Archive Note (2008):

This page is no longer maintained and is here for archive purposes only. For the current information, please see Windows XP SP3 Services Registry Files.

Introduction

Many people have asked for a "one-click" type of solution to Windows XP 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 Services Information.
• For an easy method of creating multiple Service Configurations, please check out the Windows XP Services Profile Guide.
• 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 E-Mailing me, 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.
• DO contact me with comments, suggestions and success stories.

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 2 Services Start Key:

• Download the XP Home File:
  Default XP Home SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 860 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007
• Download the XP Media Center Edition 2005 File:
  Default XP MCE 2005 SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 898 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007
• Download the XP Pro File:
  Default XP Pro SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 870 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007
• Download the XP Tablet PC 2005 File:
  Default XP Tablet PC 2005 SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 888 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007

"SAFE" Windows XP Service Pack 2 Start Key:

"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.

• Download the XP Home File:
  Safe XP Home SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 876 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007
• Download the XP Media Center Edition 2005 File:
  Safe XP MCE 2005 SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 923 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007
• Download the XP Pro File:
  Safe XP Pro SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 890 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007
• Download the XP Tablet PC 2005 File:
  Safe XP Tablet PC 2005 SP2 Start v2.03.zip ~ Size - 914 bytes ~ Version 2.03 ~ December 9, 2007

Services Description Modification

These files contain and modify only the Description information to display my Windows XP Service Pack 2 Services Information in the services.msc descriptions pane. For example:

The "Alerter" service, this information is applied for the "Default" configuration:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Alerter]
"Description"="Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If the service is stopped, programs that use administrative alerts will not receive them. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."

However, this information is applied using "BV's Services Descriptions":

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Alerter]
"Description"="Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If the service is stopped, programs that use administrative alerts will not receive them. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. BlackViper.com adds: The Alerter service notifies users of administrative alerts on a network. This service usually is not required under normal circumstances. After the installation of Service Pack 2, this service is set from Manual to Disabled by default. Note: This is not WinPopUp."

Due to length contraints of 1024 characters, useless information such as MS's "If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start." is removed as well as some information that just plain would not fit. Windows XP Service Pack 2 Services Information has the full descriptions.

Default Windows XP Services Descriptions:

• Download the Default Descriptions (all flavors) File:
  Default_XP_SP2_Descriptions_Values_v201.zip ~ Size - 6,296 bytes ~ Version 2.01 ~ April 7, 2007
  

BV's Windows XP Services Descriptions:

View the complete Windows XP Service Pack 2 Services Information.

• Download my modified Descriptions (all flavors) File:
  BV_XP_SP2_Descriptions_Values_v201.zip ~ Size - 16,730 bytes ~ Version 2.01 ~ April 7, 2007

"Have you tweaked your OS lately?"

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