Windows XP Home and Professional
Service Pack 2 Service Configurations

An * (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 1a to Service Pack 2.

Notes for a Happier Computer and User

• Do NOT use "msconfig" to disable services, type "services.msc" in the Run box instead!
  With msconfig and Hardware Profiles, you can disable services that may be vital to boot your system.
  With the management console (services.msc) you cannot. Also, unchecking a box in msconfig, is disabling the service.
• Before disabling ANY service, check out the service information about each by selecting the service name links provided.
• Service settings are global, meaning changes apply to all users.
• An "*" (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 1a to Service Pack 2.
• Additional recommenced configuration settings besides "Safe" is located on the Windows XP Services Configuration page.
• All of these services are "Standard" with Windows XP after the installation of Service Pack 2.
  If you discover something other than these listed here running, another program installed them.
  View a listing of the more common ones.
• Still unsure? Put your setting to "manual" or the listing under "Safe".
  Manual allows Windows XP to start the service when it needs to (or when ever it feels like it), but not at boot up.
  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.
• If you do not have some of these services listed, do not panic! If your computer manufacture "pre-installed" your XP, they choose not to have certain services installed for you. This is, in most cases, a fact with OEM versions of Windows XP Home.
• Disabling all of the "unneeded services" frees up 12-70 MB of RAM, depending on system.
• Do you mean that out of 87 (Home), 96 (Pro) services, 32 (Home), 34 (Pro) are set to Automatic as DEFAULT, but, we MAY only need 6 running?!? YES.
• More items about how to speed up your system can be found on the Windows XP Super Tweaks Page!

Table Header Information

• Display Name => How it displays in the Services Control Panel.
• Process Name => Name of the Process running in the background (displays in Task Manager by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del).
• DEFAULT Home => What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Home.
• DEFAULT Pro => What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP 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 adjusting your services scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point.
• Power User Configuration => This is the power user setup. A great way to test this setup is through the use of Hardware Profiles. 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 direct DSL/cable connections. Try the "Safe" Configuration first.
• Bare Bones Configuration => This is the super geek setup. A great way to test this setup is through the use of Hardware Profiles. 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 direct 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 will display "errors" of not being able to start certain services. Built in Windows CDR-RW functions may no longer work. 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

An "*" (asterisk) indicates changes from Service Pack 1a to Service Pack 2.

Features:

Windows Service Configurations!

Includes explanations of each service and advice on which services you can safely disable. Note: The XP SP2 information will be updated often over the next few weeks.

• Windows XP Service Pack 2 Services
• Windows 2000 Services