Windows XP Tips
Disabling unnecessary services
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.
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