Disabling unnecessary services in Windows XP
The default Windows XP installation contains a number of unnecessary services that are started by default. Extra running services consume CPU cycles and memory. To free up system resources and tune your operating system for optimum performance, you can stop and disable the services. The list details those that are unnecessary to a greater or lesser extent:
Alerter
Application Layer Gateway Services
This serivce should only be disabled if you are not running the built-in Windows firewall on any network interface and if you are not using internet connection sharing from that computer
Automatic Updates
Many users prefer to manually download updates from Microsoft. If you wish to use the automatic update facility, leave this service enabled.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
This service is utilised by many core Microsoft services and applications (and a few third-party ones) for effecting file transfers. Windows Update uses it, as does MSN Messenger. Applications should be tested following disabling this service to ensure functionality.
ClipBook
Computer Browser
This service should only be disabled if you are not running in a Windows NT / 2000 Domain environment
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Fax
Human Interface Device Access
This service should remain enabled if you use user-defined hot-keys on keyboards, remote controls, etc.
IIS Admin
This service should only be enabled if you run the personal version of IIS on Windows XP
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have / use a CD-Writer.
Indexing Service
Infrared Monitor
This service should only be disabled if you do not have an IR port on your computer, or if you do not use IR communications.
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
This service should only be disabled if you do not use either ICS or the ICF.
Messenger
Now disabled by default on installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Desktop Sharing facility in NetMeeting
Portable Media Serial Number
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a portable MP3 or music device that connects directly to your computer via a digital interface.
QoS RSVP
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Remote Assistance feature of Windows XP
Remote Registry
Certain third-party applications utilise the Remote Registry service to modify the local machine's registry. Symantec (Norton) Anti-Virus is one such utility, mainly because they were too lazy to code up seperate installers for local and remote installations.
Removable Storage
Routing and Remote Access
Smart Card
Smart Card Helper
SSDP Discovery Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have any Universal PnP devices on your network.
System Restore Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the System Restore functionality of Windows XP.
Telnet
Terminal Services
This service underpins the following functions:
Remote Desktop
Remote Assistance
Fast User Switching
Terminal Services should only be disabled if none of the above are in use
Themes
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Upload Manager
Volume Shadow Copy
WebClient
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a scanner or digital camera connected to your computer.
Windows Time
This service should only be disabled if not operating in a Windows NT / Windows 2000 Domain / Windows Server 2003.
Wireless Zero Configuration
This service should only be disabled if you're not using a WLAN (WiFi, 802.11) card on your computer
WMI Performance Adapter
World Wide Web Publishing
This service should only be disabled if you're not running the personal version of IIS on your computer.
The default Windows XP installation contains a number of unnecessary services that are started by default. Extra running services consume CPU cycles and memory. To free up system resources and tune your operating system for optimum performance, you can stop and disable the services. The list details those that are unnecessary to a greater or lesser extent:
Alerter
Application Layer Gateway Services
This serivce should only be disabled if you are not running the built-in Windows firewall on any network interface and if you are not using internet connection sharing from that computer
Automatic Updates
Many users prefer to manually download updates from Microsoft. If you wish to use the automatic update facility, leave this service enabled.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
This service is utilised by many core Microsoft services and applications (and a few third-party ones) for effecting file transfers. Windows Update uses it, as does MSN Messenger. Applications should be tested following disabling this service to ensure functionality.
ClipBook
Computer Browser
This service should only be disabled if you are not running in a Windows NT / 2000 Domain environment
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Fax
Human Interface Device Access
This service should remain enabled if you use user-defined hot-keys on keyboards, remote controls, etc.
IIS Admin
This service should only be enabled if you run the personal version of IIS on Windows XP
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have / use a CD-Writer.
Indexing Service
Infrared Monitor
This service should only be disabled if you do not have an IR port on your computer, or if you do not use IR communications.
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
This service should only be disabled if you do not use either ICS or the ICF.
Messenger
Now disabled by default on installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Desktop Sharing facility in NetMeeting
Portable Media Serial Number
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a portable MP3 or music device that connects directly to your computer via a digital interface.
QoS RSVP
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Remote Assistance feature of Windows XP
Remote Registry
Certain third-party applications utilise the Remote Registry service to modify the local machine's registry. Symantec (Norton) Anti-Virus is one such utility, mainly because they were too lazy to code up seperate installers for local and remote installations.
Removable Storage
Routing and Remote Access
Smart Card
Smart Card Helper
SSDP Discovery Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have any Universal PnP devices on your network.
System Restore Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the System Restore functionality of Windows XP.
Telnet
Terminal Services
This service underpins the following functions:
Remote Desktop
Remote Assistance
Fast User Switching
Terminal Services should only be disabled if none of the above are in use
Themes
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Upload Manager
Volume Shadow Copy
WebClient
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a scanner or digital camera connected to your computer.
Windows Time
This service should only be disabled if not operating in a Windows NT / Windows 2000 Domain / Windows Server 2003.
Wireless Zero Configuration
This service should only be disabled if you're not using a WLAN (WiFi, 802.11) card on your computer
WMI Performance Adapter
World Wide Web Publishing
This service should only be disabled if you're not running the personal version of IIS on your computer.
