Janitorial Startup Program
Turn Off Unnecessary Windows XP Services Submitted by jasonn on April 4, 2005 - 10:14am. Turning off unnecessary services in Windows XP can greatly reduce your exploit risk, while improving system performance. It's a good time to inject that often there are all sorts of 'download optimizers' and other cute programs that vendors like to push on users. Most of the time, installing such things slows your computer down at best. It could subject you to potential security risks. The first rule is 'If you don't know you need it, you probably don't.' Unnecessary services don't just subject you to security risk.
They also slow down the operation of your computer. So, don't get lazy here and think you can just deal with the infections later. Go ahead and turn that junk off and recapture your system from these resource hogs. You get to services by going to Control Panel, Administrative Tools, then Services. You should see a long list of services, some running and some dormant. Use this checklist to help determine which services you can live without. Windows XP Pro (and Home); Stuff to turn off: Each service is listed as it is in Microsoft's WIndows XP Professional.
These should be similar in Microsoft's XP Home as well. Under each is the definition given in the Services Manager.
These franchisees have discovered how cleaning up other people's messes can become big business. Startup costs: $8,200. Through its Green Star cleaning program. The Janitorial Store provides all the resources you need to know how to start a cleaning business and help it thrive. Visit us online today!
Alerter Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If the service is stopped, programs that use administrative alerts will not receive them. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: I don't want my personal computer telling me anything, ever. Shut up and work!
There's few things I find more annoying than a computer constantly wanting to interact with me while I'm using it to do work or entertain myself. A computer is a tool, not a friend or work companion. No Hal, I don't want to talk to you.
Perhaps there's a software vendor that can give you a compelling reason why you need this service, but for most home and SOHO PC use it's just an unnecessary service taking up resources and providing risk. Unless you are running a product that requires this service, disable it. Application Layer Gateway Service Provides support for 3rd party protocol plug-ins for Internet Connection Sharing and the Internet Connection Firewall Comment: Do you want to share your internet connection? That's an article waiting to be written.
Let me be clear. Since you can buy a router for $50 or less, and Windows does an awful job routing, using a computer to gateway your other computers to the internet is just stupid. 'What about firewalling and admission control?'
Well, that's not going to be done through the built-in internet sharing tools. So, we're not talking about that.
If you use a personal computer to gateway your other computers to the internet (and calling it a server doesn't change the reality), you are wasting resources. Buy a $50 router, or a $1000 router for that matter. But, buy a discrete device that is designed to do the job. Use hardware based firewalling (OK, it's all based on software - but I mean a boxed solution, not software installed on a PC that's prone to lose autonomy). And, what about all those cute third-party firewalling tools that plug in to this thing? Man, give me a break. If it runs on top of your Windows installation, it's not a real firewall.
Unless this is required by a product you think is necessary, disable it. Automatic Updates Enables the download and installation of critical Windows updates. If the service is disabled, the operating system can be manually updated at the Windows Update Web site. Comment: There's only two options that may make sense with this service. You should either set it to disable or manual. I'd disable it. Automatic Updates is designed as a tool to aid Microsoft in controlling their product.
Props to Microsoft for trying to protect their product from piracy. But, it's bad for your security.
Use it when you need it, and disable it when you don't. Don't you wonder why all the computers in big, well managed networks don't run Automatic Updates? It's because it decreases system security by forcing you to open up your PC to remote tools. It's also because managers of big networks create their own update policies. If you more completely understand the thinking that goes into deciding whether or not to distribute an update, you could better administer your own PC.
Outside of periodic use, disable it. Background Intelligent Transfer Service Uses idle network bandwidth to transfer data. Comment: This is one of those tools they require you turn on to enable Automatic Updates. Think about it. It connects your PC to the internet or network and works behind your back to do stuff you didn't explicitly tell it to do. It sounds like a great tool to help hackers collect data from your PC and slowly seep it back to their lair.
Unless it's immediately required, disable it. It you use it and then go for some time with no need to use it, disable it. ClipBook Enables ClipBook Viewer to store information and share it with remote computers. If the service is stopped, ClipBook Viewer will not be able to share information with remote computers. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: So, you want to copy stuff to your clipbook and allow remote computers to access it? There may be a software vendor that requires this service to run.
I've yet to find it useful. I suggest you disable it. Computer Browser Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: If you are on a network with other computers, and need to see them, this may be a useful tool. Otherwise, disable it.
Cryptographic Services Provides three management services: Catalog Database Service, which confirms the signatures of Windows files; Protected Root Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root Certification Authority certificates from this computer; and Key Service, which helps enroll this computer for certificates. If this service is stopped, these management services will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: It is very necessary if you are passing certificates for networking. Unless you are in a large corporate network where connections are managed through authentication, this is unnecessary; disable it. Distributed Transaction Coordinator Coordinates transactions that span multiple resource managers, such as databases, message queues, and file systems.
