www.BlackViper.com: Windows XP x86 (32-bit) Retail Service Configurations

Archive Note (2008):

This page is here for archive purposes. For the current information, please see Windows XP x86 (32-bit) SP3 Service Configurations.

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 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 XP. If you discover something other than these listed here running, another program installed them. View a listing of the more common ones.
• Still unsure? Put your setting to "Manual" or the listing under "Safe." Manual allows Windows XP 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.
• If you do not have some of these services listed, do not panic! If your computer manufacture "pre-installed" your XP, they choose not to have certain services installed for you. This is, in most cases, a fact with OEM versions of Windows XP Home.
• Before E-Mailing me, see if your question has been addressed in the FAQ!
• Disabling all of the "unneeded services" reduces the footprint of the OS by up to 70%, depending on system.
• Viewing Instructions: If the information is hard to read, please check out your viewing options.
• Printing Instructions: You may print just this page in any browser you wish.

Table Header Information

• The columns are sortable. Select the column header to sort by that field.
• Display Name ~ How it displays in the Services Control Panel.
• Process Name ~ Name of the Process running in the background (displays in Task Manager by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del).
• DEFAULT Home ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Home.
• DEFAULT Pro ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP 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 minimize 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.
• Power User Configuration ~ This is the power user setup. A great way to test this setup is here. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet, provides file and print sharing resources and gaming enjoyment. Some things may not function with this setup. No passwords save. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or some direct DSL/cable connections. Try the "Safe" Configuration first.
• Bare-bones Configuration ~ This is the super geek setup. A great way to test this setup is here. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet with a static IP address. This system does not provide file and print sharing resources, nor have the ability to print. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or many direct DSL/cable connections. You can use this configuration for extreme tweaking and testing purposes. Many things may not function with this setup. No passwords save. The Event Log will display "errors" of not being able to start certain services. Built in Windows CDR-RW functions may no longer work. Please do not ask, "How do I fix" questions while using this configuration. The answer will be "Use SAFE." This information's intention is for reference only.
  

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 XP x86 (32-bit) Retail Service Configurations