Windows XP Pro/Home/MCE Service Tweaks

Shutt off unnecessary services!

Windows XP and Windows Vista alike come LOADED with services that most of us will never use. Why let those services take up resources while you're busy annihilating your opponents?

This guide is for Windows XP Only!

As long as you follow my directions nothing bad can happen to your system. Please keep in mind it's very easy to screw things up if you don't know what you're doing, so don't go shutting off random services!!!

1. Click on Start -> Run -> type in services.msc

2. Please sort the list by Startup Type by clicking on the Startup... tab once.

Automatic Updates -  This service is required to download Windows updates from Microsoft. You can disable it and download them manually via the web. Safe to disable? YES.

Clipbook Viewer - If you're heavy into cutting 'n' pasting random snippets to others on the LAN, this is your baby. If not, it's easy enough to fire it up on the few occasions it is needed. Safe to disable? YES.

DNS Client - This is only required if you use dial up. If you're on 
broadband please disable this service. Safe to disable? YES.

Error Reporting Service - This is responsible for the box that pops up wanting you to report an application error or system crash to Microsoft. Safe to disable? YES.

Fast User Switching - Supplies the 'Switch User' functionality associated with the logoff option. It's a nice touch if you really do have that many users that are constantly switching in and out of the same box. Safe to disable? YES.

Help and Support - This connects to the online help via Microsoft available from the Help and Support option on the Start Menu. Safe to disable? YES.

Messenger - This is Microsofts attempt at requiring everyone to use MSN Messenger. Even if you use Live! Messenger, this is safe to disable and is recommended. Safe to disable? YES.

Network DDE and Network DDE DSDM
- The only thing known about these services it that they are related to the above mentioned Clipbook service. Safe to disable? YES.

Remote Registry - Do -you- want someone editing -your- registry remotely? I didn't think so. Disabled. Safe to disable? YES.

Routing and Remote Access - This may sound neccessary, but it isn't. Allows LAN and WAN dial in access to the computer. Safe to disable? YES.

Security Center - This is for people who don't know what their doing. It is an app that lets you know if you have a firewall/av/spyware enabled. If you are confident about your security, disable this. Safe to disable? YES.

SSDP Discovery Service - Remember, a UPnP device is external (not inside the computer case) and a part of the local network. Absolutely unnecessary. Safe to disable? YES.

System Restore Service - I've personally never had success with this
service, so I always disable it. It is a resource hog, it is constantly
caching restore data to your hard drive. Safe to disable? AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Telephony - Basically controls all dialup activity and in some cases DSL/Cable activity. I've had this disabled on my broadband connection for the past 3 years. Safe to disable? YES.

Telnet - A remote login 'feature' that is a major security hole. Unless you have a specific reason to use this, keep it disabled. Even Microsoft has changed the default to Disabled with the release of SP2. Safe to disable? YES.

Terminal Services - If you use Remote Desktop (including RD for Administrators), Fast User Switching, Remote Assistance, or the Terminal Server service, keep this enabled. If not, disable. Safe to disable? YES.

Web Client - I haven't been able to locate anyone that can tell me whether this service is needed or not. I've had it Disabled, Manual, and Automatic with no conclusive evidence. It's a crapshoot. Safe to disable? YES.

Wireless Zero Configuration - For wireless network adaptors. If you're wired, disable this. Safe to disable? YES.

If you use a good firewall, please disable Windows Firewall service as it can only cause conflictions.

Feel free to reply here with any questions comments or suggestions.


Edited by skyR - 22 Oct 2007 at 7:02pm

Originally posted by Dave wow thanks that helped my computer performance go up about 15%, nice in depth guide as well.

Glad I can be of help! It really does make a huge difference. 

Be on the look out for more posts in this forum to improve performance!

you know i thought i forgot to do that. thx robert

excellent post!

Wow, this kind of information makes it worth buying a computer from DS