Speed Up Windows

Speed up Windows XP,Vista, & Windows 7

First things first stop Applications that start up:

Click the start button, then click run.

Type in msconfig.

Click the startup tab, uncheck everything except your virus protection and anything else you prefer to start on windows

startup. I would uncheck everything except your virus protection everything else you can start once your computer has started if you need it. Once your done click apply then ok, it will prompt you to restart. So restart your computer….

First click your start button, then click run.

Then type regedit.

Then expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Then expand control panel. Click desktop, then in the right pane click and scroll down and double click menu show delay.

Then change the setting to 0 for super fast or play with it till you get the setting to where you like. It will change how fast a menu shows once clicked.

Faster web browsing:

About Windows DNS Cache:

Windows uses a cache called DNS cache to store recently visited websites ie,Windows operating system puts the DNS information into a local DNS cache on your PC when you visit a site. You can see what your computer stores in this cache by going to Windows Vista Start > Run and typing cmd (the command prompt). Now type ipconfig/displaydns. You should see a list of all the website addresses it has stored in the cache.

Working of Windows DNS Cache:

Whenever you go to a website, it has to look up the IP address where that website is located. First it checks to see if it’s in your cache before asking the DNS server over the Internet for the IP address.The cache contains both negative and positive entries. Positive entries are those in which the DNS lookup succeeded and you were able to connect to the Web site. When Windows looks in the cache, if it finds a positive entry, it immediately uses that DNS information and sends you to the requested Web site. As you can see, referring to the address when you already have it is going to be faster than if it has to travel over the wires to retrieve it.

Negative entries are those in which no match was found, and you end up getting a “Cannot find server or DNS” error in your browser. Similarly, when Windows looks in the cache and finds a negative entry, it gives you the error message without bothering to go out to the site.Negative entries can lead to problems. When you try to make a connection to a site that has a negative entry in your cache, you’ll get an error message, even if the site’s problems have been resolved and it’s now reachable.

The items in the cache do not stay there forever, and are constantly making room for more recent addresses you visited. Increasing the size of the DNS cache in Windows Vista will allow for faster web browsing, especially if you frequently view the same websites. Edit some registry values to achieve this.

Click Start, type regedit in the Windows Vista Start search box, and then press ENTER.

Locate and then expand the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters

Right Click in the right pane Go to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it as CacheHashTableBucketSize Double-click into it and enter the value 1 Also create the following DWORD values with the following values:

NegativeCacheTime = 0CacheHashTableSize = 384MaxCacheEntryTtlLimit = 64000MaxSOACacheEntryTtlLimit = 301

Close the Windows Vista registry editor window and restart your computer for the changes.

Note: To make the change take effect flush your Windows DNS cache by issuing the command ipconfig /flushdns at an elevated command prompt. The command will flush your DNS cache — all the entries, both positive and negative, will be flushed — and it will be empty until you start visiting Web sites. Negative entries, however, will not be added to the cache if you’ve given the DWORD a value of 0.

Warning: Modifying the Windows registry can cause serious damage to your Windows Operating System.It is better to backup your Windows registry data before making any changes. Tomstricks.com is not responsible for any changes you may make to your system.

Speed up web browsing with OpenDNS:

When you type in a domain name such as wingeek.com in your browser the computer must resolve the friendly name into an IP address of the server to download the web page and supporting files. Windows uses a DNS (domain name system) server to lookup this information. By default, Windows uses your ISP’s DNS server. Depending on your provider, the performance of their DNS resolving server varies. Some large national providers are known to provide unreliable and slow DNS servers.

The performance of the DNS server you are using is one component that affects the speed of your internet browsing. Since each domain name you type in must be resolved into an IP address, the amount of time that takes will delay the loading of any web page. Some users with overloaded ISP DNS servers can see delays in multiple seconds before web pages start to load.

OpenDNS provides free alternative DNS servers that anyone can use with any internet provider. Unlike many national internet providers, OpenDNS’s DNS servers are very fast and reliable. Using OpenDNS servers instead of your ISP servers will help you speed up your internet browsing by cutting down on the delay between resolving a domain name and getting the IP address so your browser can start loading the web page.

Configuring your computer to use OpenDNS servers instead of your ISP’s is a simple change that works in both Windows XP and Windows Vista:

Click on the Start Button and type in ncpa.cpl and hit Enter. In Windows XP Click on the Start Button, click Run and then type in ncpa.cpl

Right click on your active network connection that you use to connect to the Internet and select Properties.

On the Networking / General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (version 4 on Windows Vista & 7) and hit Properties.

On the properties screen, select Use the following DNS server addresses and then type in 208.67.222.222 in the preferred and 208.67.220.220 in the alternate boxes.

Hit OK twice and you are finished.

