The ultimate guide to tweaking useless Windows XP services
Windows XP services explained
Windows XP is made up of a bunch of different applications running side by side. These applications are broken down into services, DLL files, and registry entries. Before I get a bunch emails, I know it’s far more complex than this but I am trying to keep it simple. Today we are going to focus in on some default XP services that are completely useless, or close to it. These services run in the background and take up memory, so disabling some of them will increase the amount of available memory in your system.
I’m going to focus on Windows XP service pack 2 but if you’re running service pack 3 this article can still help you. If you are running on service pack 1 I strongly suggest you upgrade as soon as possible. There are major security updates implemented in service pack 2 that you need to keep yourself safer online. Services have three different settings you can apply; Automatic - Manual - and Disabled.
How to open the Windows XP services control panel
- Click on the start button then click on run.
- In the text box type in “services.msc” without the quotes and push ok.
At this point a box should open and all the Windows XP services should be in a list. The image below is a cut out version of my services currently running. You’ll notice the red arrow is pointing to that status of the service. We will get into this more later
If you can’t find the run button in your system menu here is an alternative way to locate the services panel. Click on the start button and go to your control panel. Find the icon labeled administrative tools and double click on it. Then, find the icon labeled “services” and double click on it, and you should have a box open with all the services listed.
If you want to edit the properties of a service you can do so by double click on it and a window will open like the one pictured below. The yellow arrow gives you a description of the service. This is important because if you decide to turn off non-windows services you could be disabling something you need. In the image you can see my development coldfusion server service. If I turn it off I won’t be able to load coldfusion pages on my local development server.
The red arrow points to the box you will use to change the startup functions of the service. As I said earlier you have 3 choices. Automatic - Will turn the service on every time you turn the computer on. Manual - Will turn the service on whenever a program needs it. Although this doesn’t always work the way it’s supposed to. Disabled - Means exactly what it says. The service is disabled and cannot be turned back on until you change this.
The blue arrow (pictured above) points to the okay button at the bottom of the dialogue box. You’ll need to click this or the apply button to set your changes in place. If you just close the box nothing will be changed.
Computer Browser Service
Windows Description: “Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers.”
A better explanation: This is used in domain environments. In other words if you’re running a simple home network you do not need it. If you disable it you can still share files, and browse your network computers.
Distributed Link Tracking Client Service
Windows Description: “Maintains links between NTFS files within a computer or across computers in a network domain.”
A better explanation: This sounds like something you really need but chances are you don’t. Basically if you create files on one computer, and then put shortcuts to those files on another computer, and then move the original files around you’ll need this. But, I’ve got multiple PC’s on my home network, and I’ve never needed it, so I doubt you ever will. Plus this does not work on FAT32 systems. But if you’re stupid enough to be running on a FAT32 system go ahead and keep this enabled.
Error Reporting Service
Windows Description: “Allows error reporting for services and applictions running in non-standard environments.”
A better explanation: This service sends error reports to Microsoft over your internet connection. Um yeah disable this without a second thought.
Help and Support
Windows Explanation: “Enables Help and Support Center to run on this computer.”
A better explanation: Do you use the windows help system often? I didn’t think so. Besides most people just use Google to search for help articles. Go ahead and disable this.
Indexing Service
Windows explanation: “Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language.”
A better explanation: This service really slows your computer down. It is somewhat useful in a crappy way. The index service keeps a small list of your files on your computer so your windows searches are faster. However, I find that I would rather wait a few minutes to complete a search than keep this running. There are other options available to you as well such as Google Desktop. I would recommended disabling this but it’s up to you.
Net Logon
Windows Explanation: “Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for computers in a domain.”
A better explanation: If you’re not running on a domain disable this. If you don’t know what a domain is then disable this.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Windows Explanation: “Enables an authorized user to access this computer remotely by using NetMeeting over a corporate intranet.”
A better explanation: If you happen to be one of the .0000002% (edited as the users of reddit pointed out i misplaced my decimal) of the population using NetMeeting then leave this on. Otherwise it’s a security risk. Do you really want to share your desktop and all your files with someone else? Disable this.
Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Windows Explanation: “Collects and stores network configuration and location information, and notifies applications when this information changes.”
A better explanation: Who would want this feature? Disable this piece of donkey crap. (edited - As the friendly users of reddit pointed out if your using windows firewall or ICS keep this enabled. I use a 3rd party firewall and a router so i have no use for it.)
Network Provisioning Service
Windows Explanation: “Manages XML configuration files on a domain basis for automatic network provisioning.”
A better explanation: If you are not on a corporate network with a domain you don’t need it. Disable it.
Performance Logs and Alerts
Windows Explanation: “Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert.”
A better explanation: Some people believe this is a waste for home users. However, I personally use it on my own machine, and when I’m fixing other peoples personal computers.
QoS RSVP
Windows Explanation: “Provides network signaling and local traffic control setup functionality for QoS-aware programs and control applets.”
