XP behind the scene services...

[Kente]

I was just wondering if I really need all of the services provided by microsoft that are running behind the scenes... I started up the system configuration utility just to see what all was being loaded up, and under the 'services' tab there was an entire list of things, and I have no idea what most of them are even related to.

"computer browser" "cryptographic services" "distributed link tracking" "remote registry" etc, just to name a few... Is it safe to disable all of these things?

 

[Poontos]

In short, it depends on what you use your PC for and any others rely on it.

-To start off, is this a standalone PC (not connected to other PC's, or at least PC's that share files)? If so, you can safely disable the Computer Browser service.
-DISABLE Remote Registry Service, unless you are connected a corporate LAN - in this case ask your network administrator.
-Do you have a static IP on your computer? Or do you have it set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP)? If static, you can disable DHCP client.
-Do you fax? No? Disable Fax Service.
-Do you dial-up onto the Internet or use a modem? No? Disable Telephony.

I am not going to go through all the services, but there are lots of decent guides out there, because some of the services depend on others, so they are not always as simple as asking yourself "Do I use Com+? Ahhh... not that I know of, so gee, I will just disable it.". Next thing you know web stuff is busted.

Continue you on here...
http://www.google.ca/search?q=tweaking+windows+xp+services&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&meta=

 

[Davegod]

a good site for XP servive tweaks:

http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm