when several accounts are logged on at the same time. Set this to disabled unless you need it.
Fax Service - Self explanatory! If you use Microsoft's built-in fax capability, leave it be. It is not installed by default.
Help and Support - This service is required for Microsoft's online (or offline) help documents. If you ever "attempt" to use Help and Support, the service places itself back into "Automatic" and starts even if you already had this service on disabled. I try to avoid as much Microsoft help as I can.
Human Interface Device Access - Disabled by default. You may not have any peripherals that require this service. If one of yours magically does not function anymore, set it to automatic. Namely, scanners with function buttons (fax, copy) or sometimes an "Internet" keyboard with volume or play controls (though most have their own software).
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - This service operates drag and drop CD burn capability. You will need this service to burn CDs. Set it to Manual.
Indexing Service - Indexes all the files on your hard drive for faster searches. A HUGE resource hog. Remove the function via the "Add/Remove Programs" icon in the control panel (Windows Setup Programs), and disable the service.
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) - Used to allow multiple computers on your network to access the internet via only one account. Only required if you use Microsoft's built in internet connection sharing and firewall. If use don't share your internet connection with another computer, or you use a router or other hardware/software to share the internet, you can disable this.
IPSEC Services - May be required on some domains or VPN connections, but the average user will not need this. Set to disabled.
Logical Disk Manager - This service is vital to run the Disk Management MMC console for dynamic volumes. If you've never used it, you don't need this service enabled!
Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - See above.
Messenger - This service provides the ability to send messages between clients and servers. If you've ever used "Net send" in the DOS prompt, you know what this is. This has nothing to do with MSN Messenger or WinPopUp. You can safely disable it.
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider - Microsoft Backup uses this service. Some third party hard disk "ghost" or "imaging" software may require this service to be running, although my copy of Norton Ghost runs fine without it. Set to disabled.
Net Logon - Used to log onto a Domain. Not required for standalone computers or home networks. If you logon to a domain (most schools, government offices, and large companies) leave it set to Automatic. Otherwise, you can disable this.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing - Enables a user to access your computer using NetMeeting. This may create a BIG open door for the unwanted. Set it to disabled.
Network Connections - Required for managing network connectivity. This may also effect internet connections. Leave it set to Automatic.
Network DDE - I have not found a good use for this service. Unless you use remote ClipBook, disable it.
Network DDE DSDM - See above.
Network Location Awareness (NLA) - This service is required for use with the Internet Connection Sharing service only. Otherwise, disable it.
NT LM Security Support Provider - Manages local system security information on the computer. Only needed if you are running Message Queuing or Telnet server. Set to disabled.
Performance Logs and Alerts - Collect performance data on a schedule and send the information to a log or trigger an alert. Never found a good use for this. You can disable it.
Plug and Play - This service IS the Plug and Play environment. DO NOT disable this!!
Portable Media Serial Number - Retrieves serial numbers from portable music players connected to your computer. I am not aware of anything that actually requires it. Disable it.
Print Spooler - If you use a printer at all, leave this set to automatic. Otherwise you can disable it.
Protected Storage - Allows for the saving of local passwords or even web sites information (AutoComplete). I like this function, so I usually leave it set to automatic. If you are paranoid about your information or don't use these things, you can disable it.
QoS RSVP - Provides network traffic control for certain networks that use it. The QoS Packet Driver installs by default on any TCP/IP connections. I recommend uninstalling it from your network connections, and disabling this service.
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager - Creates a connection to a network when a program requests a remote address. May be required for VPN connections and such. Most likely you can disable this.
Remote Access Connection Manager - This service is required if you use Internet Connection Sharing, and may be required by VPN connections. Most likely you can set this to disabled.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager - Manages and controls Remote Assistance. Uses 4MB of memory in an idle state, and is a possible security risk. Disable it.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - Practically everything depends on this service to be running. DO NOT disable it!
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - Manages the RPC name service database. There is no reason to have this always running. Set it to Manual.
Remote Registry Service - Allows remote users to modify your registry. A definite security risk. Disable it.
Removable Storage - Used for managing removable media. Disable this service if you do not have items like tape backup devices, etc. If your CD-ROM/DVD drive starts acting funny (no autoplay, etc.) place this service into automatic. Normally, this service does not need to be running and you will not miss any of its functionality.
Routing and Remote Access - Allows computers to dial in to the local computer through a modem (or other devices) to access the local network using a standard or VPN connection. Unless you require this functionality, disable it for security reasons.
Secondary Logon - Enables starting processes under alternate credentials. I have never found a reason to keep this service running. Disable it.
Security Account Manager - Like Protected Storage, it saves profile and security information for local users. I leave this set to automatic.
Server - Used for file and print sharing from your computer. If you're on a network, I recommend leaving this set to Automatic.
Shell Hardware Detection - Used for the auto play of devices like memory cards, CD drives, etc. Also, set to automatic if you are experiencing problems with laptop docking stations. I usually leave this set to Automatic because removable drives do not display correctly with it disabled.
Smart Card - Supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication. If you do not have a Smart Card, you do not need this service running.
Smart Card Helper - See above.
SSDP Discovery Service - Used to locate UPnP devices on your home network. Used in conjunction with Universal Plug and Play Device Host, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. If you don't have any of these devices, disable this service.
System Event Notification - Reports useless information to the Event log. Disable it.
System Restore Service - This service creates system snap shots or restores a point for returning to later. This service is a massive resource hog. I find it easier to just format and reinstall if my system is that botched up. If you use it, leave it be. Otherwise, disable it!
Task Scheduler - You should know what this is. Used to schedule automatic tasks. If you don't use it, disable it.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service - This feature provides legacy support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP. If your network does not use NetBIOS, disable this function.
Telephony - Controls telephony devices on the local computer. This service is required for fax and dial-up modem connectivity. If you use neither of these, disable it.
Telnet - It allows remote login to the local computer via the telnet function. For security reasons, disable this unless you specifically require its functionality.
Terminal Services - Allows remote login to the local computer. This service is required for Fast User Switching, Remote Desktop Server, and Remote Assistance. Disable it unless you use one of the above mentioned services.
Themes - Used to display all those new XP themes and colors on your desktop. Most of us like our themes. Leave it set to Automatic.
Uninterruptible Power Supply - I don't know of any UPS's that actually use this. You can disable this.
Universal Plug and Play Device Host - See "SSDP Discovery Service".
Upload Manager - This service sends driver information to Microsoft to track availability of driver information. The less Microsoft knows about me, the better. Disable it.
Volume Shadow Copy - See "MS Software Shadow Copy Provider".
WebClient - Probably something to do with .NET software, but I haven't found any side effects to disabling it.
Windows Audio - This service is required if you wish to hear any sound!
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Used for some scanners, web cams, and cameras. If you don't use these things, disable it.
Windows Installer - This service is required for software applications that install using MSI files. Set it to Manual.
Windows Management Instrumentation - I do not recommend disabling this service. Windows doesn't like it.
Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension - Not installed in HOME edition, and not as vital as the above mentioned service. Leave it set to Manual.
Windows Time - Automatically sets your clock by contacting a server (Microsoft by default). Do you really need this?! Set it to disabled.
Wireless Zero Configuration - Provides automatic configuration for wireless network devices. If you don't have wireless network devices, disable this service. You may require this service if you "Hot-Sync" with PDA's, however.
WMI Performance Adapter - I haven't found any ill effects to disabling this.
Workstation - Used to connect local computer to remote computers. Lots of services depend on Workstation to be functioning. Leave it on Automatic.
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