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Oct 302011
 

I have been monitoring the server performance for the last several weeks (and experiencing it myself while surfing my own site) and it was not up to my standards. I previously attempted to enable APC to speed performance up and failed numerous times for various reasons, becoming frustrated in the process. Today, however, I thought I would give XCache a try with great success. It looks as though CPU usage dropped by around 50% while page rendering and crawl time also dropped by 50%. I am pretty happy with the results.

Now, I can get back to converting my Wiki content over to WordPress so users can experience no ads while logged in and comment directly on Service pages.

An example of converted content is here. It is still a bit rough around the edges, but optimization will come in time.

Dec 162010
 

Introduction

Many people have asked for a “one-click” type of solution to Windows 7 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 7 Service Pack 1 Services Information.
  • All of these services are “Standard” with Windows 7 Service Pack 1. If you discover something other than these listed here running, another program installed them.
  • After adjusting your service settings, reboot your computer.
  • Before posting your question on the forums, see if your question has been addressed in the FAQ!

To-do List

  • 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.

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.
  • You should recieve no errors when applying these patches.
  • Safe mode is not required.

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. :)
  • All services that have the ability to be installed or uninstalled via Add/Remove Windows Components are not listed here. This is in an effort to not break existing configurations.
  • Several services that normally are “not” enabled are placed into automatic with these files. Two such services are Bitlocker Drive Encryption Service and WLAN AutoConfig. This is also in an effort to not break existing configurations (like a laptop connecting wirelessly) when, for the most part, people download these files to “fix” things.
  • A few services cannot be modified with a registry file. They are not listed here.

Files:

Services “Start” Key Modification

This section contains files with ONLY the “Start” key and “DelayedAutoStart”. For example:

The “Application Experience” service, this information is applied for the “Default” configuration:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\AeLookupSvc]

“Start”=dword:00000003

For the key “Start,” the values are:

  • 00000001 ~ A system service that loads/starts very early on. Will not be used here.
  • 00000002 ~ Automatic
  • 00000003 ~ Manual
  • 00000004 ~ Disabled

Also, for the key “DelayedAutoStart,” the values are:

  • 00000000 ~ No
  • 00000001 ~ Yes

Default Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Services Start Key:

“Safe” Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Services Start Key:

Aug 102010
 

In an effort to improve the readability and functionality of my Service Configuration Examples, I have made a few changes:

  • Table columns are now sortable by clicking on the header.
  • Table columns can now be hidden or shown individually.
  • Table headers are now replicated every 10 rows.
  • Table rows are colored even/odd.

These changes are valid whether you chose the Black or White color scheme and tested with Firefox 3.6, Chrome 5, IE 8, IE 9 and for giggles, Android 2.1 and 2.2.

I hope you enjoy the new Services Table Features!

Dec 072009
 

Introduction

Many people have asked for a “one-click” type of solution to Windows Vista SP2 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 Vista SP2 Services Information.
  • All of these services are “Standard” with Windows Vista SP2. If you discover something other than these listed here running, another program installed them.
  • After adjusting your service settings, reboot your computer.
  • Before posting your question on the forums, see if your question has been addressed in the FAQ!

To-do List

  • 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.

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.
  • You should recieve no errors when applying these patches.
  • Safe mode is not required.

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. :)
  • A few services cannot be modified with a registry file. They are not listed here.

Files:

Services “Start” Key Modification

This section contains files with ONLY the “Start” key and “DelayedAutoStart”. For example:

The “Application Experience” service, this information is applied for the “Default” configuration:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\AeLookupSvc]

“Start”=dword:00000002

For the key “Start,” the values are:

  • 00000001 ~ A system service that loads/starts very early on. Will not be used here.
  • 00000002 ~ Automatic
  • 00000003 ~ Manual
  • 00000004 ~ Disabled

Also, for the key “DelayedAutoStart,” the values are:

  • 00000000 ~ No
  • 00000001 ~ Yes

Default Windows Vista SP2 Services Start Key:

“Safe” Windows Vista SP2 Services Start Key: