Introduction
Many people have asked for a “one-click” type of solution to Windows XP SP3 Services. This page is my answer. Even though it takes more than just “one-click,” it will make things faster for you and assist in configuring your system for optimal performance.
Warning: Before you do anything, read EVERYTHING!
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 Windows XP SP3 Services Information.
- All of these services are “Standard” with Windows XP. If you discover something other than these listed here running, another program installed them. View a listing of the more common ones.
- After adjusting your service settings, reboot your computer.
- Before posting your question in the comments below, see if your question has been addressed in the FAQ!
To-do List
- DO back up your current registry settings before editing or replacing any information. This is accomplished by following this Microsoft Knowledge base article:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;322756
- DO back up any files that you cannot be without.
- DO understand that editing the registry, no matter what method or extent, has risks.
- DO use this information at your own risk.
The Don’t list
- DON’T tweak your system randomly. Knowledge is power. Read and utilize the information I have available on my Services Configuration Guide, Services 411 Guide.
- DON’T EVER, NEVER download and install a registry patch without first looking to see what you are applying!
Points to note
- Modifying your services registry start up settings via these patches are GLOBAL. This means that what ever you do will effect all users and all services hardware profiles except when, in a hardware profile, you specify “disable” in the options. In that case, hardware profiles override the “global” settings.
Additional Information
- Everyone should download and view the files on their local system to see what is in there before applying.
- To EDIT the file, Extract the .zip file and save it somewhere on your local hard drive. Use “notepad” to view the file or just right-click, select “edit” and away you go!
- To APPLY the patch, or restore your previous backup registry file, double-click the file or right-click and select “merge.”
- After applying the registry patch, reboot to see the effects of your tweaking.
- I have tested these files on multiple systems and you should have no problems UNLESS you do not follow the instructions on this page. 🙂
Files:
Services “Start” Key Modification
This section contains files with ONLY the “Start” key. For example:
The “Alerter” service, this information is applied for the “Default” configuration:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Alerter]
“Start”=dword:00000003
For the key “Start,” the values are:
- 00000002 ~ Automatic
- 00000003 ~ Manual
- 00000004 ~ Disabled
Default Windows XP Service Pack 3 Services Start Key:
- Download the XP Home File:
Default XP Home SP3 Start v3.00.zip ~ Size – 918 bytes ~ Version 3.00 ~ June 17, 2008
- Download the XP Media Center Edition 2005 File:
Default XP MCE 2005 SP3 Start v3.00.zip ~ Size – 960 bytes ~ Version 3.00 ~ June 17, 2008
- Download the XP Pro File:
Default XP Pro SP3 Start v3.00.zip ~ Size – 928 bytes ~ Version 3.00 ~ June 17, 2008
- Download the XP Tablet PC 2005 File:
Default XP Tablet PC 2005 SP3 Start v3.00.zip ~ Size – 952 bytes ~ Version 3.00 ~ June 17, 2008
“Safe” Windows XP Service Pack 3 Services Start Key:
- Download the XP Home File:
Safe XP Home SP3 Start v3.00.zip ~ Size – 927 bytes ~ Version 3.00 ~ September 22, 2008
- Download the XP Media Center Edition 2005 File:
Safe XP MCE 2005 SP3 Start v3.00.zip ~ Size – 972 bytes ~ Version 3.00 ~ September 22, 2008
- Download the XP Pro File:
Safe XP Pro SP3 Start v3.01.zip ~ Size – 942 bytes ~ Version 3.01 ~ October 16, 2008
- Download the XP Tablet PC 2005 File:
Safe XP Tablet PC 2005 SP3 Start v3.00.zip ~ Size – 964 bytes ~ Version 3.00 ~ September 22, 2008