Disable IPv6

Starting in Windows Vista and Server 2008, Microsoft includes native support for IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) and is enabled by default. IPv6 is the new computer address protocol that will eventually replace IPv4 which is currently the most popular standard. Unless you network has a specific requirement for IPv6, very few do, you can safely disable IPv6. Unlike other protocols, you cannot disable IPv6 by disabling the protocol on each of your network interfaces. While that will disable the protocol for the interfaces the loopback and tunnel interfaces will still have it enabled that can cause problems with applications. The proper way to disable IPv6 is to disable via the registry.

First, click on the Start Button and type in regedit and hit Enter.

Then, navigate through HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, SYSTEM, CurrentControlSet, services, TCPIP6 and Parameters. Right click on Parameters and select New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value DisabledComponents and hit Enter. Now right click on the new DisabledComponents value you just created and select Modify. Set the value of DisabledComponents to FF and click OK.

After a reboot IPv6 will be disabled on all interfaces.

Services:

Go to start click then click run.

Type in services.msc hit enter.

Follow the chart below to make necessary changes. Be very careful…

Vista

Windows Vista Services ExplainedDefault: For space considerations, default shows Ultimate settings. For a full list of all defaults,

check out the full services list.Safe: Services that do not affect the user experience in any way. You should not even notice a

difference when using these settings, but it is possible. Disables unnecessary services.Tweaked: Many heavy and most likely unused services have been disabled. This is much lighter

than 'Safe'. Aero disabled, but Themes left alone, as many people will blindly run this without reading what services are gone, and will be surprised/angry to see themes disappear.

Minimal: All services that are not necessary to every day use and windows update have been disabled. Themes is disabled, Aero is disabled, firewall disabled. This assumes you have your

OWN firewall/AV software installed!

Note: If you want just an overview of all services, check out Services Overview

Too much to take in? Try out one of our registry files that will set up your computer to one of the below settings, or use it to set your services settings back to factory spec.

(A-P) | (P-W) | (W-Z)

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalApplication ExperienceDescription:Application compatibility. Essentially a database of 3rd party apps that Microsoft

Automatic Automatic Manual Disabled

maintains to automatically apply proper settings to get well known programs with issues to run without user intervention (running in compatibility mode)

Consequences of Stopping:.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:None

Application InformationDescription:AIS allows users to run applications as an administrator. You should leave this service set to manual.

Consequences of Stopping:If disabled you will be unable to run tools like Services and Regedit so leave it on manual! If disabled, it's really rather hard to turn it on again. Boot into safe mode to be able to access services again. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), User Profile Service

Required for:None

Manual Manual Manual Manual

Application Layer Gateway ServiceDescription:Allows 3rd party Internet connection sharing applications to be used. In XP this was required for Windows Firewall I believe, but it does not appear to need it now. If you do not use ICS, disable it, though it will not run anyway

Manual Manual Manual Disabled

Consequences of Stopping:None that I can see so far. Will update.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:None

Application ManagementDescription:The Application Management service is for allowing Group Policy installation management. Also used for some general remove software services, but not many. If you do not use Group Policy, you can disable it, but it is set to manual by default, and will most likely never run and use resources.


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Background Intelligent Transfer ServiceDescription:BITS is essentially a download manager. It allows for downloads to be resumed later, and is fault tolerant. Windows Update uses this. If you disable it and run Windows update, it will automatically be set to Automatic (Delayed Start). Used for asynchronous downloading of Windows Updates.

Consequences of Stopping:.All services listed in 'Required For' will be

Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), COM+ Event System

Required for:None

Base Filtering SystemDescription:Managed firewall filtering. Even if you use a 3rd party firewall, you will probably want this service set to automatic, as it does more than just firewall filtering. It can be disabled, but your computer will be less secure.

Consequences of Stopping:Windows firewall will not run as 'secure'All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), Routing and Remote Access, IPsec Policy Agent, IKE and AuthIP Ipsec Keying Modules, Windows Firewall

Automatic Automatic Automatic Disabled

Block Level Backup Engine ServiceDescription:The Block Level Backup Engine isused by the Backup and Restore Center in the Control Panel. It allows for backups to occur at the hard disk level, instead of just file by file. Disk imaging essentially. If you do not use backup, then this service will probably never run, so setting it from manual to disabled is probably a moot point.



unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:None

Certificate PropagationDescription:Smart Card certificate handling. Microsoft has included many smartcard services in Vista, but probably not too many people use them. Do not get these confused with memory cards, they are completely different things. SmartCards are used sometimes for logging into vista instead of a password. If you do not have a smartcard reader, this will never be enabled, so setting it to disabled will not affect system performance.



Required for:None

Manual Manual Disabled Disabled

CNG Key IsolationDescription:Stores keys for cryptographic information. This could be used by other applications in the future, and only runs when needed, so it is safe to leave this as manual.


Depends on:


DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:Wired AutoConfig, WLAN AutoConfig, Extensible Authentication Protocol

COM+ Event SystemDescription:I actually cannot name any real applications that make use of this service, but it is an event model that passes information between processes.

