www.BlackViper.com: Windows Vista Service Configurations Introduction

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This page is no longer maintained and is here for archive purposes only.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 Service Configurations.

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!
• 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.

Table Header 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 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.
  • 18 service settings have been changed from the default annotated by an (*) asterisk.
• "Tweaked" ~ This is the configuration that I have developed to reduce the "Safe" services started, but maintain system security. This does not guarantee it will work for you.
  • 56 service settings have been changed from the default annotated by an (*) asterisk.
  • This configuration is a system that is still able to perform many LAN networking functions, such as file and print sharing and uses wireless networking (laptop) plus leaves several security related "features" like the Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Windows Update active.
  • This configuration is not for a Windows Media Center PC. In this case, use "Safe".
  • The possiblility exists that Windows Update will not perform properly and some updates will fail to install. If this is the case for you, I highly recommend using "Safe" to avoid the issue.
• "Bare Bones" ~ WARNING(!!) ~ This configuration disables many built in features of Windows Vista as well as several security features.
  • 76 service settings have been changed from the default annotated by an (*) asterisk.
  • This configuration is not for a system that is directly connected to the internet as Windows Defender and Windows Firewall are disabled.
  • This configuration is not for a laptop system as wireless networking (as well as Defender and Firewall) are disabled and will not be able to counter attacks while roaming on some random wireless connection outside of the home.
  • This configuration is not for a system that internal network attacks are an issue. For example: Multiple PC's with multiple family members and inexperienced users. For this situation, I highly recommend "Safe" to ensure network security and Windows Update compatibility.
  • This is not for a system that provides networked resources, such as printers, Media Center, and WMP library to other LAN connected computers.
  • Use this configuration at your own risk. It is only provided here as a reference for me to adjust my system setting. If you wish to tweak your Vista OS, use "Safe."

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. If you find you do not need a service, place it into Manual or Disabled.
• Automatic (Delayed Start) ~ With a service in this state, it will start just after boot time. Some services, when no longer required, will also automatically stop when not needed. 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.
• "Started" ~ A service that either set to Manual or Automatic that is running by default at or shortly after boot time.
• "Not Started" ~ A service set into Automatic that is not running by default at or shortly after boot time.

"Have you tweaked your OS lately?"

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