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Archive Note (2008):

This page is no longer maintained and is here for archive purposes only. For the current information, please see Windows Vista SP1 Services 411.

Introduction

To continue my fine tradition of optimizing MS's latest OS, I have here my findings to date.

Before adjusting your service settings, ensure that your system has already installed all updates by "checking now" for any available updates via Windows Update.

I am working on a way to determine what services are required to ensure that all updates from Microsoft Automatic Update are being applied properly. Currently, some updates will fail if a particular service is not set to its default value or disabled. At this time, it is best for you to ensure that all services are set to the default values before updating your system. Windows Vista Default Service Registry Patches are online.

Breakdown of all changes to date: Vista Information Changelog.

I cannot possibly test all configurations extensively (meaning, each persons specific computer needs), but what I can offer is what "works for me" and the obstacles I have came across so you do not have to discover them on your own. If information on this page needs a revision or expanded, please Contact BV and I will look into your issue.

An * (asterisk) indicates changes from the default.

Notes for a Happier Computer and User

Do not use "msconfig" to disable services, type "services.msc" in the Run box instead!
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.
All of these services are "Standard" with Windows Vista. If you discover a service that is not listed here, another application, driver or program installed them. A few of the more common ones are listed here.
Still unsure? Put your setting to "Manual" or the listing under "Safe." Manual allows Windows Vista 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.
Before E-Mailing me, see if your question has been addressed in the FAQ!
Viewing Instructions: If the information is hard to read, please check out your viewing options.

Configuration Information

DEFAULT Home Basic ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows Vista Home Basic. This may use 200+ MB with 120 services listed.
DEFAULT Home Premium ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows Vista Home Premium. This may use 200+ MB with 124 Services listed.
DEFAULT Business ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows Vista Business. This may use 200+ MB with 124 Services listed.
DEFAULT Ultimate ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows Vista Ultimate. This may use 250+ MB with 129 Services listed.
"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 Windows Event Log. This does not guarantee it will work for you, but if adjusting your services scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point.
Dependencies ~ Describes what other services this service needs to run as reported in the services.msc control panel.
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 vs. Disabled.