If you read the Hosts file article on this site, you might recall mention of Windows XP services that can be disabled in order to improve system performance. It was also mentioned that disabling services was a subject for another article. This is that article.
When first introduced, Windows XP had quite a few unneeded default services running. By the time Service Pack 2 was released this number had been reduced considerably. There are still a few of these operating system modules that can be disabled. Some will enhance system performance more than others when disabled. Others like RPC (Remote Procedure Call) are required by the system and shutting them down can be disastrous. Therefore, as much care should be used with the Services console as is used with the registry editor.
The prescribed manner for disabling services is to use the services console. Type "services.msc" in the "Run Box" on the "Start Menu" and click the "OK" button. This opens the "Local Services" console.
The Local Services console displays an alphabetical list of available services on the right in a view that scrolls. Included is startup type, whether the service is running or not and what logon accounts the service will run under. On this window you highlight (select) a service and a brief description of the service appears in the left margin. Once selected you can right click the service for more information.
On the resulting menu choose "properties"
This opens the properties window for whichever service was selected. Here you can choose how this
service starts. With the "automatic" setting, services start up on boot and supposedly close when
not needed. Few services, however, actually stop running once they have been started. With the
manual setting, services do not start at boot but are only started when needed. Again this setting
is reported to be unreliable. If you have placed a service on "manual" and find you need to have it running
use the automatic setting instead. When the disabled setting is selected services don't run at all.
Once you have selected the startup type you want, click the "apply" button then click "OK". Changes
do not take affect until after a system restart. It has been suggested that if you make changes to
service startup properties, make these changes one at a time. Also, be sure to have a good backup
or establish a "System Restore Point" in case you have to undo any changes. A brief "How To"
on System Restore is
available. That takes care of the "how to" part of the article and the safety reminders, we can move
on to which services to adjust.
Shown here is the service properties window after clicking the "dependencies" tab at the top. The middle box shows what services this service needs in order to operate. The box toward the bottom displays services that need to have this service running before they can function properly. In this case NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing doesn't require other services and isn't needed by any other service. Since some updates and most especially service packs change the attributes of services, it is important to view this information before making changes rather than relying solely on information from this or other web sites. Although dynamic, web information can and does become unreliable when authors fail to keep their sites updated. Unfortunately, as sites get larger it becomes harder to keep individual pages up to date and mistakes become easier to miss.
Indexing Service
The Indexing service supposedly indexes the files on your hard drive providing quick access to these files. Indexing is supposed to take place during system idle time, however, many have reported this service starting during heavy system activity. "Gamers" especially find this irritating. If you notice your computer suddenly becoming sluggish you will find that this service is the blame in most cases. In fact, this is the first service I disable. The system resources this service grabs tends to negate the benefits of its "fast find" features.
Computer Browser
This service maintains a list of computers on a network. The default startup setting is automatic. A stand alone computer (not part of a network) doesn't need this service at all and it has been suggested that even networked computers can get along without it. Although not a resource hog this service can be safely disabled.
Distributed Link Tracking Client
This service is a resource hog. It's purpose is to update file shortcuts when the files are moved. Very handy on a large business network but on a home network benefits due not justify the amount of resources used. By default the startup setting is automatic, placing it on manual can free up a nice sized chunk of resources. Distributed Link Tracking reportedly uses up to 4 mb while idle.
DNS Client
As stated in the host file article on this site, the DNS Client service can safely be placed on manual start up settings. Host File Article
Error Reporting Service
The description for this service states that it reports errors for programs and services running in a non-standard environment. Windows phones home enough without having it send error messages to the Microsoft site, which on dial up connections is extremely slow. I run with this service disabled.,
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
According to its description, this service enables an authorized "user" to access your computer remotely via NetMeeting. This service can be safely disabled. You might not experience increased system performance but you will have enhanced the security of your computer.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
In an idle state, this services uses up to 4 mb of RAM. If you regularly require the remote assistance this service provides, then keep it running. If you do not want or need remote assistance disable this service. You will free up the resources this service grabs and close a potential security risk.
Secondary Logon Service
This service allows a user with a limited account to run a program with another users privileges. If you have a single user computer or all user accounts have administrator privileges this feature is not needed. With no dependencies, this service can be safely disabled.
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
This service detects and configures connections to devices across a network using TCP/IP. IT IS NOT the Plug and Play we are familiar with. This service has been labeled a security risk since Windows XP was first released. Until UPnP devices become common keep this service disabled.
Windows Time
This service automatically sets your computers clock time via a Microsoft web site. Once it successfully sets your time it waits 7 days before it does it again. With cable or DSL connections which are on all the time this is no problem. With dial up connections the "Event Log" file fills up with "Server not found" reports. If you have a dial up connection or would just prefer to use the government time standard disable this service and go to this link: Government Time Standard
Wireless Zero Configuration
This service provides automatic configuration for wireless network devices. If you don't use wireless network devices this service can be safely disabled.
You might want to keep a list of the services you modify in case additions or changes to your system require resetting one or more of these services. This isn't a comprehensive services list, however, start up adjustments to the services listed here should provide a noticeable performance increase. For more detailed information on XP's services visit the Black Viper.com web site. When it is online, it is a veritable gold mine of information.
Microsoft, Microsoft Office, Windows, Windows XP and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other names have been included in the above text that are trademarks of the respective companies.
