|
Service |
Description |
Dependencies |
Startup
Type |
|
Alerter: |
Notifies selected users and
computers of administrative alerts. If the service is stopped, programs
that use administrative alerts will not receive them. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*If
you are connected to a network, set it to Automatic. This service will
notify your System Administrator of problems occurring within the network
which may aid them in fixing the problem. |
Workstation |
Disabled
Home user:
Automatic
Networked computer: |
Application Layer
Gateway Service |
Provides support for 3rd party
protocol plug-ins for Internet Connection Sharing and the Internet
Connection Firewall. |
None |
Disabled
Not using XP's firewall or connection sharing:
Automatic
Using XP's firewall or
connection sharing: |
Application
Management |
Provides software installation
services such as Assign, Publish, and Remove.
*Disabling
this service may prevent configuration or removal of some software
applications. |
None |
Manual
All users: |
|
Ati HotKey Poller |
*This
allows an assortment of ATI hotkeys to be available. ATIMMC requires this
to be in either Manual or Automatic to function. Disable if not needed. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Automatic Updates |
Enables the download and
installation of critical Windows updates. If the service is disabled, the
operating system can be manually updated at the
Windows
Update web site.
*I
prefer manually updating my system as Microsoft doesn't always know what
is good for my machine. Manual and Automatic update via Windows Update web
site Requires Cryptographic Services to be running. |
None |
Disabled
Go to
Windows
Update Site often.
Automatic
XP will notify you of available updates. |
Background
Intelligent
Transfer
Service |
Uses idle network bandwidth to
transfer data.
*If
you have disabled "Automatic Updates" service, you won't need this service
running.
e.g.
Your "Automatic Updates" service sends information to Microsoft Windows
Update server about the present patches and fixes you have already
installed. The updater server reports back that you have updates to
perform. This is all done in the background. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Workstation |
Disabled
If Auto Updates is disabled. |
|
ClipBook |
Enables ClipBook Viewer to store
information and share it with remote computers. If the service is stopped,
ClipBook Viewer will not be able to share information with remote
computers. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly
depend on it will fail to start.
*I've
had no problems with any application on my computer with having this
service set to Manual. If you are on a network of computers, your system
Administrator should know if you require this service. |
Network DDE |
Disabled
Manual
if unsure. |
COM+ Event
System |
Supports System Event
Notification service (SENS), which provides automatic distribution of
events to subscribing Component Object Model (COM) components. If the
service is stopped, SENS will close and will not be able to provide logon
and logoff notifications. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Required
for System Event Notification.
If you disable this service,
you will find DCOM will create an event log noting this service is not
running. To figure out if you need this service running or not, take a
peek at your "X:\Program Files\ComPlus Applications" folder for any
COM+ applications installed in there. If not, it's probably safe to
Disable this service.
*BootVis
requires COM+ Event System & Task Scheduler if you want to take advantage
of the system optimization features. Without these services you will add a
couple of seconds to your bootup times. BootVis deals with prefetch
settings and prefetching only occurs at bootup. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled
Manual
if unsure. |
Computer
Browser |
Maintains an updated list of
computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as
browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or
maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly
depend on it will fail to start.
*This
service is not required by a home computer. you will still be able to
browse your Network workgroup and mapped network shares if disabled. |
Server
Workstation |
Disabled |
Cryptographic
Services |
Provides three management services:
Catalogue Database Service, which confirms the signatures of Windows
files; Protected Root Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root
Certification Authority certificates from this computer; and Key Service,
which helps enrol this computer for certificates. If this service is
stopped, these management services will not function properly. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail
to start.
*Windows
Updates service set to Manual or Automatic will require this service.
Windows Media Player requires this service for some of its features to
function. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Automatic
You won't have to remember to turn it on when necessary.
Disabled
Power User setting |
|
DHCP Client |
Manages network configuration by
registering and updating IP addresses and DNS names.