Consequences of Stopping:Background Intelligent Transfer Service depends on this which is required by Windows Update.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:Background Intelligent Transfer Service, COM+ System Application, DFS Replication, System Event Notification Service

Automatic Automatic Automatic Automatic

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalCOM+ System ApplicationDescription:Configuration/tracking of COM+ components. There is not a lot of information around on what this service is actually used for. Despite the description by microsoft, if disabled, most if not all COM+ applications continue to function properly.


Depends on:


DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), COM+ Event System, System Event Notification Service

Required for:None

Computer BrowserDescription:Keeps list of computers on local network. Not needed if you don?ft have other computers to connect to. You can still connect to other computers with this service disabled. If you use file/printer sharing often, you will probably want to leave this on at least manual.


Depends on:Workstation, DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Server, Security Accounts Manager, Network Store Interface Service

Required for:None

Automatic Manual Manual Disabled

Cryptographic ServicesDescription:Checks signed software and manages Root Certificates, etc. Windows Update will automatically set this to manual if you run it even if disabled. Needed for checking for signed drivers, etc.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote

Automatic Automatic Manual Manual

Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:None

DCOM Server Process LauncherDescription:Provides launch functionality for DCOM services. Pretty much every service relies on it, so leave it set to the default values.


Depends on:None

Required for:Network Location Awareness, IP Helper, Performance Logs & Alerts, Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), Base Filtering System, Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar, Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider, Windows Installer, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Windows Firewall, Extensible Authentication Protocol, Remote Access Auto Connection Manager, Windows Media Center Receiver Service, Parental Controls, Protected Storage, Tablet PC Input Service, Windows Management Instrumentation, Windows Audio, DFS Replication, Security Accounts Manager, Quality Windows Audio Video Experience, COM+ Event System, System Event Notification Service, Offline Files, Wired AutoConfig, Routing and Remote Access, Fax , Group Policy Client, Windows Media Center Scheduler Service, IKE and AuthIP Ipsec Keying Modules, SL UI Notification Service, Windows Defender, Software Licensing, Security Center, Telephony, Server, Function Discovery Resource Publication, Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector, PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator, Windows Backup, WLAN

Automatic* Automatic* Automatic* Automatic*

AutoConfig, Network List Service, Volume Shadow Copy, Superfetch, Windows Search, Remote Registry, Certificate Propagation, CNG Key Isolation, Shell Hardware Detection, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Computer Browser, Health Key and Certificate Management, Windows Color System, COM+ System Application, Windows Update, Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper, Distributed Transaction Coordinator, Network Access Protection Agent, Program Compatibility Assistant Service, Windows Remote Management (WS-Management), Windows Media Center Extender Service, IPsec Policy Agent, Windows Media Center Service Launcher, ReadyBoost, Function Discovery Provider Host, Smart Card Removal Policy, Application Information, Terminal Services, Virtual Disk, Network Connections, Task Scheduler, Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), Cryptographic Services, Print Spooler, Distributed Link Tracking Client, KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator, User Profile Service, Portable Device Enumerator Service, Terminal Services Configuration

Desktop Window Manager Session ManagerDescription:This is the main fancy processor for Aero fancy bits. It is one of the heavier background services, and pretty consistantly uses CPU power. Expect several % of CPU power to be used at all times. Some may find it worth the resources.

Consequences of Stopping:Will free up system resources, but you will lose prettiness. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:None

Automatic Automatic Disabled Disabled

Required for:None

DFS ReplicationDescription:DFS Replication can be used to keep files synchronized across multiple computers on a network. It is a rather nice feature, but it is unlikely that many users know of it or will take advantage of it. It is set to Automatic for Ultimate, but can be safely set to manual or even disabled if you do not use it.



Required for:None

Automatic Manual Disabled Disabled

DHCP ClientDescription:Needed for internet if you use DHCP. Can be Disabled if you have a static IP address. If you do not have a static IP address, you use DHCP to obtain an IP address, so leave it on.

Consequences of Stopping:If you use DHCP to obtain an IP address, network connectivity will be lost. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:Network Store Interface Service

Required for:WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service


Diagnostic Policy Service Automatic Manual Disabled Disabled

Description:Annoying app that verifies all your programs installed correctly. Well that is just my take on it. It is a collection of diagnostic tools that attempts to detect problems in memory, disk, and files.


Depends on:None

Required for:None

Diagnostic Service HostDescription:Diagnostics for windows. It is a collection of diagnostic tools that attempts to detect problems in memory, disk and files.


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Diagnostic System HostDescription:Diagnostics for windows. It is a collection of diagnostic tools that attempts to detect problems in memory, disk and files.



Depends on:None

Required for:None

Distributed Link Tracking ClientDescription:The Distributed Link Tracking Client maintains links across network. It keeps track of files' locations even if the file has been moved. Seems like a lot of overhead if you move stuff around, and safe to disable.