If this service is stopped, these transactions will not occur. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: Extremely few personal computers will require this service. If you use it, you may want to review the reasons it is being used. Unless you are accessing network filesystems and databases, disable it.
DNS Client Resolves and caches Domain Name System (DNS) names for this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will not be able to resolve DNS names and locate Active Directory domain controllers. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: This tool is necessary if you are on a network running Active Directory domain Controllers.
Typically, you either know that that means, or you are in a large corporate network, which means you aren't turning services on and off because I tell you to. Unless you are on such a network or know you need this running and why, disable it. Error Reporting Service Allows error reporting for services and applications running in non-standard environments. Comment: Erorr reporting is very useful, if you know what to do with the errors or you are running software that adjusts based on error reporting. This is that annoying 'feature' in Windows that constantly pops up wanting to ship information about your software failures to Redmond. Chances are, the best thing for you to do is disable it.
Help and Support Enables Help and Support Center to run on this computer. If this service is stopped, Help and Support Center will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: I don't find this service useful, other than sucking up resources. If you know how to use Google, I'd disable it.
Human Interface Device Access Enables generic input access to Human Interface Devices (HID), which activates and maintains the use of predefined hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls, and other multimedia devices. If this service is stopped, hot buttons controlled by this service will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: Whether or not you should disable this service, depends on other services you need. If you don't know, turn it off and see if it breaks anything. It says that it deals with hotkeys, however all the system hotkeys that most of us enjoy aren't controlled by this service, they are built into the core OS.
Control C, for example, to copy and Control V to past, do not stop working when you turn this service off. It seems this has more to do with specific hotkeys that a software vendor may want to insert into their installed program or internet product. Until you see a reason for it, I'd turn this one off. Personally, I consider relying on such services to be lazy programming. But, there may be good reason for using it if it's more efficient. Indexing Service Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language. Comment: To date, nobody has shown me real system performance improvements with this technology.
Keep in mind, I'm limited in this conversation to Windows. Indexing is very useful. Indexing databases is very useful. Indexing your computer isn't very useful at all. Typically, if you are on a network, you know where on a network to find your chosen data. If you are not on a network, there's no real performance enhancement to this service that justifies the complexity and resource use. Chances are good you should disable it.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service Manages CD recording using Image Mastering Applications Programming Interface (IMAPI). If this service is stopped, this computer will be unable to record CDs. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: Obviously, there may be some usefulness leaving this service as manual, if you have a CD burner installed. If you don't, disable it.
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Provides network address translation, addressing, name resolution and/or intrusion prevention services for a home or small office network. Comment: This tool does a great job of complicating my internet connection and slowing down transactions. It's not likely this tool is sophisticated enough to make a major impact in your system's performance. You should disable it. Messenger Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. This service is not related to Windows Messenger. If this service is stopped, Alerter messages will not be transmitted.
If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: Turn this thing off! It's a simple kit for anybody that can connect via any network to your computer to access your system and do things you don't want them to. Net Logon Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for computers in a domain. Comment: Unless you need this to operate inside a domain, it's likely not necessary or useful. If you are using a home or SOHO PC and don't have a local domain based network, disable it.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing Enables an authorized user to access this computer remotely by using NetMeeting over a corporate intranet. If this service is stopped, remote desktop sharing will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Comment: Do you really want a built in tool to share control of your desktop over your network connection? There are better tools for doing this kind of work, if needed. If someone you buy software from insists you let them use this tool to help you install it one time, then enable it and disable it immediately afterward. For typical use, you should disable it. Remote Desktop Help Session Manager Manages and controls Remote Assistance. If this service is stopped, Remote Assistance will be unavailable.
Before stopping this service, see the Dependencies tab of the Properties dialog box. Comment: Refer to NetMeeting. If you don't want to share control of your computer through your network, disable it.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator Manages the RPC name service database. Comment: There are some network programs and protocols that require this to be turned on. Chances are you could just turn it off and see if you break anything. If you are using a single PC in your home or SOHO, it's likely just a security risk. If you don't know you need it, disable it. Remote Registry Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer.
If this service is stopped, the registry can be modified only by users on this computer. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: Seems self-explanatory. You can enable this service to help remote people or programs change your registry. Great hacker tool if you can't secure it. System Restore Service Performs system restore functions. To stop service, turn off System Restore from the System Restore tab in My Computer-Properties Comment: This is almost useless if you ever have a problem with damaged drives, corrupted data, or malware.
It uses a lot of resources and isn't useful for most people. You can turn it on before you install a big piece of software. This service allows you to backup to a previous system should you mess your's up with an installation of software or a modification to your system settings, usually registry damage. To improve system performance and take the minor risk of not being able to make your computer work like it did yesterday, disable it. TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution.