*If
your Internet Service Provider, (ISP) supplies a Dynamic IP Address when
ever your machine requires a connection to the Net, set this to Automatic.
If your Internet Service Provider, (ISP) has given you a Static IP, you
can disable this service. Test it out and see if you are unsure. |
AFD Networking Support Environment
NETBios Over Tcpip
TCP/IP Protocol Driver |
Disabled
Static IP address
Automatic
Dynamic IP address |
|
Distributed Link Tracking Client |
Maintains links between NTFS files
within a computer or across computers in a network domain.
*e.g.
If I create a file and store
it on my computer and then create a shortcut to the file and then later on
move the file to another computer on the network, this service tracks the
change and lets the shortcut know of the new location. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
Distributed
Transaction
Coordinator |
Coordinates transactions that span
multiple resource managers, such as databases, message queues, and file
systems. If this service is stopped, these transactions will not occur. If
this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will
fail to start.
*Message
Queuing requires this service. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Security Accounts Manager |
Disabled |
|
DNS Client |
Resolves and caches Domain Name
System (DNS) names for this computer. If this service is stopped, this
computer will not be able to resolve DNS names and locate Active Directory
domain controllers. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Required
if using IPSEC. If multiple domains are used within a network, set to
Automatic. |
TCP/IP Protocol Driver |
Disabled |
|
EPSON Printer Status Agent2 |
Lets you know when you are running
out of ink.
*When
you start to run out of ink, can you tell the difference? I can. |
None |
Disabled |
Error Reporting
Service |
Allows error reporting for services
and applications running in non-standard environments.
*This
one is up to you. If you get a error while working in one of your
applications, a dialogue box pops up and asks if you would like to tell
Microsoft your problems. All pertinent information on the error will be
logged and sent to Microsoft. Waste of my time if you ask me. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Event Log |
Enables event log messages issued by
Windows-based programs and components to be viewed in Event Viewer. This
service cannot be stopped. |
None |
Automatic |
Fast User Switching
Compatibility |
Provides management for applications
that require assistance in a multiple user environment. |
Terminal Services |
Automatic
for a multiple user computer.
Disabled
for a single user computer |
|
Fax |
Enables you to send and receive
faxes, utilizing fax resources available on this computer or on the
network.
*This
service isn't installed by default but is available off the Windows XP
installation CD.
I send faxes very infrequently but I still want it available on this
computer. I set it to Manual on my system. |
Plug and Play
Print Spooler
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Telephony |
Disabled
No Fax
Manual
Fax available on demand |
FTP Publishing
Service |
Used to provide a FTP server on your
network.
*If
you aren't running a server from your machine, you won't need this. |
IIS Admin |
Disabled |
|
Help and Support |
Enables Help and Support Center to
run on this computer. If this service is stopped, Help and Support Center
will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*This
service is required for Microsoft Online Help documents. Attempting to
access Help and Support after disabling this service will change the
startup type to Automatic on this service. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Human Interface Device Access |
Enables generic input access to
Human Interface Devices (HID), which activates and maintains the use of
predefined hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls, and other multimedia
devices. If this service is stopped, hot buttons controlled by this
service will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services
that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Some
peripherals require this service. Internet keyboards with volume and play
control buttons, scanners with fax or copy buttons. I don't have any of
these kinds of peripherals so mine is disabled. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
IIS Admin |
Usually used in conjunction with
local web site or FTP servers.
*Not
installed by default. Crackers use this as a leak on your system. Leave
Disabled if you don't need it. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Security Accounts Manager |
Disabled |
IMAPI
CD-Burning
COM Service |
Manages CD recording using Image
Mastering Applications Programming Interface (IMAPI). If this service is
stopped, this computer will be unable to record CDs. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*XP
comes with burning software that allows drag & drop burning. If you have
software installed that already has this feature, you can Disable it.
Disabling this service can give you an improvement in burning speed as
well. (So I've heard) |
None |
Disabled |
|
Indexing Service |
Indexes contents and properties of
files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files
through flexible querying language.
