www.BlackViper.com: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Service Configurations

Update Information:

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 @ 7:56 AM PST

This information is in the process of being updated for Service Pack 3.

Service Pack 2 information has been archived and is located here.

Currently, XP Home information (Default) is accurate as well as the Safe, Tweaked and Bare Bones configurations.

In addition, A-I defaults are accurate for MCE, TPE and Pro.

Each individual service link is also being updated (A-I is done) and may contain SP2 information until I run through it in a (short, hopefully) amount of time.

Introduction

This information is valid for all versions of XP 32 bit.

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 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.

Two ** (asterisks) 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.
• 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 or they were installed with optional updates via Windows Update. Examples of this include .NET services and WMP services. 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.

Table Header Information

• Display Name ~ How it displays in the Services Control Panel.
• 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.
• Tweaked Configuration ~ This is the power user setup. 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. 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 my 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 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.

Service Dependency Abbreviation Information

• H ~ Windows XP Home
• M ~ Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
• P ~ Windows XP Pro
• T ~ Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005

An * (asterisk) indicates changes from the default.

Two ** (asterisks) indicates changes from Service Pack 2 to Service Pack 3.

Renamed or Removed Services:

• None

"Have you tweaked your OS lately?"

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