Comment: Very few people use NetBIOS at home. This is the Windows built-in protocol for simple networking. You may need it. Otherwise, disable it.
Telephony Provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP based voice connections on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that are also running the service. Comment: If you use telephony, you probably use discrete devices or proprietary services that don't rely on this service. However, you do need this servive if you use a modem to connect to the ineternet. If you don't specifically need the Microsoft Telephony service, disable it. If you use a modem to connect to the internet, leave it enabled. Telnet Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients, including UNIX-based and Windows-based computers. If this service is stopped, remote user access to programs might be unavailable.
If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: There's just not a circumstance where I can imagine that turning this service on is a good idea. Unless you need to let people telnet into your computer and have a really good reason for doing so, disable it. Terminal Services Allows multiple users to be connected interactively to a machine as well as the display of desktops and applications to remote computers. The underpinning of Remote Desktop (including RD for Administrators), Fast User Switching, Remote Assistance, and Terminal Server. Comment: As I've said above, there's better tools for remote desktop administration. The idea of Terminal Services is to allow remote desktop administration of a system, like the user was on the actual console.
In almost all circumstances you should disable it. Themes Provides user experience theme management. Comment: Themes are cute and bloated. Enabling themes is not a good way to increase performance, but you may think it's neat. If you aren't addicted to cute desktop eye candy, disable it.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer. Comment: Unless you are using a UPS on your computer and it has the capability of managing the system, disable it.
Upload Manager Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network. If this service is stopped, synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network will not occur. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: If you are not in a local network sharing data (files and/or services), disable it. Windows Time Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. If this service is stopped, date and time synchronization will be unavailable.
If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Comment: Sometimes it works. Unless you are really needing your time to sync to something running a Windows time server, disable it. Wireless Zero Configuration Provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters Comment: Unless you use 802.11 devices, disable it. Workstation Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers. If this service is stopped, these connections will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Comment: If you are not in a local network sharing data (files and/or services), disable it. If you turn off all the services suggested above and try to use Automatic Updates via WindowsUpdate.Microsoft.com, you will likely see a message something like this: Windows Update cannot continue because a required service application is disabled.
Windows Update requires the following services: 'Automatic Updates enables detection, downloading, and installation of critical updates for your computer. Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) enables faster, restartable downloading of updates. Event Log logs Windows Update events for troubleshooting. To ensure that these services are enabled:' It's easy to just go back to Services, and turn these services on as you need them.
An operating system shouldn't need daily updates to run. And, the more services you run, the more likely you are to need updates. See a circle here? Occasionally, a little laziness won't kill you. Though you could just go to Technet (Microsoft's only support for IT professionals) and get all your news and update files with descriptions of their efficacy and safety, you may occasionally just want to veg out and let Microsoft do the work for you.
You should still read each update and decide for yourself whether it makes sense. Some of them are flat out bad news. But, turning up these services for a few minutes to run Automatic Updates may be a shortcut to periodic updates. So, let's look at the services they want you to turn on. Automatic Updates Background Intelligent Transfer Service Event Log I haven't a clue why you need Background Intelligent Transfer Services to run so you can go to a website, download, and install service packs.
But, you can turn it, and the others, on and then turn it back off when you are done. It's just three services. If you turn off all the services suggested above and try to use Automatic Updates via WindowsUpdate.Microsoft.com, you will likely see a message something like this: Windows Update cannot continue because a required service application is disabled.
Windows Update requires the following services: Automatic Updates enables detection, downloading, and installation of critical updates for your computer. Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) enables faster, restartable downloading of updates. Event Log logs Windows Update events for troubleshooting. To ensure that these services are enabled: It's easy to just go back to Services, and turn these services on as you need them. An operating system shouldn't need daily updates to run.
And, the more services you run, the more likely you are to need updates. See a circle here?
Occasionally, a little laziness won't kill you. Though you could just go to Technet (Microsoft's only support for IT professionals) and get all your news and update files with descriptions of their efficacy and safety, you may occasionally just want to veg out and let Microsoft do the work for you. You should still read each update and decide for yourself whether it makes sense. Some of them are flat out bad news. But, turning up these services for a few minutes to run Automatic Updates may be a shortcut to periodic updates. So, let's look at the services they want you to turn on. Automatic Updates Background Intelligent Transfer Service Event Log I haven't a clue why you need Background Intelligent Transfer Services to run so you can go to a website, download, and install service packs.
But, you can turn it, and the others, on and then turn it back off when you are done. After all, it's just three services. If you take a minimalist's point of view to running both software and services on your computer, it will perform faster and more safely than it will if you just randomly load anything anyone tells you to.