*This
is a resource hog. Either Disable it or even better, uninstall it using
the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Internet Connection Firewall
(ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) |
Provides network address
translation, addressing, name resolution and/or intrusion prevention
services for a home or small office network.
*Not
very configurable. Kind of a lame excuse for a firewall. It's better than
nothing. |
Application Layer Gateway Service
Network Connections
Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Remote Access Connection Manager |
Disabled
if you run a 3rd party firewall application
Automatic
if you want to use the XP Firewall |
|
IPSEC Services |
Manages IP security policy and
starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE) and the IP security driver.
*You
might be on that rare domain that requires this service. Test out
Disabling this service. |
IPSEC Driver
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
TCP/IP Protocol Driver |
Disabled |
|
Logical Disk Manager |
Detects and monitors new hard disk
drives and sends disk volume information to Logical Disk Manager
Administrative Service for configuration. If this service is stopped,
dynamic disk status and configuration information may become out of date.
If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it
will fail to start.
*If
needed, a Manual setting will allow this service to start and stop when
not needed. |
Plug and Play
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Manual |
|
Logical Disk Manager Administrative
Service |
Configures hard disk drives and
volumes. The service only runs for configuration processes and then stops.
*Required
by the MMC Console for dynamic volumes. |
Logical Disk Manager
Plug and Play
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Manual |
|
Machine Debug Manager |
Manages local and remote debugging
for Visual Studio debuggers.
*If
you don't want to be dealing with the dialogue box asking you if you wish
to debug the scrip on this, (not mine) page, Disable this service. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Messenger |
Transmits net send and Alerter
service messages between clients and servers. This service is not related
to Windows Messenger. If this service is stopped, Alerter messages will
not be transmitted. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Only
set this to Automatic if you're connected to a Windows 2000/XP domain or
network. |
NetBIOS Interface
Plug and Play
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Workstation |
Disabled |
|
Message Queuing |
*May
be used on some domains. Not installed by default. Not available on XP
Home.
Here is a link to
Message Queuing in Windows XP for a good description of this feature. |
Distributed Transaction Coordinator
Message Queuing Access Control
NT LM Security Support Provider
Reliable Multicast Protocol
driver
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Server |
Disabled
Automatic
if using this service
|
Message Queuing
Triggers |
*See
link above for information on this service. |
Message Queuing |
Disabled |
|
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider |
Manages software-based volume shadow
copies taken by the Volume Shadow Copy service. If this service is
stopped, software-based volume shadow copies cannot be managed. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail
to start.
*Microsoft
Backup requires this service. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Manual
Disabled
and test |
|
Net Logon |
Supports pass-through authentication
of account logon events for computers in a domain. |
Workstation |
Disabled |
|
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing |
Enables an authorized user to access
this computer remotely by using NetMeeting over a corporate intranet. If
this service is stopped, remote desktop sharing will be unavailable. If
this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will
fail to start.
*This
could be a security hole. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Network Connections |
Manages objects in the Network and
Dial-Up Connections folder, in which you can view both local area network
and remote connections.
*Disable
this service if you aren't on the Net with your machine. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Automatic |
|
Network DDE |
Provides network transport and
security for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) for programs running on the same
computer or on different computers. If this service is stopped, DDE
transport and security will be unavailable. If this service is disabled,
any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Unless
you use ClipBook remotely, Disable this service. |
Network DDE DSDM |
Disabled |
|
Network DDE DSDM |
Manages Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
network shares. If this service is stopped, DDE network shares will be
unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly
depend on it will fail to start.
*Unless
you use ClipBook remotely, Disable this service. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Network Location Awareness (NLA) |
Collects and stores network
configuration and location information, and notifies applications when
this information changes.
