HOW TO INCREASE YOUR COMPUTER'S RESOURCES
WHEN RUNNING WINDOWS XP

All changes that you make to your computer are done entirely at your own risk.
If you are not sure about making these changes,
I suggest that you obtain the services of a qualified computer consultant.

Situation:
You are having performance problems or conflicts on a Windows XP computer. You want to know what programs or services you can safely stop from loading when you start Windows.

Solution:
The information in this document is provided for your convenience. It has been gathered from several sources.

For Windows XP system-specific information, go to For Windows XP system-specific information, go to
http://www.blkviper.com/ or http://www.theeldergeek.com

 

Background information
Many XP Services do not need to load and can be disabled to free up RAM for improved performance. The list of services that are normally running on an XP system are listed in the section: Services and recommendations and include general recommendations about what can be turned off safely. Also, the dependencies are listed for most services.

In addition to Windows services, many programs and drivers set themselves to run when Windows starts. An easy way to prevent these from starting is to use the System Configuration Utility.

System Configuration Utility
The Windows System Configuration Utility 'msconfig' provides an easy way to troubleshoot conflicts and stop programs, nonessential drivers, and services from loading.

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type msconfig, and then click OK.
  • You can load only basic services and drivers by clicking Diagnostic Startup on the General tab.
  • You can disable services from the Services tab.
  • You can stop programs from loading by unchecking items on the Startup tab.

Use the following link in conjunction to verify which entries you should disable under the startup tab http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Services and recommendations
What follows is a list of the XP services and their dependencies, along with recommendations as to whether they should be enabled or disabled. Please remember that these are general recommendations only, and all such actions are done entirely at your own risk.

How to access and change services settings:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type Services.msc and then click OK. The Services window appears.
3. Locate and select the service that you want to change.
4. Click Action, and then click Properties.
5. On the General tab, click the drop-down for the "Start up type"
     list box and change the start up as needed. For example, if you select "Alerter"
     and change its start up type from Automatic to Disabled,
     that service will no longer start when you start Windows.
6. Click OK when finished making your changes.

Recommendations:
This is a list of Windows XP services, their purpose, comments, recommendations, and dependencies.

For Windows XP system-specific information, go to For Windows XP system-specific information, go to http://www.blkviper.com/ or http://www.theeldergeek.com