Required for:None

Automatic Disabled Disabled Disabled

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalDistributed Transaction CoordinatorDescription:The Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MDTC) coordinates transactions across different computers. It assists with working with multiple data sources. It is used with SQL Server and the Personal Web Server. Since it is set to manual, it will only run when required, so setting it to disabled will not help regain resources.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Security Accounts


Manager

Required for:None

DNS ClientDescription:The DNS Client service is not needed to connect to the internet. It is used for DNS client lookup caching. However, browsers already have DNS caching built into them. Some people have mentioned that this will slow down your browsing experience as you will have to re-retrieve DNS entries for all web requests, but I find that 2 levels of caching the same data is a bit silly, as the browsers can manage this on their own. You can up your DNS browser cache from within firefox (and probably IE), or use an extension such as FasterFox which ups it by default (if memory serves).

Consequences of Stopping:If disabled DNS names will continue to be resolved but they won't be cached. Your internet will continue to work just fine. Can slow down browsing, hypothetically, but I have seen no difference in network speeds. Also some ipconfig commands will complain about errors (as there is no cache to clear) All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:None


Extensible Authentication ProtocolDescription:The Exensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is used for PPP connection authentication. If you need VPN or dial-up access then you will probably need this service. Wireless Access Points (WAPs) use this for authentication as


well, so if you use a wireless card, you will want to leave this alone as well


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, CNG Key Isolation, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:Wired AutoConfig, WLAN AutoConfig

Fax Description:Lets your send faxes. Hooray! Just what you always wanted. I really do not know what other kind of description I can put here?c

Consequences of Stopping:You won't be able to send faxes.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Telephony, Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Print Spooler

Required for:None

Manual Disabled Disabled Disabled

Function Discovery Provider HostDescription:Process for Function Discover processes.. This is used by Windows Media Center


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote


Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator, Windows Media Center Extender Service

Function Discovery Resource PublicationDescription:Publishes your computer resources over the network.



Required for:None


Group Policy ClientDescription:Responsible for applying settings set through Group Policy. If you are just a home machine, you do not technically need this service, if you can find out how to disable it. You might be able to set it through the registry, or commandline, but you cannot via services.msc

Consequences of Stopping:Not able to set it to Disabled. It is 'hardened', which means it cannot be killed. Like superman. Or not. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:None


Health Key and Certificate ManagementDescription:X.509 management.



Required for:None


Human Interface Device AccessDescription:Hotkeys for HID


Depends on:None

Required for:None


IKE and AuthIP Ipsec Keying ModulesDescription:If you need IKE. Leave it alone, but not really needed. Used for some VPN software.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Base Filtering System, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)


Required for:None

Interactive Services DetectionDescription:If disabled, notification and access to new interactive services won't work


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalInternet Connection Sharing (ICS)Description:Allows you to share your internet connection to other computers attached to yours.


Depends on:Network Connections, DCOM Server Process Launcher, Base Filtering System, Windows Management Instrumentation, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Remote Access Connection Manager, Network Store Interface Service

Required for:None

Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled

IP HelperDescription:IPV6 support. Useful when that gets running but for now useless, as I am unaware of any locations that actually use IPV6. No idea why


Microsoft chose to have it running at all time, but whatever.

Consequences of Stopping:Well, if IPV6 starts being used, it probably won't work for you until you re-enable this service All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Windows Management Instrumentation, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Network Store Interface Service

Required for:None

IPsec Policy AgentDescription:Required if internet provider requires it. I do not believe that many do, but some organizations might, so ask around. Or, disable it and test network connectivity.



Required for:None


KtmRm for Distributed Transaction CoordinatorDescription:connection between MSDTC and KTM

Consequences of Stopping:.

Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

Disabled Disabled

All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Security Accounts Manager

Required for:None

Link-Layer Topology Discovery MapperDescription:Creates a network map of connectivity information.



Required for:None


Microsoft .NET Framework NGENDescription:.NET Framework. Needed for .NET type stuff.. ;)


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Microsoft iSCSI Initiator ServiceDescription:


connection to iSCSI devices


Depends on:None

Required for:None

Microsoft Software Shadow Copy ProviderDescription:Volume copies. Backup uses this service.



Required for:None


Multimedia Class SchedulerDescription:Gives higher priority to multimedia applications. Windows audio requires it.


Depends on:None

Required for:Windows Audio


Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled

Description:Share your TCP ports.


Depends on:None

Required for:None

NetlogonDescription:Connection between yourself and Domain Controller. If you need to be able to log into your domain controller, leave it alone.


Depends on:Workstation, Network Store Interface Service

Required for:None


Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalNetwork Access Protection AgentDescription:Enables NAP, which is a way for administrators to control access to the network based on health indicators.




