Services
Windows XP services are programs that run in the background that assist with the running of the operating system. Each service can provide one or more functions within XP.
Some services run automatically when XP starts, some are started by other services and some are started by XP only when they are needed.
Services are closely interwoven with each other and can be dependant on, and have dependencies with more than one other service.
Whilst altering the behaviour of services can be very tempting, the best advice with services would seem to be to leave well alone and let XP configure these itself - IF you aren't sure what they do.
However, if you do want to look at and change the configuration of your XP services, then it is possible to do so, but caution is strongly recommended.
Obviously, everybody uses their computer slightly differently, so some systems may use services that others do not. After many hours of trial and error, I have managed to get my services to look like this. Remember though, that I haven't seen any significant performance improvement.
Look at this Microsoft link for an explanation if each service -
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/howitworks/management/w2kservices.asp
This is a useful link for explaining all of the XP services - http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
Also, have a read of http://www.3dspotlight.com/tweaks/winxp_services/index.shtml
The golden rule of services is, don't change anything unless you are 100% sure what it does and how it interacts with your system and other services.
Some services are obvious, whilst others are not. Some services may appear obvious, but don't do what you actually think they do.
It isn't recommended to change any service to "disabled", unless you are absolutely sure that it is not required, otherwise this may render your computer unusable or a feature of XP may stop working as it should.
If you must change a service, then change the setting to "manual" and not "disabled".
Also remember that services can be dependant on each other, i.e. a service may be needed by another service. So, before changing the status of the service, check for this.
Also, don't disable the Portable Media Serial Number service if you use a software dongle (parallel or USB) with our music software.
To change the status of services, follow these steps.
- Click the start button.
- Select Run
- Type 'services.msc' in the box and click ok. The services screen will be displayed.
- Find the service to be changed in the list and then select it with the mouse.
- Right click and select Properties.
- Once the properties windows has loaded locate the Start up type drop down box and select "manual"
- Then just click ok and the next time the computer starts the service will not be loaded, unless XP or another service needs it
