ActiveWin.com: Windows XP Section - Turn Off Default Services

Alerter

Application Layer Gateway Services

Automatic Updates
Many users prefer to manually download updates from Microsoft. If you wish to use the automatic update facility, leave this service enabled.

Background Intelligent Transfer Service

ClipBook

Computer Browser
This service should only be disabled if you are not running in a Windows NT / 2000 Domain environment

Distributed Link Tracking Client

Error Reporting Service

Fast User Switching Compatibility

Fax

IIS Admin
This service should only be enabled if you run the personal version of IIS on Windows XP

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have / use a CD-Writer.

Indexing Service

Infrared Monitor
This service should only be disabled if you do not have an IR port on your computer, or if you do not use IR communications.

Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
This service should only be disabled if you do not use either ICS or the ICF.

Messenger

MS Software Shadow Copy Provider

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Desktop Sharing facility in NetMeeting

Portable Media Serial Number
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a portable MP3 or music device that connects directly to your computer via a digital interface.

QoS RSVP

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the Remote Assistance feature of Windows XP

Remote Registry

Removable Storage

Routing and Remote Access

Smart Card

Smart Card Helper

SSDP Discovery Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not have any Universal PnP devices on your network.

System Restore Service
This service should only be disabled if you do not use the System Restore functionality of Windows XP.

Telnet

Terminal Services
This service underpins the following functions:

Remote Desktop

Remote Assistance

Fast User Switching

Terminal Services should only be disabled if none of the above are in use

Themes

Uninterruptible Power Supply

Universal Plug and Play Device Host

Upload Manager

Volume Shadow Copy

WebClient

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
This service should only be disabled if you do not have a scanner or digital camera connected to your computer.

Windows Time
This service should only be disabled if not operating in a Windows NT / Windows 2000 Domain.

Wireless Zero Configuration
This service should only be disabled if you're not using a WLAN (WiFi, 802.11) card on your computer

WMI Performance Adapter

World Wide Web Publishing
This service should only be disabled if you're not running the personal version of IIS on your computer.