To better secure your PC, stick to a mindset that if you don't absolutely need a service running right now, you should just turn it off. Whenever posting questions on these forums, please give us as much information as possible about your computer. Depending on your issue, we might need the operating system, processor speed, amount of RAM installed, brand name of the computer, (if there is one), and any EXACT error messages you are receiving. In your case, it appears like you've typed in 'msconfig' and the window opens and closes quickly.Is that correct? The more information you give us, the better informed our answer will be.
Xp Startup Program List
If the Msconfig window is closing immediately after opening, there could be another issue involved. Can you open the Control Panel?
Do other programs work correctly? If you haven't scanned your computer for spyware, please download, install, update, then run ALL of the free spyware removal tools from the links below: Ad-Aware. Here are a couple of links from the 'Tips For Newbies' thread in this forum. Follow ALL of the procedures to clean up your computer and eliminate unnecessary start up programs and services: For Windows 2000/XP, ignore the first couple of sentences about checking 'resources' in the link below but follow the rest of the procedures including the 'Services' links at the bottom. After following all the procedures above, run Error Checking/Chkdsk and Defrag to optimize the hard drive: Hope this helps. Ok.I thought I answered another message in this area.someoe telling me to right click on MY COMPUTER and then PROPERTIES and a Processes thing would come up.but I don't have that.and also.I tried getting rid of stuff at Start UP.and I don't even have a Scan Registry or the other one every one said you keep.
Can't find that message and also.after hours of trying to get rid of programs.I give up.maybe I should reformatt.(I said that in last post to.but now I can't find it.lol.advises NOT TO PUT BOTH AdawareSE and Spybot S&D on your computer because of conflicts. Personal version (& b-4 that Adaware + S&D 1.3))together for many years and they play together very well. Notes re this: Important: If you want to 'lock your Start(home) & Search pages'(recommended) in both, you must register with both programs IDENTICAL info to prevent conflict. OR lock with Spybot first reboot and then tell AAW to 'Lock' current page. There could,I think,be a problem, (don't know for sure)as posted here, if you have the Adwatch (paid version only)also running. Similar problems seem to occur with Norton Security Suite for similar reasons ('tho' Norton seems to dislike any other programs playing in its' park). Works for me just great!.at Here it is again: Scan Registry and System Tray are generally in the older operating systems.Windows 98 & ME.
Windows XP has 'msconfig' but the Start Up tab contains different items. (I assume you're still using Windows XP as in your other posts.) In addition, XP doesn't have the 'Resources' percentage like the older operating systems. Reading the other 'sub-posts' in that topic will give you clues.
On Windows XP, not only do you have to eliminate programs, but you need to eliminate 'Services'. The links within that topic will help you do that. Hope this helps.
Disabling Startup Programs in Windows 7, Vista, or XP For some programs, it’s smart to have them start with Windows, such as anti-virus and firewall software. However, for most programs, starting them at boot-up just wastes resources and extends startup time. There is a tool installed with Windows, called MSConfig, that allows you to quickly and easily see what’s running at startup and disable the programs you prefer to run on our own after startup as needed. This tool is available and can be used to disable startup programs in Windows 7, Vista, and XP. NOTE: MSConfig can be used to configure several things other than just startup programs, so be careful what you do with it. If you’re not sure about using it, just follow the steps in this article and you should be fine. To run MSConfig, open the Start menu and type “msconfig.exe” (without the quotes) in the Search box.
As you type, results display. When you see “msconfig.exe,” click on it or press Enter, if it is highlighted. NOTE: If you are using Windows XP, open the Run dialog box from the Start menu, type “msconfig.exe” in the Open edit box, and click OK. Click the Startup tab on the System Configuration main window. A list of all the startup programs displays with a check box next to each one. To prevent a program from starting up with Windows, select the check box next to the desired program so there is NO check mark in the box. Click OK once you have made your choices.
A dialog box displays telling you that you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take affect. Click Restart to restart your computer immediately. If are not ready to restart your computer, click Exit without restart. Disabling Startup Programs in Windows 8 or 8.1 or 10 Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 make it really simple to disable startup applications. All you have to do is open up Task Manager by right-clicking on the Taskbar, or using the CTRL + SHIFT + ESC shortcut key, clicking “More Details,” switching to the Startup tab, and then using the Disable button.
It’s really that simple. If you aren’t seeing these options, make sure to click “More Details,” which is in the same place as the “Fewer details” that you see on this screenshot. Disabling Startup Programs in CCleaner. The free PC-cleaning utility also has a tool that allows you to disable startup programs. In CCleaner, click the Tools button on the left side of the dialog box and click Startup to see the list of startup programs. The Enabled column indicates whether each program is set to start with Windows.
Change Startup Programs
To disable a program that is enabled, select the program in the list and click Disable. You can also enable programs that have been disabled. NOTE: CCleaner does not seem to prompt you to restart your computer, so be sure to do so yourself.