Service Purpose Comments Recommendations Dependencies
Alerter Notifies users of administrative alerts. Not required under normal circumstances. Disabled. Workstation
Error Reporting Service Sends reports to Microsoft when application errors occurs. Uses memory and resources. Strictly optional. Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
FTP Publishing Service   Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later from the installation CD. Used to provide a FTP server on your network. Leave not installed or Disabled IIS Admin
Help and Support   Required for Microsoft online help documents. Disabled unless you really want it. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Human Interface Device Access   Not all peripherals require this service. (May be needed by cameras and similar devices.) Disabled unless you really need it; Automatic if you do. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
IIS Admin   Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later from the installation CD. Usually used in conjunction with local Web site or FTP servers. Leave not installed or Disabled unless you really need it. Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Security Accounts Manager
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service Used for "drag and drop" CD burn capability.   Disabled unless needed, then Manual.  
Indexing Service   This is a major resource user. You can remove the function using "Add/Remove Programs" Disabled or even better, uninstalled. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Internet Connection Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing Used to allow multiple computers on your network to access the internet using only one account. This service is installed on the "modem" computer. Automatic if using this function, Disabled if not required. Application Layer Gateway Service, Network Connections, Network Location Awareness, Remote Access Connection Manager
IPSEC Services   May be required on some domains, but the "average" user will not need this. If you are concerned about security, enable this feature. Disabled IPSEC driver, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), TCP/IP Protocol Driver
Logical Disk Manager Needed to run the Disk Management MMC console for dynamic volumes.   Disabled Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service Needed to run the Disk Management MMC console for dynamic volumes.   Disabled Logical Disk Manager, Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Message Queuing   Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later off of the WinXP CD. May be used on some domains, but the "average" home user will never need this service. Leave not installed or Disabled Distributed Transaction Coordinator, Message Queuing access control, NT LM Security Support Provider, Reliable Multicast Protocol driver, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Server
Message Queuing Triggers   Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later from the installation CD. Required if you use Message Queuing service. Leave not installed or Disabled Message Queuing
Messenger Sends messages between clients and servers. Not needed under normal "home" conditions. Disabled NetBIOS Interface, Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)- Workstation
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider Used in conjunction with the Volume Shadow Copy Service. Microsoft Backup also uses these services.   Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Net Login Used for logging onto a Domain Controller.   Disabled Workstation
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing Enables you to access your computer using NetMeeting. This may create a big open door for the unwanted. If you are concerned about security, Disable this function. Even if you are not worried, you can still disable it. Disabled  
Network Connections Required for managing network connectivity. Set to disabled if you have no network or you do not change the configurations a lot. If your Internet connectivity is effected after disabling this function, set it back to Automatic! Automatic if needed, Disabled if not. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Network DDE . Not used by most programs. Unless you use remote ClipBook, Disable it. Disabled Network DDE DSDM
Network DDE DSDM   Not used by most programs. Unless you use remote ClipBook, Disable it. Disabled AFD Networking Support Environment, TCP/IP Protocol Driver
Network Location Awareness (NLA) Required for use with the Internet Connection Sharing Service (server only.)   Disabled unless running ICS/ICF.  
NT LM Security Support Provider   Not needed unless you are running Message Queuing or Telnet server. Disabled unless needed.  
Performance Logs and Alerts Collects performance data on a schedule and sends the information to a log or triggers an alert.   Disabled  
Plug and Play The basis of the Plug and Play (PnP) environment. NOTE: PnP is not related to UPnP. UPnP is used for connectivity on networks using TCP/IP to devices such as scanners or printers. Your sound card is PnP. Do not disable Plug and Play service. Automatic  
Portable Media Serial Number Retrieves serial numbers from portable music players connected to your computer. It is not known if any devices actually require this. Disabled unless a device ceases to function properly.  
Print Spooler Queues up print jobs for later printing. This service is Required if you have printers, even if they are network printers. If this does not fit your needs, Disable it. Automatic if needed, Disabled otherwise. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Protected Storage Allows for the saving of local passwords or even Web site information (AutoComplete.) This service is set to Automatic by default. If you are concerned about security reasons, you may want to disable this feature to make theft of information more difficult. Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
QoS RSVP Provides traffic control on a network using IPSEC and applications that support QoS, plus have an adapter that supports it. The QoS Packet Driver is installed by default on any TCP/IP connections. You can uninstall it if it is not needed on your network. Disabled AFD Networking Support Environment, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), TCP/IP Protocol Driver
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager Creates a connection to a network when a program requests a remote address. This service may be required for your Internet connection. If things cease to function after disabling this service, set it to Automatic. Disabled unless required for your Internet connection. Remote Access Connection Manager, Telephony
Remote Access Connection Manager Creates a network connection. This service is required for dial-up networking and if you use Internet Connection Sharing. If things cease to function after disabling this service, set it to Automatic. Disabled unless required for your internet connection. Telephony
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager Manages and controls Remote Assistance. If you do not want or need to use this feature, Disable it. Disabled unless using it. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) This service is vital. Just about everything depends on this service to be running. This is also the only service that you can not disable using the Services MMC. Automatic.  
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator Manages the RPC name service database. May not be needed by most users. If something on your network breaks after you disable this service, set it back to Manual or Automatic. Disabled unless required for your network. Workstation
Remote Registry Service   This is one of those not needed services. If you are concerned about security, disable this service. Disabled  
Removable Storage Used for managing removable media. Disable this service if you do not have items like tape backup devices, etc. If your CD ROM/DVD Drive stops working properly, place this service into Automatic. Normally, this service is not needed. Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
RIP Listener   Not installed by default. If you do not know what it is, you do not need it. Leave not installed or Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Routing and Remote Access   If you do not know what it is, you do not need it. Leave not installed or Disabled NetBIOSGroup, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Secondary Logon Enables starting processes under alternate credentials. It is not known if any programs use this service, Disabled  
Security Accounts Manager Like Protected Storage, it saves security information for local users. This service is Required for IIS Admin. Disabled unless needed. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Server Used for file and print sharing from your computer or if you use Message Queuing. Workstation is needed to connect to another computer that has the files you are looking for. For security purposes, you may Disable this service if you do not require local printers and files to be shared across your network. Disabled unless needed. If a device stops working properly, place this service into Automatic.  
Shell Hardware Detection Used for the autoplay of devices such as memory cards. Set to Automatic if you are experiencing problems with laptop docking stations. Disabled unless needed. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP)   Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later. Supports the use of a local (outbound) email server. Leave not installed or Disabled Event Log, IIS Admin
Simple TCP/IP Services Supports some older UNIX networking services. Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later. Leave not installed or Disabled AFD Networking Support Environment
Smart Card Supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication. If you do not have a "Smart Card" you do not need this service. Disabled Plug and Play
Smart Card Helper Supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication. If you do not have a "Smart Card," you do not need this service. Disabled  
SNMP Service Supports the use of networking equipment that use SNMP as a mode of management. Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later. Leave not installed or Disabled Event Log
SNMP Trap Service Supports the use of networking equipment that use SNMP as a mode of management Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later. Leave not installed or Disabled Event Log
SSDP Discovery Service Used to locate UPnP devices on your home network. Used in conjunction with Universal Plug and Play Device Host, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. For security reasons and unless you have these devices, Disable this service. If any external device does not function as a result of this service being disabled, place it back in to Automatic.