Required for:None

Network ConnectionsDescription:Manages network connections in Network and Dial-Up Connections folder.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Network Store Interface Service

Required for:Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)


Network List ServiceDescription:Maintains list of network connections. With this disabled the tray icon won't be able to tell if you are connected but you can still connect just fine.


Depends on:Network Location Awareness, DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Network Store Interface Service

Required for:SL UI Notification Service


Network Location AwarenessDescription:Stores information on network information and notifies programs when it changes.


Utilized by Windows Firewall, but not required for its use.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Network Store Interface Service

Required for:SL UI Notification Service, Network List Service

Network Store Interface ServiceDescription:Stopping this client loses internet connections.


Depends on:None

Required for:Network Connections, Network Location Awareness, Workstation, IP Helper, Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), Netlogon, Computer Browser, DHCP Client, SL UI Notification Service, Network List Service, WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service, Terminal Services Configuration


Offline FilesDescription:Maintains offline file cache


Automatic Disabled Disabled Disabled


Required for:None

Parental ControlsDescription:Offers parental controls. If you need this for children.. Enable it.



Required for:None


(A-P) | (P-W) | (W-Z)

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalPeer Networking GroupingDescription:P2P grouping


Depends on:Peer Name Resolution Protocol, Peer Networking Identity Manager

Required for:


None

Peer Networking Identity ManagerDescription:P2P Identification services


Depends on:None

Required for:Peer Name Resolution Protocol, PNRP Machine Name Publication Service, Peer Networking Grouping


Performance Logs & AlertsDescription:Performance logging. Kind of handy, but I have found no 'need' for it yet, especially since 90% of users do not use it, and the ones that do use it, know not to set it to default.



Required for:None


Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalPlug and PlayDescription:Required for many(most) services.



unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:Fax , Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework, Smart Card, Telephony, Tablet PC Input Service, Windows Audio, Windows Modules Installer, Remote Access Auto Connection Manager, Virtual Disk, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

PnP-X IP Bus EnumeratorDescription:Manages Virtual Network bus.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Function Discovery Provider Host, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:Windows Media Center Extender Service


PNRP Machine Name Publication ServiceDescription:P2P naming


Depends on:Peer Name Resolution Protocol, Peer Networking Identity Manager

Required for:None


Portable Device Enumerator ServiceDescription:Manages removable storage devices to interface with WMP and image import. May be needed for MP3 players and Digital Cameras



Required for:None


Print SpoolerDescription:Same as always. Handles spooling of printer. If you disable it you will still be able to print but will need to always wait for print to complete to continue work. If you only print like one thing a month, or less, then there is no reason for this to constantly be taking up memory on your computer. However, I have chosen to recommend this to Automatic even for 'tweak' because it will cause your system to behave different than you are used to if you have never disabled this service, and many 'tweak' users will just go ahead and follow the recommendation without reading the warning.



Required for:Fax


Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel SupportDescription:Allows you to send errors to Microsoft. This allows you to use the Control Panel problems/solutions item, which appears to be pretty useful if the need ever arises. However, it does require sending loads of data to microsoft, and in many cases, it will be doubtful that they will come up with any useful suggestion. Give it a try though. Do realize, when I have tested this, 14MB of computer information was transferred to MS, which contained unknown amounts of personally identifable information.


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Program Compatibility Assistant ServiceDescription:Compatibility with old windows software, I am guessing? I havn't seen any compatibility issues yet, and I have run several DOS,win95, and XP apps.



Required for:None


Protected StorageDescription:Allows you to have protected storage, like in your home folder. If you have multiple users accessing your computer, and you do not want them monkeying around with your files, then enable it. If you are just one user, I see no real need for it.



Required for:None


Quality Windows Audio Video ExperienceDescription:qWave. Streaming audio



Required for:None


ReadyBoostDescription:This is that fancy new Vista feature that enables you to use USB Flash Drives as a hard drive cache, and not extra memory as some people have stated. If you pull the drive out in the middle of using it, the computer will not crash, as no unique data is present on the drive. Check back soon for a benchmark of how this


ends up performing, after I get a card that is fast enough to allow it. A large portion of existing flash drives are NOT fast enough to support this feature, meaning using your flash drive will actually be slower than just grabbing them from the hard drive. Windows will tell you when this is the case. So, before running out and buying a flash drive, do some research on random access speeds and flash drives to make sure your 200x ~14MB/s flash drive is actually worth anything or if its just marketing hype. The numbers they give are for sequential reads, not random.

Consequences of Stopping:If you disable it control panel won't work any more.. Well, maybe if you disable readyboost, then kill the service, it will recover. I have not looked into it yet. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Software Licensing, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:None

Remote Access Auto Connection ManagerDescription:Remote networking DNS lookup. Some internet providers may require it, but most do not. If your internet fails to work after disabling this, then set it back to Manual.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Telephony, Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Remote Access Connection Manager


Required for:None

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalRemote Access Connection ManagerDescription:Manages dialup/VPN. If you do not need it: disable


Depends on:None

Required for:Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), Routing and Remote Access, Remote Access Auto Connection Manager


Remote Procedure Call (RPC)Description:Remote procedure calls. Just about everything requires this.

