www.BlackViper.com: Windows XP Home and Professional Service Pack 2 Service Configurations

Introduction

Sunday, September 19, 2004 @ 8:25 PM PST

I have updated my Windows XP Services Configurations and Windows XP Services Information pages to include Service Pack 2 information. In its current state, much work is still needed (like verification of all dependencies located on the information page). However, I wanted to give my readers all of my findings to date. I still need to fix several related pages, but it will have to wait for another day.

For the most part, Microsoft took 3 years to create a "default" configuration for Windows XP Services that took me only one month to test and post on July 28, 2001. Several services that I previously recommended to be disabled are either gone or disabled by default after the installation of Service Pack 2.

An "*" (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 1a to Service Pack 2.

Notes for a Happier Computer and User

• Do NOT use "msconfig" to disable services, type "services.msc" in the Run box instead! (WHY?)
• Before disabling ANY service, check out the service information about each by selecting the service name links provided.
• Service settings are global, meaning changes apply to all users.
• An "*" (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 1a to Service Pack 2.
• Additional recommenced configuration settings besides "Safe" is located on the Windows XP Services Configuration page.
• For an easy method of creating multiple Service Configurations, please check out the Windows XP Services Profile Guide.
• All of these services are "Standard" with Windows XP after the installation of Service Pack 2. If you discover something other than these listed here running, another program installed them. View a listing of the more common ones.
• Still unsure? Put your setting to "manual" or the listing under "Safe." Manual allows Windows XP to start the service when it needs to (or when ever it feels like it), but not at boot up. Depending on your configuration, not all services will start when required while in "Manual" mode. If you find you need a service, place it in Automatic.
• After adjusting your service settings, reboot your computer.
• If you do not have some of these services listed, do not panic! If your computer manufacture "pre-installed" your XP, they choose not to have certain services installed for you. This is, in most cases, a fact with OEM versions of Windows XP Home.
• Before E-Mailing me, see if your question has been addressed in the FAQ!
• More items about how to speed up your system can be found on the Windows XP Super Tweaks Page!
• Disabling all of the "unneeded services" frees up 12-70 MB of RAM, depending on system.
• Do you mean that out of 87 (Home), 96 (Pro) services, 32 (Home), 34 (Pro) are set to Automatic as DEFAULT, but, we MAY only need 6 running?!? YES.
• Viewing Instructions: If the information is hard to read, please check out your viewing options.
• Printable Version: A printable version will be posted as soon as all information is updated.

Table Header Information

• Display Name ~ How it displays in the Services Control Panel.
• Process Name ~ Name of the Process running in the background (displays in Task Manager by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del).
• DEFAULT Home ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Home.
• DEFAULT Pro ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Professional.
• "SAFE" Configuration ~ This is the configuration that 95% of the people will be able to use with little or no side effects. It will also minimizes the amount of "errors" that is reported in the Event Viewer. This does not guarantee it will work for you, but if adjusting your services scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point.
• Power User Configuration ~ This is the power user setup. A great way to test this setup is here. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet, provides file and print sharing resources and gaming enjoyment. Some things may not function with this setup. No passwords save. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or some direct DSL/cable connections. Try the "Safe" Configuration first.
• Bare Bones Configuration ~ This is the super geek setup. A great way to test this setup is here. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet with a static IP address. This system does not provide file and print sharing resources, nor have the ability to print. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or many direct DSL/cable connections. You can use this configuration for extreme tweaking and testing purposes. Many things may not function with this setup. No passwords save. The Event Log will display "errors" of not being able to start certain services. Built in Windows CDR-RW functions may no longer work. Please do not ask, "How do I fix" questions while using this configuration. The answer will be "Use SAFE." This information's intention is for reference only.
  

Configuration Information

• Automatic ~ With a service in this state, it will start at boot time. Some services, when no longer required, will also automatically stop when not needed. However, this is very rare. If you find you do not need a service, place it into Manual or Disabled.
• Manual ~ Manual mode allows Windows to start a service when needed. However, very few services will start up when required in Manual mode. If you find you need a service, place it into Automatic.
• Disabled ~ This setting will stop a service from starting, even if needed. Errors in the Event Viewer will show up complaining of that fact. Some services, while Disabled, will constantly complain. However, this situation is taken care of if placed in Manual. The service descriptions identifies those that should be in Manual vice Disabled.

An "*" (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 1a to Service Pack 2.

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