www.BlackViper.com: Windows 2000 Professional and Server Service Pack 4 Services Configuration 411

Notes for a happier Computer and User

• Before disabling ANY service, check out the information I have about each service by clicking on the name.
• Service settings are global, meaning changes apply to all users.
• Still unsure? Put your setting to "manual" or the listing under "Safe." Manual allows Windows 2000 to start the service when it needs to (or when ever it feels like it), but not at boot up. NOTE: 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.
• All of these services are "Standard" with Windows 2000 Pro and Server using Service Pack 4. If you discover something other than these listed here running, they were installed by another program. I have listed a few of the more common ones for Windows XP. Most, if not all, are valid for Windows 2000, also. View the Info!
• Disabling all of the "unneeded services" frees up 12-70 MB of RAM, depending on system.

Table Header Information

• The columns are sortable. Select the column header to sort by that field.
• Display Name ~ is how it is displayed in the Services Control Panel
• Process Name ~ name of the Process running in the background (displays in Task Manager by hitting Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
• Dependencies ~ describe what services this service needs for proper functionality.
• DEFAULT Server ~ this is what runs by default on Windows 2000 Server.
• DEFAULT Pro ~ this is what runs by default on Windows 2000 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 this scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point. Note: This is not for Windows 2000 Server in a corporate environment. Every network is different. Only you can decide what you need.

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.

Black Viper's Windows 2000 Professional and Server SP4 Service Configurations