Consequences of Stopping:Your computer will be totally hosed.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher

Required for:Network Location Awareness, IP Helper, Performance Logs & Alerts, Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), Base Filtering System, Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar, Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider, Windows Installer, Windows Firewall, Extensible Authentication Protocol, Remote Access Auto Connection Manager, Windows Media Center Receiver Service, Parental Controls, Protected Storage, Tablet


PC Input Service, Windows Management Instrumentation, Windows Audio, DFS Replication, COM+ Event System, Quality Windows Audio Video Experience, Security Accounts Manager, System Event Notification Service, Wired AutoConfig, Offline Files, Routing and Remote Access, Fax , Group Policy Client, Windows Media Center Scheduler Service, IKE and AuthIP Ipsec Keying Modules, SL UI Notification Service, Windows Defender, Software Licensing, Security Center, Telephony, Server, Function Discovery Resource Publication, Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector, PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator, Windows Backup, WLAN AutoConfig, Network List Service, Volume Shadow Copy, Superfetch, Windows Search, Remote Registry, Certificate Propagation, CNG Key Isolation, Shell Hardware Detection, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Computer Browser, Health Key and Certificate Management, Windows Color System, Windows Update, COM+ System Application, Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper, Network Access Protection Agent, Distributed Transaction Coordinator, Program Compatibility Assistant Service, Windows Remote Management (WS-Management), Windows Media Center Extender Service, Windows Media Center Service Launcher, IPsec Policy Agent, Smart Card Removal Policy, Function Discovery Provider Host, ReadyBoost, Application Information, Terminal Services, Virtual Disk, Network Connections, Task Scheduler, Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), Cryptographic Services, Print Spooler, Distributed Link Tracking Client, User Profile Service, KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator, Portable Device Enumerator Service, Terminal Services Configuration

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) LocatorDescription:Manages RPC names. I have found no real downside to disabling this.



Depends on:None

Required for:None

Remote RegistryDescription:You can modify your registry settings remotely. Most users will not need this for home use, so you can safely disable it. It does have its uses, but not a necessary part of any desktop. You may see this as a potential security hole, as if anyone got access to it, you are done for.

Consequences of Stopping:Authenticated remote users will not be able to make registry changes.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:None


Routing and Remote AccessDescription:Allows users to connect to this computer. It is disabled by default, and is not a needed service.



Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Base Filtering System, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Remote Access Connection Manager

Required for:None

Secondary LogonDescription:Support for secondary logon. Needed for some applications that need to run under a secondary logon account. Postgres comes to mind. Think of it as Window's version of su, except in Windows, you usually run yourself as an administrator all the time anyway.

Consequences of Stopping:Programs utilizing secondary logon will fail to load. If you have security set high, and someone on a non-admin account wants to do something that requires admin privs, you will need to log them out and log in, instead of just using runas. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:None


Security Accounts ManagerDescription:Security Accounts Manager. Allows for group policy to be applied.




Required for:Computer Browser, Server, Distributed Transaction Coordinator, KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator

Security CenterDescription:That annoying little tray app that tells you when your computer isn't secure . If you disable this you need to take additional steps to keep it from annoying you


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Windows Management Instrumentation, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:None

Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

Manual Disabled

ServerDescription:File/Print Sharing


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Security Accounts Manager

Required for:Computer Browser


Shell Hardware DetectionDescription:Autoplay notifications, etc. Sometimes, I am


annoyed by the autoplay detections, and would rather just go access it directly from my computer or wherever. If you enjoy these popups/functionaly, leave it on automatic.

Consequences of Stopping:When you insert a CD, flash drives, etc, Windows will not come up with a dialog asking you how to open it/automatically open it All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)

SL UI Notification ServiceDescription:Software Licensing activation


Depends on:Network Location Awareness, DCOM Server Process Launcher, Software Licensing, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Network List Service, Network Store Interface Service

Required for:None


Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalSmart CardDescription:Supports smart cards on your pc for authentication. I have not seen many computers utilizing this (some laptops), so if you enjoy this feature, then leave it enabled. However, it is likely that you do not even have


a smartcard slot..


Depends on:Plug and Play

Required for:None

Smart Card Removal PolicyDescription:If you use a smartcard for computer access.. Obviously you need this.

Consequences of Stopping:Smartcards may not work on your computer.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:None


SNMP TrapDescription:SNMP Trapping and forwarding to SNMP.


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Software Licensing Automatic Automatic Automatic Automatic

Description:Enforcement of DRM and possibly Windows Update. Required for Readyboost which is required for control panel access.

