Windows 2000 Professional and Server
Services Configuration

Notes for a happier Computer and User

• Before disabling ANY service, check out the information I have about each service by clicking on the name.
• Service settings are global, meaning changes apply to all users.
• Only disable a few services at a time to avoid changing "50" settings and trying to figure out "what broke it".
• Still unsure? Put your setting to "manual" or the listing under "Safe".
  Manual allows Windows 2000 to start the service when it needs to (or when ever it feels like it), but not at boot up.
  NOTE: Depending on your configuration, not all services will start when required while in Manual mode.
  If you find you need a service, place it in Automatic.
• After adjusting your service settings, reboot your computer.
• All of these services are "Standard" with Windows 2000 Pro and Server using Service Pack 4.
  If you discover something other running than the ones listed here, they were installed by another program.
  Check the list of some of the more common ones for Windows XP.
  Most, if not all, are valid for Windows 2000 as well.
• Disabling all of the "unneeded services" frees up 12-70 MB of RAM, depending on system.

Table Header Information

• Display Name => is how it is displayed in the Services Control Panel
• Process Name => name of the Process running in the background (displays in Task Manager by hitting Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
• Dependencies => describe what services this service needs for proper functionality.
• DEFAULT Server => this is what runs by default on Windows 2000 Server.
• DEFAULT Pro => this is what runs by default on Windows 2000 Professional.
• "SAFE" Configuration => this is the configuration that 95% of the people will be able to use with little or no side effects.
  It will also minimizes the amount of "errors" that is reported in the Event Viewer.
  This does NOT guarantee it will work for you, but if this scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point.
  Note:
  This is not for Windows 2000 Server in a corporate environment.
  Every network is different.
  Only you can decide what you need.
• Internet Gateway Configuration => setup to allow multiple computers on a network to share one access point using Microsoft's "Internet Connection Sharing" software. If you do not have this type of setup, compare the differences between "SAFE" and "GAMING" to find a middle ground that works for your system. Other software or hardware type firewall and gateway software may require a slightly different configuration.
• Gaming Configuration => this is the power user setup. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet, provides file and print sharing resources and gaming enjoyment. Some things MAY not function with this setup. No passwords save. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or some DSL/cable connections. Try "Internet Gateway" Configuration first.
• Super Tweak Configuration => this is the Super Geek setup. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet with a static IP address. This system does not provide file and print sharing resources, nor have the ability to print. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or many DSL/cable connections. You can use this configuration for extreme tweaking and testing purposes. Many things MAY not function with this setup. No passwords save. The Event Log may display "errors" of not being able to start certain services. Please do not ask, "How do I fix" questions while using this configuration. The answer will be "Use SAFE." This information's intention is for reference only.

Configuration Information

Features:

Windows Service Configurations!

Includes explanations of each service and advice on which services you can safely disable.

• Windows XP Service Pack 2 Services
• Windows 2000 Services