Tip Sections
----------------------------
Click to expand Windows:

Click to expand Apple:

Click to expand PDA's:

Click to expand Internet Browsers:

Click to expand Office:

Click to expand Misc:

News Sections
----------------------------
Windows/Microsoft
Apple/Macintosh
DVD
Xbox
News Search
XML/RSS Newsfeeds
Pocket PC Site

How To Guides
----------------------------
Windows
How To Edit The Registry
How To Back Up Files
Before Changing Settings

Macintosh
How To Back Up Files
Before Changing Settings

Contacting Us
----------------------------
Send In A Tip
Tip Corrections
Praise/Complaints

Affiliates
----------------------------
Designer Dream
WebGenetic
Join Our Affiliation Program

 

 
Home : Windows XP : Disabling unnecessary services

TopTechTips

Tip of the day
When entering a URL into Internet Explorer - just write the name of the site and then press CTRL and Return together to add the www. and .com at the end.

Windows XP - Tips Section
Disabling unnecessary services
Posted By: Byron Hinson
Last Updated: September 4th 2003
Tip Difficulty Level: Advanced

 

How This Tip Works

Services are programs that start up when your computer boots. They continue to run in the background while your PC is on, some services load automatically, some when a program is used. Some of these services are not needed by various users and can be safely disabled. But BE WARNED there are some of these services that MUST not be disabled. To get a good idea what can and can't be removed check out http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm for a very detailed list. Remember, you can always turn the service back on if you find out that you need it in the future. Below is the procedure to turn off a service.

  • Click the start button.
  • Click on Control Panel.
  • Click on Administrative Tools.
  • Click Services.
  • Once the services window has loaded you are now able to turn off any  unneeded services.
  • For instructional purposes we are going to turn off the Printer Spooler  (Which isn't needed if you don't have a printer installed) service.
  • Find this service in the list and select it with the mouse.
  • Right click and select Properties.
  • Once the properties windows has loaded find the Start up type drop down box and select disable.
  • Then finally click ok and the next time the computer starts the service will no longer be loaded.

 

Return to the ActiveNetwork Return to the tips index

Designed By Designer Dream