Which services is it safe to disable in WIndows XP (serv pack2)?

Question

I want to have my PC run as smoothly as can be.I have Windows XP and I've already disabled a lot of services that I'm absolutely sure I won't need and closingthem won't cause system problems.Currently,when I start up, there are 18 processes going.
I know that some services are needed for one person and others not but can you tell me about the rest , which of them seem to be OK to close?
Started services:
Application Layer gateway services
COM+Event System
Cryptographic Services
DCOM SErver Process Launcher
Distributed Link Tracking Client
DNS client
Event Log
HID Input service
IPSEC Services
Logical Disc manager
Machine debug manager
Network connections
Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Plug and Play
Print Spooler
Protected Storage
Remote Acces Connection manager
Remote procedure Call (RPC)
Secondary Logon
Security accounts manager
Security Center
Shell hardaware detectio
System event notification
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Secondary Logon
Security accounts manager...

:-(No char left

Answer 1

This is fully dependent on how you use your system and what functionality you need. A good reference point for services and what they do is here:

http://www.vernalex.com/tools/services/

Much better than the old BlackViper and ElderGeek sites others would refer you to.

*IRT Simon

I think you are confusing Windows services with startup processes.

Also, in response to those who say "Don't change anything." -- why not? Windows comes with a lot of additional services that are completely unnecessary for most home users. Knowing what they do (of finding out by using the link I provided), and turning them off because they are unnecessary frees up loads of resources and creates a more stable operating environment.

One of the first things I do when I install is remove unneeded Windows software components, update my drivers, and remove unnecessary processes. My old Athlon XP 2800+, 1GB PC-3200 RAM would outperform many systems that were at least 2-3 years newer based solely on my OS configuration.

Answer 2

It is determine which windows service you can safely turn off without knowing how your computer is setup. For example, do you use a printer, scanner or other external peripherals. There are several excellent resources to learn what each service does. By the far the most informative is the Elder Geeks website. The Elder Geek lists each service with a thorough description for each one so you can decide for yourself if you can safely turn it off. Before doing anything, you should create a system restore point just in case things go wrong. Here is the link to the Elder Geeks website:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

There are other websites besides this one with information on Windows services. You can read more about it at:

"Disable Unnecessary Windows Services to Improve Windows XP Performance" (http://winston-blog.blogspot.com/2006/11/disable-unnecessary-windows-services.html)

Answer 3

Remote Acces Connection manager

Answer 4

None!?!?

Most of them are interdependent! If you aren't using some Services, it won't matter! Don't disable any, anyhow, because you never know when you'll need it and then it'll be too late!?

They are very small files, anyways and are no risk to you!?!?

Just a minute!? Did you say you have 18 Processes on Start up? Those aren't Microsoft!?

Something's wrong here!? With my MS Office, Serif Suite and Printer, Surround Sound Suite and Anti-Virus, I have just 5 Processes on Startup!? And I have SP2!?

All the best!

Cheers!!!!

Answer 5

And you are disabling these features why? You disable (or make unstable) your background programs for a reason. knowing that then you can decide what to disable. However to disable because you think its not needed is absolutely insane. Using this formula your sure to see your computer starting in the safe mode soon. Because you see the question that atarted all this is that you wanted your computer to run SMOOTHLY. Stopping these programs will all but ensure that it won't.

Answer 6

Try this: http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

Scroll down you'll see the list you gave. He gives you the explanation included in windows and a "Real World" explanation. Hope that helps.

Answer 7

Here is an interesting article/tutorial on this subject - and not geeky at all
http://www.jasonn.com/turning_off_unnecessary_services_on_windows_xp/

Answer 8

movie maker is an application. you dont get it with xp

Answer 9

I would leave them there. They were placed there for a reason. Anytime you start altering default settings, or deleting programs and services , you are on your way to having to reinstall your operating system. My motto is, If it ain't broke, don't fix it !!

Answer 10

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