Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Optimizing Windows XP guest OS by disabling some services

Refer to : http://www.sanx.org/tipShow.asp?index=65

I disabled the bold ones (btw., some services below is not available on my guest os - may be because it's running on a VM, and some hardware is not emulated) :

* Alerter
* Application Layer Gateway Services
This serivce should only be disabled if you are not running the built-in Windows firewall on any network interface and if you are not using internet connection sharing from that computer
* Automatic Updates
Many users prefer to manually download updates from Microsoft. If you wish to use the automatic update facility, leave this service enabled.
* Background Intelligent Transfer Service
This service is utilised by many core Microsoft services and applications (and a few third-party ones) for effecting file transfers. Windows Update uses it, as does MSN Messenger. Applications should be tested following disabling this service to ensure functionality.
* ClipBook
* Computer Browser
This service should only be disabled if you are not running in a Windows NT / 2000 Domain environment
* Distributed Link Tracking Client
* Error Reporting Service
* Fast User Switching Compatibility
* Fax
* Human Interface Device Access
This service should remain enabled if you use user-defined hot-keys on keyboards, remote controls, etc.
* IIS Admin
This service should only be enabled if you run the personal version of IIS on Windows XP
* IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have / use a CD-Writer.
* Indexing Service
* Infrared Monitor
This service should only be disabled if you do not have an IR port on your computer, or if you do not use IR communications.
* Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
This service should only be disabled if you do not use either ICS or the ICF.
* Messenger
Now disabled by default on installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2
* MS Software Shadow Copy Provider
* NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Desktop Sharing facility in NetMeeting
* Portable Media Serial Number
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a portable MP3 or music device that connects directly to your computer via a digital interface.
* QoS RSVP
* Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Remote Assistance feature of Windows XP
* Remote Registry
Certain third-party applications utilise the Remote Registry service to modify the local machine's registry. Symantec (Norton) Anti-Virus is one such utility, mainly because they were too lazy to code up seperate installers for local and remote installations.
* Removable Storage
* Routing and Remote Access
* Smart Card
* Smart Card Helper
* SSDP Discovery Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have any Universal PnP devices on your network.
* System Restore Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the System Restore functionality of Windows XP.
* Telnet
* Terminal Services
This service underpins the following functions:
o Remote Desktop
o Remote Assistance
o Fast User Switching
Terminal Services should only be disabled if none of the above are in use
* Themes
* Uninterruptible Power Supply
* Universal Plug and Play Device Host
* Upload Manager
* Volume Shadow Copy
* WebClient
* Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a scanner or digital camera connected to your computer.
* Windows Time
This service should only be disabled if not operating in a Windows NT / Windows 2000 Domain / Windows Server 2003.
* Wireless Zero Configuration
This service should only be disabled if you're not using a WLAN (WiFi, 802.11) card on your computer
* WMI Performance Adapter
* World Wide Web Publishing
This service should only be disabled if you're not running the personal version of IIS on your computer.

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