Consequences of Stopping:Windows update will likely not work. Control Panel will not work, unless you have found a work around for readyboost. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:ReadyBoost, SL UI Notification Service

SSDP DiscoveryDescription:Enables devices that use SSDP, which is for UPnP. If you have UPnP (separate from PnP) devices, they may stop working. If so, set it back to manual.


Depends on:None

Required for:Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service, Windows Media Center Extender Service, UPnP Device Host


SuperfetchDescription:This service prioritizes user applications over background services. Great if you are running a desktop. Not great if you are running a server, and it puts higher priority on your 'desktop experience' while starving the


background server apps you want to give priority to. It preloads applications that you most often use into memory as well, so it might end up using quite a bit of memory. I will get around to doing some in depth tests on this service later.



Required for:None

System Event Notification ServiceDescription:Notifies COM+ events to other applications. I have seen no downside to not running this.



Required for:COM+ System Application


Tablet PC Input ServiceDescription:Unless you have a tablet PC.. Why does MS feel it necessary to set this to Automatic?



Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Required for:None

Task SchedulerDescription:Allows you to schedule automated tasks, and some services use this to schedule tasks as well. Not able to disable via Services.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Windows Event Log

Required for:None


TCP/IP NetBIOS HelperDescription:NetBIOS support. Most likely you don't need this unless you know otherwise


Depends on:None

Required for:None


TelephonyDescription:TAPI support. Mostly used for people with dialup. If your networking stops working, try setting this back to manual.




Required for:Fax , Remote Access Auto Connection Manager

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalTerminal ServicesDescription:Allows users to log in to this computer. Not required to make outward connections with Remote Desktop. It may be required to use the new Vista features of terminal services, which allows you to run remote programs without being 'conscious' of the use, as it will run in your own desktop, rather than through a Window. I will get around to investigating this further...

Consequences of Stopping:I believe that Terminal Services to a computer are disabled by default, unless you set it up, so I am unsure why this process needs to be running at all times. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:Windows Media Center Extender Service, Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector


Terminal Services ConfigurationDescription:Configuration of Terminal Services



Depends on:Workstation, DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Network Store Interface Service

Required for:None

Terminal Services UserMode Port RedirectorDescription:Redirection of ports for Terminal Services


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Terminal Services

Required for:None


ThemesDescription:I rather like the new fancy windows views. But it's pretty heavy so make the decision yourself. Without it sidebar still works only without fancy transparency. Disabling it will default you to the classic Windows theme.

Consequences of Stopping:You will be unable to use themes. It will default back to the old Windows classic look and feel.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Depends on:None

Required for:None

Thread Ordering ServerDescription:Ordered execution of threads. More on this as I look further into the matter.


Depends on:None

Required for:None


TPM Base ServicesDescription:Trusted Platform Module key hosting


Depends on:None

Required for:None


UPnP Device HostDescription:UPnP support. Plug and Play devices over your network. Let your computer get notified that your toast is ready! It was introduced for XP, but as far as I have heard, it has not caught on.

Consequences of Stopping:


.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:SSDP Discovery

Required for:Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

User Profile ServiceDescription:User management. If disabled, prepare for some fun times getting it set up. It tries to look for your desktop in the system32 directory, loses all your start menu settings, and Services won't run. I won't guarentee this will happen to you. Just reboot into safe mode if you get in to trouble.



Required for:Application Information


Virtual DiskDescription:Management services for disks. You can leave it on manual to run only when you need it.




Required for:None

Volume Shadow CopyDescription:Used for backup.



Required for:None


WebClientDescription:Allows your programs to modify internet files via windows. I have not found any programs that use this (FrontPage maybe?).


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalWindows AudioDescription:Pretty self-explanatory. This manages audio within windows.

Consequences of Stopping:If disabled, you won't be able to use your audio devices.



Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Multimedia Class Scheduler, Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

Required for:None

Windows Audio Endpoint BuilderDescription:Endpoint devices are things like speakers, microphones, etc. I have this strange feeling this has been broken out of the 'Windows Audio' service where it used to lie, to include much of the new DRM crazyiness that you read about in Vista. Securing down your computer so that certain audio devices, if not secure (i.e. analog) get different quality audio than secure channels. I cannot confirm that this is the culprit, as honestly, I havn't seen any of these 'nasty' things that MS put into Windows (but most likely had to, to allow for a secure channel for decoding DRM whatnot). Anyway, on the surface, it tells allows Windows to more effectively manage your audio hardware. It knows how many mics, speakers, etc you have, rahter than just sending information out blindly.

Consequences of Stopping:If Disabled, Windows Audio service wont be able to start All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:Windows Audio


Windows Backup Manual Manual Manual Disabled

Description:Windows backup and restore



Required for:None

(A-P) | (P-W) | (W-Z)

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalWindows Color SystemDescription:Gamma/Color mapping for Windows. Managed through the control panel. Handy if you have 2 screens of different models, and the color doesn?ft match between them. Still a pain to get them to match though, as it?fs a much more involved process than the wizard allows for.

