NOTE: This "short list" identifies where you can get the most improvement in security and performance by disabling services. If you want to experiment with more, go on to the the Comprehensive List.
| The Short List(2) -- Recommended Service Changes to Windows XP Services | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service | XP Home defaults |
XP Pro defaults |
Safe for most users |
My (XP Home) settings |
| Computer Browser | Automatic | Automatic | Disabled | Disabled |
| Indexing Service | Manual | Manual | Disabled | Disabled |
| Messenger | Automatic | Automatic | Disabled | Disabled |
| NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing | Manual | Manual | Disabled(1) | Disabled |
| QoS RSVP | Manual | Manual | Disabled | Disabled |
| Remote Desktop Help Session Manager | Manual | Manual | Disabled(1) | Disabled |
| Remote Procedure Call (RPC) | Warning: Do not disable this service under any circumstances. You will not be able to start your computer again if you do. | |||
| Remote Registry Service | Not Available | Automatic | Disabled(1) | Not Available |
| Server | Automatic | Automatic | Disabled(1) | Disabled |
| SSDP Discovery Service | Manual | Manual | Disabled(1) | Disabled |
| TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service | Automatic | Automatic | Disabled(1) | Disabled |
| Telnet | Not Available | Manual | Disabled | Not Available |
| Universal Plug and Play Device Host | Manual | Manual | Disabled(1) | Disabled |
NOTES:
(1) If you're using these services, set this item to the default value.
(2) This short list contains those services whose "Properties" should be changed to "Disabled" (don't touch RPC), primarily for security improvement. The "Indexing Service" and "QoS RSVP" are here because disabling them will significantly improve performance and Internet connection speeds.
"Always disable the Indexing service. This service is the equivalent of the hated 'Find Fast' program installed by previous editions of Microsoft Office. It consumes incredible amounts of system resources and is basically useless." -- unknown