A better explanation: This is supposed to balance the load of bandwidth to certain applications. But it’s actually a waste of memory. You can feel comfortable disabling this.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Windows Explanation: “Manages and controls Remote Assistance.”
A better explanation: I actually use this service at home because I have a few machines connected to my network. I like the option of logging into them remotely. However, I don’t know many average users taking advantage of this service so if you don’t use it disable it.
Remote Registry
Windows Explanation: “Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer.”
A better explanation: So this allows remote users to modify your registry. Why in the hell would you want this running? Go ahead and disable it.
Secondary Logon
Windows Explanation: “Enables starting processes under alternate credentials.”
A better explanation: I use service on various computers depending on the setup. When onto a computer without administrative access, you can use this service to give you temporary admin access for installing programs, and making changes. This is very useful if you have more than one user on the machine like children, etc… You can installing things without logging off by simply entering your username and password. If your running on a single administrator account then it’s useless and you can disable it.
Security Center
Windows Explanation: “Monitors system security settings and configurations.”
A better explanation: All this does is monitor certain aspects of your computer like firewall, antivirus, and updates. It gives you annoying little pop up messages telling this isn’t installed or that has been updated. I can’t stand these pop up and I always disable this service. It doesn’t add any protection it just informs you that you’re missing it. Install firewall, and an antivirus, and you don’t need this, or have to worry about it.
Smart Card
Windows Explanation: “Manages access to smart cards read by this computer.”
A better explanation: If you’re not using smart cards on your system go ahead and disable it. For an explanation of what a smart card is check this Wikipedia link.
SSDP Discovery Service
Windows Explanation: “Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network.”
A better explanation: This is not the same as plug and play. I personally do not use an UPnP device on my network, and I’ve never met a home user that does either. If you’re not using it disable it. If external devices on your network fail re-enable it.
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Windows Explanation: “Provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices.”
A better Explanation: This works alongside the SSDP Service. If your not using UPnP devices disable this service as well.
System Restore Service
Windows Explanation: “Performs system restore functions.”
A better explanation: This service allows you to make restore points on your windows machine if you need to go back and restore it to an earlier date. I personally make imaged backups of my machine so I don’t use it. However, I usually leave this alone on average computer systems in case they need it in the future. Disabling it won’t hurt but this one is up to you.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Windows Explanation: “Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution.”
A better Explanation: This is an outdated barely used service. I’ve haven’t seen NetBIOS over TCP/IP used in the last seven years. Go ahead and confidently disable this service.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Windows Explanation: “Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer.”
A better Explanation: Okay I have never ever met a home user running and UPS. I happened to have one because I got it for free. You can disable this with any negative effects.
If you enjoyed this you might also like my article on How to deal with the information technology department.
January 24th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Great article, but I have one suggestion:
Many people use UPnP to connect their XBox/PS3 to their home computer so that they can use the computer as a photo/video/music server. (I think this is relatively common, anyway. At least, *I* do this…)
If they’re doing this, won’t they want to leave the SSDP/UPnPHost services enabled? If so, it might be worth mentioning that case in the artcle.
January 24th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Great artile.
January 24th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Remote Registry:
Be aware that in the past some Microsoft patches require that this service to be enabled to apply them, including service packs. It can be disabled after the patch/SP has been applied though. The patch/SP usually lets you you know this but I do remember one patch taking over an hour to fail before letting me know this forcing me to start over.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper:
Disable this one but: This is unlikely for most XP users but disabling this service can break file/printer sharing with Linux/Mac operating systems. Though to be fair it can be worked around on the Linux/Mac PC with a little tweaking. Most Linux/Mac users probably already know this though. Read this for more details: http://lists.samba.org/archive/samba/2004-March/083211.html Using a newer version of Samba takes care of the problem anyway but some people just don’t upgrade older OS’s. I’m still running Fedora Core 4 on an old PC.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Network Location Awareness (NLA) - “Who would want this feature? Disable this piece of donkey crap.”
Well people who want to sync with Windows CE devices, that’s who.
January 24th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
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January 24th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
>A better explanation: This service sends error reports to Microsoft over your internet connection. Um yeah disable this without a second thought.
Do you like how stable XP is? Do you know how it got that stable?
Microsoft learned from Windows 2000 error reporting that most crashes were the result of poorly written video drivers. The findings from those error reports resulted in a more stable driver model (culminating in Vista where a video driver crash doesn’t even take down the OS), as well as Microsoft working with video card manufacturers to write better drivers.
The Windows team then looked at the next largest reported cause for crashes; then the next…
Windows error reporting is telemetry for Microsoft to find out what’s making Windows crash, so they can issue fixes and service packs, and improve the code base. It’s wholly optional, but it’s also wholly anonymous.
Your attitude hurts all Windows users by depriving the developers of valuable feedback.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:06 am
You have a point Philo but then again I don’t want any of my information going to Microsoft.