*Internet
Connection Sharing Service, (server only) requires this server to be
running. Disabled unless running ICS/ICF. |
AFD Networking Support Environment
TCP/IP Protocol Driver |
Disabled |
|
NT LM Security Support Provider |
Provides security to remote
procedure call (RPC) programs that use transports other than named pipes. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Performance Logs and Alerts |
Collects performance data from local
or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then
writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. If this service is stopped,
performance information will not be collected. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Combine
the information that this service will produce in the performance log and
System Monitor and you have some pretty technical info. Not really
necessary IMO. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Plug and Play |
Enables a computer to recognize and
adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input. Stopping or
disabling this service will result in system instability.
*One
of the basic natures of your operating systems of today are Plug and Play.
Install a device or component and your system automatically detects it.
Without this, your system will not ask for proper drivers to be installed.
You will be left unaware that you have hardware configuration problems if
not immediately apparent through normal operation of your machine. In
other words, don't disable this baby! |
None |
Automatic |
|
Portable Media Serial Number |
Retrieves the serial number of any
portable music player connected to your computer.
*I
haven't heard of any device that requires this service yet. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Print Spooler |
Loads files to memory for later
printing. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Automatic |
|
Protected Storage |
Provides protected storage for
sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized
services, processes, or users.
*This
service is responsible for saving passwords using Auto Complete, Dialup
Networking and Domain Controller/Server that requires authentication. I
leave this one set to Automatic myself. You decide which is best for you. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Automatic
saves passwords
Disabled
more security |
|
QoS RSVP |
Provides network signalling and
local traffic control setup functionality for QoS-aware programs and
control applets.
*You
will find this installed by default in any Network connection. Some
applications can request the extra bandwidth made available by this
service. Approximately 20%. When the bandwidth is no longer needed, it is
returned to your systems available bandwidth. 100% is now available again.
Disable this service if you have no need for the bandwidth redirect.
Better still, uninstall it from your network connection.
More about this service. |
AFD Networking Support Environment
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
TCP/IP Protocol Driver |
Disabled |
|
Remote Access Auto Connection
Manager |
Creates a connection to a remote
network whenever a program references a remote DNS or NetBIOS name or
address.
*Your
internet connection may need this service running due to some ISP's logon
processes. Test it out with Disabled. If your connection fails, set it to
Automatic. |
Remote Access Connection Manager
Telephony |
Disabled
if not required for your
connection.
Automatic
if required for your connection |
|
Remote Access Connection Manager |
Creates a network connection.
*Internet
Connection Sharing requires this service and as above, your Internet
connection may need this service running due to some ISP's logon
processes. Test it out with Disabled. If your connection fails, set it to
Automatic. |
Telephony |
Disabled
if not required for your
connection.
Automatic
if required for your connection |
|
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager |
Manages and controls Remote
Assistance. If this service is stopped, Remote Assistance will be
unavailable. Before stopping this service, see the Dependencies tab of the
Properties dialog box.
*This
can be a handy service for the Newbie and the helpful Power User. If you
don't plan on using this service, Disable it. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Provides the endpoint mapper and
other miscellaneous RPC services.
*As
you can see by the dependency column, lots of services depend on this
service. |
None |
Automatic |
|
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator |
Manages the RPC name service
database.
*If
your connection fails after Disabling this service, set it to Manual. |
Workstation |
Disabled |
|
Remote Registry |
Enables remote users to modify
registry settings on this computer. If this service is stopped, the
registry can be modified only by users on this computer. If this service
is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*You
will be able to modify your registry only from your computer. No remote
computer will be able to gain access. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Removable Storage |
Used for managing removable media.
*e.g.
Tape backup devices and CD-ROM's may not work properly if Disabled. Test
it out and see. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Routing and Remote Access |
Offers routing services to
businesses in local area and wide area network environments. |
NetBIOSGroup
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Secondary Logon |
Enables starting processes under
alternate credentials. If this service is stopped, this type of logon
access will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Security Accounts Manager |
Stores security information for
local user accounts.