Consequences of Stopping:It will be up to your monitor to do color correction. Any configurations you have set up in the Windows Color tool will not be applied.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:None


Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar Manual Manual Disabled Disabled

Description:Issues credentials for connect-now



Required for:None

Windows DefenderDescription:Windows spyware and virus protection all in one. Features monitoring of Registry and on access scans.

Consequences of Stopping:If you disable this you will need to disable it in the control panel, or else it will nag you every time you boot up that it cannot start. Disabling this means you will not have any automatic spyware searching, unless you install your own All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:None


Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver FrameworkDescription:User-mode driver host management




Required for:None

Windows Error Reporting ServiceDescription:Error reporting.


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Windows Event CollectorDescription:Event logging


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Windows Event LogDescription:Logs from system can be viewed by yourself. It is a good thing to check out every once in a while, but mostly it fills up with junk.

Consequences of Stopping:Task Scheduler depends on this, which is required for many other services. It is not recommended


that you disable this. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:Task Scheduler

Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalWindows FirewallDescription:Microsoft's included firewall.

Consequences of Stopping:Disable it only if you have your own firewall. It offers you security from many forms of online attack. It's probably not the best firewall in the world, and won't protect you from everything, however, it is much safer than running without. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:None


Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)Description:Image acquisition for scanners/digital cameras. If your camera just come up with a browser, and you don't use WIA: disable.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, Shell Hardware Detection, Remote Procedure Call (RPC)


Required for:None

Windows InstallerDescription:MSI Installer package support



Required for:None


Windows Management InstrumentationDescription:If stopped, most windows-based software will not function properly'. I have not seen any applications that will fail to run with this off, but it seems that a lot of software uses it.



Required for:IP Helper, Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), Security Center

Automatic Automatic Automatic Manual

Windows Media Center Extender ServiceDescription:Allows Media Center devices to connect

Consequences of Stopping:.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable


to function

Depends on:PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator, DCOM Server Process Launcher, SSDP Discovery, Function Discovery Provider Host, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Terminal Services

Required for:None

Windows Media Center Receiver ServiceDescription:TV/Radio support



Required for:None


Windows Media Center Scheduler ServiceDescription:TV show recording scheduling



Required for:None


Windows Media Center Service LauncherDescription:If you bought Ultimate for the media center parts,

Automatic (DS)

Disabled Manual Disabled

probably don't disable it. Seems to just launch media center software at startup



Required for:None

Windows Media Player Network Sharing ServiceDescription:Share WMP files


Depends on:SSDP Discovery, UPnP Device Host

Required for:None


Windows Modules InstallerDescription:Enables management of Windows updates (add/remove). Not required to run Windows Update. Will turn itself on automatically if you manage Windows updates in Control Panel.




Required for:None

Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0Description:Caches fonts for WPF apps


Depends on:None

Required for:None


Service Default 'Safe' Tweaked MinimalWindows Remote Management (WS-Management)Description:Remote management of computer.



Required for:None


Windows SearchDescription:Windows Indexing service renamed, plus some other features most likely. If you do a lot of searches keep it, but I imagine it's rather heavy to keep such a big index. Uses a fair bit of resources. Search has been integrated into the desktop more fully, so you may find yourself using this more often than not.


Consequences of Stopping:Without this, Explorer will have to fall back to its slow search. It will still search though. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Required for:None

Windows TimeDescription:Synchronizes windows clock online. Rather a useless tool, unless you are very serious about keeping valid time. It is a fairly light service.

Consequences of Stopping:Your time might become out of sync.All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:None

Required for:None


Windows UpdateDescription:Allows you to download/install updates and patches from Microsoft.

Consequences of Stopping:Windows Update will not function. Not just the automatic service, but running it period. All services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function


Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

Automatic (DS)

Required for:None

WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery ServiceDescription:HTTP stack implementation


Depends on:DHCP Client, Network Store Interface Service

Required for:None


Wired AutoConfigDescription:Your wired networking will still continue to work, so I do not actually know what this is useful for. Probably for viewing them in Networking tool.


Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, CNG Key Isolation, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Extensible Authentication Protocol

Required for:None


WLAN AutoConfigDescription:Lists wireless adapters and manages connections.

Consequences of Stopping:If you use wireless internet, your wireless adapter will not configure itself, unless you use a 3rd party app that sometimes comes with cards like Netgear.



Depends on:DCOM Server Process Launcher, CNG Key Isolation, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Extensible Authentication Protocol

Required for:None

WMI Performance AdapterDescription:Windows Management Instrumentation library information provider


Depends on:None

Required for:None


WorkstationDescription:Maintains internet connections. Internet still works without it, unless your provider has different requirements. Also used for making connections to remote printers, etc.

Consequences of Stopping:?cAll services listed in 'Required For' will be unable to function

Depends on:Network Store Interface Service

Required for:Netlogon, Computer Browser, Terminal Services Configuration


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