Maybe they should ask you to turn it on instead of assuming you want it on.
Just like windows updates. I can’t tell you how much stress automatic updates has caused me.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:10 am
What about Remote Desktop Help Session Manager - it could create a MAJOR security hole. Not needed unless you want people from another location to access your computer.
January 25th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I mention remote desktop help session manager. I personally use it on my home network but I don’t recommend it for everyone.
January 25th, 2009 at 1:35 am
If your gonna keep system restore running you should go into the system restore tab and take the amount of disk spaced used down to around 3%. By default it uses 12% which is way too much space with the larger hard drives we use today.
January 25th, 2009 at 3:41 am
You forgot the IPSEC service.. most people simply do not use this, yet it is disabled by default. The Wireless Zero Config service is also enabled by default, and if you don’t have wireless, you obviously wont need it.
January 25th, 2009 at 4:02 am
Regarding home users and UPS, I personally have an UPS for each machine in use. Most of the people I know also use an UPS on their home machines. If they didn’t initially, they have after recommendations by myself and others. Is this that uncommon? That’s not to say that this service is needed. I honestly am not sure that it has any use unless it coordinates with UPS software that is used to safely shutdown the system before it runs out of battery. Any information on that?
Regarding NETBIOS over TCP/IP, I will grant you it is largely outdated and seldom used, but there are cases where it is useful such as scanning over a network to your networked computer(s).
Informative article. I had not really paid attention to some of the domain specific services and others that are not needed in most cases. Thanks for the heads up.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:01 am
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January 25th, 2009 at 10:23 am
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January 25th, 2009 at 11:09 am
get a macintosh!
January 25th, 2009 at 11:48 am
How about a similar guide for Vista? Thanks
January 25th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Hey Devoted Geek, nice new blog you have here. Would it be possible for you to answer a question I have?
January 25th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Sure. I’m happy to help anyone.
January 25th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
00000000.2% is the same as.2%. I think you meant .0000002%.
January 25th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Yes. I updated the page i didn’t think this was going to be a hot topic on reddit. So… After reading some of the comments I updated it based on their suggestions. My fault but their you go.
January 25th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Thanks heaps for this!
January 25th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
The ultimate guide to tweaking useless Windows XP services…
Windows XP is made up of a bunch of different applications running side by side. These applications are broken down into services, DLL files, and registry entries. Before I get a bunch emails, I know it’s far more complex than this but I am trying to…
January 25th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
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January 26th, 2009 at 2:01 am
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January 26th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
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January 27th, 2009 at 12:05 am
[...] Devoted Geek » Blog Archive The ultimate guide to tweaking useless Windows XP servicesWindows XP is made up of a bunch of different applications running side by side. These applications are broken down into services, DLL files, and registry entries. Before I get a bunch emails, I know it’s far more complex than this but I am trying to keep it simple. Today we are going to focus in on some default XP services that are completely useless, or close to it. These services run in the background and take up memory, so disabling some of them will increase the amount of available memory in your system. [...]
January 27th, 2009 at 2:08 am
[...] for Librarians: The Ultimate Guide | College@Homeacademhack » Blog Archive » Twitter for AcademiaDevoted Geek » Blog Archive The ultimate guide to tweaking useless Windows XP servicesCompetition in the eBook Market - O’Reilly Radar2009 SXSW Interactive Panel Picker - Edupunk: Open [...]
January 29th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Hey Devoted Geek: Followed your recomendations and experianced a much faster start-up and download for various purposes, in all four of our computers. BUTTT! I think something happened on the way to the drinking fountain. I can’t print a PDF document from Adobe in either regular print mode or “print image” mode. Before I unwind the changes I made with you suggestions I ask if you know which of them is the most likely suspect.?? Ray
February 5th, 2009 at 2:02 am
@ Philo
Microsoft should pay us for any feedback we give. I was a devoted Windows (l)user until Microsoft decided to trojan Windows XP with the Windows Genuine Advantage Notification “update”. Activation was enough to annoy me but WGAN phoning home every time I accessed Control Panel was one step too far… I totally agree with disabling/removing error reporting, MS deserves nothing from us end users.
Also, drivers have not improved since Windows 2000 in terms of graphics - phoronix confirms that Windows Vista NVIDIA driver performance is below that of other OSes in most situations. Plus Microsoft still ships drivers without any accelerated OpenGL support out-of-the-box, which results in a lot of error reports (did for me!).
I have converted over to GNU/Linux since Windows 2000 will be unsupported soon and forcing XP updates into place on a W2K system is too much hard work.
P.S. Error reporting service is only for non-OS components if I recall, so error reports on Windows OS components aren’t affected
February 7th, 2009 at 3:34 am
There’s a couple services not explained that bug me, so maybe someone can enlighten me. Remote Access Auto Connection Manager, Remote Procedure Call and Windows CardSpace. And does Telephony need to be on if I don’t use fax or any Voice services?
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