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Introduction

An * (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 2 to Service Pack 3.

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.
An "*" (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 2 to Service Pack 3.
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 after the installation of Service Pack 3. 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" frees up 12-70 MB of RAM, depending on system.
Viewing Instructions: If the information is hard to read, please check out your viewing options.

Configuration Information

DEFAULT Home ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Home SP3.
DEFAULT MCE 2005 ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows Media Center Edition 2005 SP3.
DEFAULT Pro ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Professional SP3.
DEFAULT Tablet PC 2005 ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 SP3.
"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.
Service Name ~ The short name used by some display methods and in the registry.
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.