*If
you use Group Policy Editor, (gpedit.msc) you must have this set to
Automatic for your custom policy settings to work. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled
Automatic
if you use Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) |
|
Server |
Supports file, print, and named-pipe
sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped,
these functions will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*If
you are on a network and have file and print sharing turned on, you will
need this set to Automatic. Home users should Disable this security risk
service. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Shell Hardware Detection |
*Some
actions require a device to be detected in order to produce. Such as
playing a music CD. A CD-ROM device has to be found. Sorry for my
vagueness on this one. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Manual |
|
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol |
*Supports
the use of a local (outbound) email server.
Not installed by default. |
Event Log
IIS Admin |
Disabled |
|
Simple TCP/IP Service |
*Supports
UNIX Networking services.
Not installed by default. |
AFD Networking Support Environment |
Disabled |
|
Smart Card |
Manages access to smart cards read
by this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will be unable
to read smart cards. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*In
a Network of computers you might have a Smart Sard installed for Network
Authentication. If you don't have any Smart Cards installed, Disable this
service. |
Plug and Play |
Disabled |
|
Smart Card Helper |
Enables support for legacy non-plug
and play smart-card readers used by this computer. If this service is
stopped, this computer will not support legacy reader. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*No
Smart Card? Disable this service. |
None |
Disabled |
|
SNMP Service |
Supports the use of networking
equipment that use SNMP as a mode of management.
*Not
installed by default |
Event Log |
Disabled |
|
SNMP Trap Service |
Supports the use of networking
equipment that use SNMP as a mode of management. |
Event Log |
Disabled |
|
SSDP Discovery Service |
Enables discovery of UPnP devices on
your home network.
*If
you don't have any of these devices, disable it. If you do have home
networking devices set up, test it out on Disable. If any device stops
working, set to Automatic. |
None |
Disabled |
|
System Event Notification |
Tracks system events such as Windows
logon, network, and power events. Notifies COM+ Event System subscribers
of these events.
*This
service will notify and log events such as logon's and power problems.
Most of us couldn't care less about this information. |
COM+ Event System |
Disabled |
|
System Restore Service |
Performs system restore functions.
To stop service, turn off System Restore from the System Restore tab in My
Computer, Properties, System Restore tab.
*2
schools of thought on this one. Some think it's a resource hog. It will
create a new restore point every time you install a new program. The
restore point is as big as your amount of RAM you have installed. You can
remove old restore points if you want as to not use up to much of your
hard drive space.
I like it. before I do some kind of major hacking to my system or install
some kind of beta ware, I create a restore point to return to if need be.
Multiple partitions with multiple O/S's? Turn off System Restore on all
drives except Windows XP's partition. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Automatic
Disabled
If you like to do a fresh
install if problems occur. |
|
Task Scheduler |
Enables a user to configure and
schedule automated tasks on this computer. If this service is stopped,
these tasks will not be run at their scheduled times. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*BootVis,
Anti virus program auto updates, added maintenance routines, Windows XP
prefetch, Windows Updates service, are a few of the programs and services
that won't start if Disabled. I do everything manually so I Disable this
service. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper |
Enables support for NetBIOS over
TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution.
*If
NetBios or WINS is not implemented on your network, Disable this service. |
AFD Networking Support Environment
NetBios over TCP/IP |
Disabled |
|
Telephony |
Provides Telephony API (TAPI)
support for programs that control telephony devices and IP based voice
connections on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that
are also running the service.
*Dialup
Networking depends on this service to be running. If you are on Cable or
DSL, test Disabled. If your connection fails, set to Automatic. |
Plug and Play
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Telnet |
Enables a remote user to log on to
this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet
clients, including UNIX-based and Windows-based computers. If this service
is stopped, remote user access to programs might be unavailable. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail
to start.
*This
service isn't available on XP Home.
Disable this one as it could pose a security risk. |
NT LM Security Support Provider
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
TCP/IP Protocol Driver |
Disabled |
|
Terminal Services |
Allows multiple users to be
connected interactively to a machine as well as the display of desktops
and applications to remote computers. The underpinning of Remote Desktop
(including RD for Administrators), Fast User Switching, Remote Assistance,
and Terminal Server.