NOTE: UPnP is not related to PnP. UPnP is used for connectivity on networks using TCP/IP to devices such as scanners or printers. Your sound card is PnP. Do not disable Plug and Play service.		 Disabled  
System Event Notification Used in conjunction with COM+ Event System, this service notifies particular services when system events, such as logon and power events occurs. Not needed by most users or programs Disabled COM+ Event System
System Restore Service Creates system snap shots or restore points for returning to at a later time. Heavy resource uses. If not using System Restore, disable. Automatic Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Task Scheduler This service is used to schedule maintenance, Microsoft Backup sessions or maybe even AutoUpdate. You can do these manually if desired. NOTE: BootVis Requires Task Scheduler and COM+ Event System to be running if you want to take advantage of the "optimize system" function, due to the pre-fetching function built into XP. Pre-fetching only occurs on bootup, so if you do not care about a few extra seconds of boot time, you can disable Task Scheduler. Disabled unless using the programs mentioned here. Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service Legacy support for NetBios over TCP/IP. If your network does not use NetBios, disable this function. Disabled AFD Networking Support Environment, NetBios over TCP/IP
TCP/IP Printer Server Used for setting up a local UNIX print server Not installed by default. If you do not need this function, leave it uninstalled. Leave not installed or Disabled Print Spooler, TCP/IP Protocol Driver
Telephony Controls telephony devices on the local computer. This service is required for dial-up modem connectivity. Automatic if you require dial-up connectivity, Disabled otherwise. Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Telnet Allows remote logon to the local computer through the telnet function. For security reasons, this service should be Disabled unless you specifically require its functionality. Disabled NT LM Security Support Provider, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), TCP/IP Protocol Driver
Terminal Services Allows remote logon to the local computer. This service is required for Fast User Switching, Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance. For security reasons, this service should be Disabled unless you specifically require its functionality. Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Themes Used to display XP themes and colors on your desktop. If you do not care about the "new" XP look, disable this service to save memory. Disabled  
Uninterruptible Power Supply   If your UPS connects using USB, it may not need this service to run.
Windows Update also has a "patch" for this service.		 Disabled  
Universal Plug and Play Device Host Used in conjunction with SSDP Discovery Service, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. For security reasons and unless you have these devices, Disable this service. If any external device does not function as a result of this service being disabled, place it back in to Automatic.

NOTE: UPnP is not related to PnP. UPnP is used for connectivity on networks using TCP/IP to devices such as scanners or printers. Your sound card is PnP. Do not disable Plug and Play service.		 Disabled SSDP Discovery Service
Upload Manager As with BITS, this service manages file transfers between clients and servers on the network. This service is not required for basic File and Print sharing. If you are comfortable with using FTP, use that. Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Volume Shadow Copy Used in conjunction with the MS Software Shadow Copy Provider Service. MS Backup also uses these services. Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
WebClient   For security reasons you may want to set this service to Disabled. Disabled WebDav Client Redirector
Windows Audio This service is required if you want to hear audio. If your computer does not have a sound card, Disable this service. Automatic if you have a sound card, Disabled if you do not. Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Used for some scanners and cameras. If, after Disabling this service, your scanner or camera fails to function properly, enable this service. Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Windows Installer This service is required for software programs that install using MSI files.   Automatic Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Windows Management Instrumentation This service is required if you want to see the "Dependencies" tab in service configuration and you want everything to go smoothly. Disabling this service is not recommended. Automatic Event Log, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension   Not as vital as Windows Management Instrumentation, but it is recommend leaving this service in Manual. Manual  
Windows Time Automatically sets your clock by contacting a server on the Internet. Great idea if your network is always connected to the Internet, but otherwise, the Event Log fills up with "can not find server" messages. Disabled unless you use it.  
Wireless Zero Configuration Automatic configuration for wireless network devices. If you do not have any wireless network devices in use, Disable this service. Disabled NDIS Usermode I/O Protocol, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
WMI Performance Adapter   Unknown uses Disabled Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Workstation Used to connect local computer to remote computers, for example, Internet connectivity and local File and Print sharing. Many services depend on Workstation to be functioning. Leave it on Automatic. Automatic  
World Wide Web Publishing Service Used for setting up a local web server. Not installed by default. If you do not need this function, leave it uninstalled. Leave not installed or Disabled IIS Admin