*If
you don't use any of these features, Disable this service. This service
could pose a security threat as well. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Themes |
Provides user experience theme
management.
*If
you use the themes provided by the XP O/S, set this one to Automatic. If
you don't like the colours and animations, Disable. If you want to shut
down most of the resource wasting in the themes,
Turn
Off The Fluff! |
None |
Automatic
if you use themes.
Disabled
If you don't. |
|
TrueVector Basic Logging Client |
Writes alert text to a log file.
*Required
by Zone Alarm |
TrueVector Internet Monitor |
Automatic |
|
TrueVector Internet Monitor |
Monitors internet traffic and
generates alerts for disallowed access.
*Required
by Zone Alarm |
AFD Networking Support Environment
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
vsdatant |
Automatic |
|
Uninterruptible Power Supply |
Manages an uninterruptible power
supply (UPS) connected to the computer.
*If
you use a Uninterruptible Power Supply, (UPS) leave this set to Automatic. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Universal Plug and Play Device Host |
Provides support to host Universal
Plug and Play devices.
*Some
multiplayer games using Direct 7/8 require this service to be running. If
this applies to you, set it to Automatic. Otherwise, Disable this service
as it poses a possible security risk. |
SSDP Discovery Service |
Disabled |
|
Upload Manager |
Manages synchronous and asynchronous
file transfers between clients and servers on the network. If this service
is stopped, synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients
and servers on the network will not occur. If this service is disabled,
any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*You
won't need this one. Most Networks will have their own application that
will take care of this one. FTP is the norm. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Volume Shadow Copy |
Manages and implements Volume Shadow
Copies used for backup and other purposes. If this service is stopped,
shadow copies will be unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. If
this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will
fail to start.
*This
service is used with Microsoft Backup. If you don't use Microsoft Backup,
Disable this service. If unsure, set to Manual. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled
Manual
if unsure. |
|
WebClient |
Enables Windows-based programs to
create, access, and modify Internet-based files. If this service is
stopped, these functions will not be available. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*It's
been rumoured that DOT NET may require this service. |
WebDav Client Redirector |
Disabled |
|
Windows Audio |
Manages audio devices for
Windows-based programs. If this service is stopped, audio devices and
effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Don't
Disable this one unless you don't have a sound card installed. |
Plug and Play
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Automatic |
|
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) |
Provides image acquisition services
for scanners and cameras.
*If
you Disable this service and your camera or scanner fails to function, set
this to Automatic. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled
Automatic
If problems occur |
|
Windows Installer |
Installs, repairs and removes
software according to instructions contained in .MSI files.
*If
you set this service to Manual, it will start when needed. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Manual |
|
Windows Management Instrumentation |
Provides a common interface and
object model to access management information about operating system,
devices, applications and services. If this service is stopped, most
Windows-based software will not function properly. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. |
Event Log
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Automatic |
|
Windows Management Instrumentation
Driver Extensions |
Provides systems management
information to and from drivers. |
None |
Manual |
|
Windows Time |
Maintains date and time
synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. If this service
is stopped, date and time synchronization will be unavailable. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail
to start.
*Instead
of using resources I set my clock manually when needed. I don't run the
clock in the taskbar as it uses up valuable real-estate on the taskbar. I
modified my case to accommodate a
digital clock on the front instead. |
None |
Disabled |
|
Wireless Zero Configuration |
Provides automatic configuration for
the 802.11 adapters.
*If
you don't have a wireless network setup, you can disable this service. |
NDIS Usermode I/O Protocol
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
WMI Performance Adapter |
Provides performance library
information from WMI HiPerf providers. |
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) |
Disabled |
|
Workstation |
Creates and maintains client network
connections to remote servers. If this service is stopped, these
connections will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services
that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Very important service. |
None |
Automatic |
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