Com-Central.net

S! All!

As we all know we have been testing and getting better results every time to get the framerates up and also resolving some connectivity problems,
the following tips and ideas I have encountered on the net and I tought to share them with you all here.

What follows is a list of tweaks and settings to get your system running a lil bit better and making shure that all that you really don't need running is switched off.

Qoute:

"Some guys where talking about XP sucking framrates , and it all has to do with CPU/ Memory resources.
Windows ME , 2000 , and XP all need 128 MB's of RAm to run smoothly.
The reason is - these Operating systems have alot more going on than Windows 98.
Thats why you have so many guys out there are still running 98.
XP running idle at desktop will gobble up 100-110 MBs of you system memory.
To trim down this ' footprint' lets kill some SERVICES that are not needed.

The upside to 2000 and XP is that they can manage large amounts of system RAM , but there are still a few tweaks to sqeeze even better performance , first let's disable some things running in SERVICES.

OK! Start Button , Control Panel , Admin Tools , DOUBLE CLICK SERVICES .
To disable a service - Click on it to highlight - then right click - select properties - then select disable from drop down menu.

Below is a list of stuff to kill.

Alerter (DISABLE) -Notifies users of administrative alerts Not really required under normal circumstances.

Application Layer Gateway Service (MANUAL) -Used for Assign Publish and Remove software services. Some people "may" need this.
I have it disabled, and I'm doing fine.
You should set this to manual, and if an application needs this service, it will start, otherwise it will not.

Automatic Updates (DISABLE) -Used to check up to see if there is any critical or otherwise updates available for download. You can go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com to update, and I would rather do that!

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (MANUAL) -Used to transfer asynchronous data via servers. Who need's it?
(UPDATE)More people than you know! I got an email from Crystal, the person I told you about a few mins ago, and she say's disabling the Background Intelligent Transfer Service is not necessarily wise as more programs than you realize actually use this service. As well, RPC Locator That is important.

ClipBook (DISABLE) -Used to store information (cut/paste) and share it with other computers.

COM+ Event System (DISABLE) -I am unaware of any application that uses COM+ but if set to Manual, many services report to it, so it will start anyway.

COM+ System Application (DISABLE) -Same as COM+ Event System

Computer Browser (DISABLE) -Maintains a listing of computers located on the network This service is not needed on a standalone system. If you go to a lan party or you share files on your home network you might want to turn this on.

Cryptographic Services (Automatic) -Basicly it confirms signatures of Windows files You may always get a dialog box complaining about uncertified drivers if this is disabled. Keep it enabled in order to download updates from windowsupdate.microsoft.com

DHCP Client (DISABLE) -Receives a Dynamic IP address from your DHCP server. If you have a static ip (An ip that doesn't change) then you could turn this service off. If your on 56k or have a dynamic ip, leave it as it is.

Distributed Link Tracking Client (DISABLE) -Maintains links with NTFS files within your computer or across a domain. I don't think many people would have a use for this.

Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DISABLE) -Takes care of transactions that span multiple resources. Don't ask, because I don't know I have had it disabled without any problems though.

DNS Client (Automatic) -Resolves DNS names and Active Directory domain controller functions. I have found that surfing the web is slower with this disabled. ie. takes longer to look up dns names with this off. It might just be my computer, you can test it for yourself if you would like.

Error Reporting Service (DISABLE) -Phone homes to Microsoft when application errors occurs. I think it's a security and privacy breach. Disable this!

Event Log (Automatic) -This allows Event Log messages from applications to be viewed in Event Viewer. You should keep this enabled, I have found that the system act's weird when it's disabled. I have also gotten an email from a user saying this: "Service is need for diskeeper defrag and remote access, auto connection manager plus remote access connection manager is needed for Pal a compuserve connection to work". Thanks for input!

Fast User Switching Compatibility (Automatic) -What? yeah.. I have it enabled because I like my hacked logon screen If you disable this, it takes you back to the old Windows 2000 logon screen

Fax Service (DISABLE) -Not installed by default, so don't enable it leave it disabled.

FTP Publishing Service (DISABLE) -Used to provide a FTP server on your network.

Help and Support (DISABLE) -ah I hate this one..it uses a lot of resources.. disable it! Also, it will enable itself if you click on Help in the start menu or if you hit F1, so watch it.

Human Interface Device Access (DISABLE) -If some of your peripherals stop working, set this to automatic.

IIS Admin (DISABLE) -Usually used in conjunction with local web site or FTP servers.

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service (DISABLE) -Used for the Built-in windows xp CD burn capability. I rather use Nero Burning rom.

Indexing Service (DISABLE) -This is a no no! This thing is a resource hog, and will slow your pc a lot.

Internet Connection Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing (MANUAL) -If your sharing your Internet access with other users on your network, leave this alone. If not, set it to manual.

IPSEC Services (DISABLE) -The average user doesn't need this enabled, but if you are paranoid about security, enable this feature.

Logical Disk Manager (DISABLE) -Vital to run the Disk Management MMC console for dynamic volumes.

Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (DISABLE) -Same as above

Message Queuing (DISABLE) -Not installed, leave it like that, or disable it.

Message Queuing Triggers (DISABLE) -Not installed, leave it like that, or disable it.

Messenger (DISABLE) -Sends messages between clients and servers.

MS Software Shadow Copy Provider (DISABLE) -Used in conjunction with the Volume Shadow Copy Service.

Net Login (DISABLE) -Used for logging onto a Domain Controller.

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing (DISABLE) -Bad Bad Bad! Big security risk if you ask me!

Network Connections (Automatic) -My network setup requires it. Set it to disabled, and if your internet works leave it, if not enable it.

Network DDE (DISABLE) -Unless you use Clipbook service, don't enable it

Network DDE DSDM (DISABLE) -Same as above

Network Location Awareness (NLA) (MANUAL) -Required for use with the Internet Connection Sharing Service.

NT LM Security Support Provider (DISABLE) -Not needed unless you are running Message Queuing or Telnet server

Performance Logs and Alerts (DISABLE) -Collects performance data on a schedule and sends the information to a log or triggers an alert.

Plug and Play (Automatic) -You'll need this! If you upgrade or change out hardware, this detects it!

Portable Media Serial Number (DISABLE) -Retrieves serial numbers from portable music players connected to your computer. Disable it unless something of yours ceases to function properly.

Print Spooler (Automatic) -I usually have this disabled until I use my printer. If you don't ever use a printer, you can disable it.

Protected Storage (DISABLE/Auto?) -Allows for the saving of local passwords or even web sites information (AutoComplete.) Don't disable if you use Autocomplete, otherwise for increase performance and extra security disable it! Had a guy name Kevin email me and told me that if you have MSN you will need to set this to auto.

QoS RSVP (DISABLE) -Provides traffic control on a network using IPSEC and applications that support QoS, plus have an adapter that supports it.

Remote Access Auto Connection Manager (DISABLE/Manual) -Creates a connection to a network when a program requests a remote address. If things cease to function after disabling this service, put it to manual. (UPDATE) I have gotten word that this service along with the service below, are needed for 56k and dailup connections. If you have a dailup connection set this to manual. If you have problems, set it to automatic.

Remote Access Connection Manager (DISABLE/Manual) -Same as above.

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (DISABLE) -This is a security risk, turn it off!

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (Automatic) -Critical! Leave this set to Automatic. Just about everything depends on this service to be running.

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator (DISABLE) -Manages the RPC name service database. I have not found a reason to keep this service running. If something on your network breaks after you disable this service, put it back to Manual or Automatic.

Remote Registry Service (DISABLE) -Yet, another security risk. Turn this off! This allows remote users access to your registry!

Removable Storage (DISABLE) -Used for managing removable media. Disable this service if you do not have items like tape backup devices, etc. If your CD ROM/DVD Drive starts acting funny, place this service into Automatic. Normally, this service is not needed.

Routing and Remote Access (DISABLE) -Nobody needs this, turn it off unless you know what it is.

Secondary Logon (DISABLE) -There is no use for this really..

Security Accounts Manager (DISABLE) -This is like Protected Storage, it's a security risk and needs to be turned off.

Server (DISABLE) -If you share files, internet, or printers across a network, leave this alone. Otherwise disable it.

Shell Hardware Detection (Automatic) -Used for the auto play of devices like memory cards, etc. Some laptops need this, for their docking station.. This also disable Autoplay tab for CD/DVD tabs. After I disabled it every time I put a disc into the drive a folder view opened up. There was no Autoplay tab to make adjustments to. Re enabled the service and poof the options back.

Smart Card (DISABLE) -If you do not have a "Smart Card," or you do not know what a Smart Card is, you do not need this service running.

Smart Card Helper (DISABLE) -Read above

SSDP Discovery Service (DISABLE) -DISABLE IT! Even Microsoft says it's a security risk!

System Event Notification (DISABLE) -Used in conjunction with COM+ Event System, this service notifies particular services when system events, such as logon and power events occurs.

System Restore Service (DISABLE/Automatic) -Choice is your's. I have had mine enabled.. but it's disabled now. If you use it, then leave it alone. (Remember we made a backup earlier with System Restore, so keep this enabled for now!)

Task Scheduler (DISABLE) -Disable this, it uses resources.. If you have some Anti-virus software like Norton, it may depend on this service to run auto virus scans, every week or something.. So the choice is yours.

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service (DISABLE) -Legacy support for NetBios over TCP/IP. If your network does not use NetBios, disable this function. (This is a security risk, disable it)

Telephony (DISABLE/Automatic) -If you dialup to the Internet like with 56k, ect.. Leave this alone. However if you got Cable, DSL with router, LAN connection disable it. A guy named Craig, emailed me and told me that if your dsl is PPPoE, then you need to turn this service on. However, if your DSL goes thru your router, like myself, you can disable this service.

Telnet (DISABLE) -Allows remote login to the local computer via the telnet function. DISABLE this! Security risk!

Terminal Services (Automatic) -Allows remote login to the local computer. This service is Required for Fast User Switching, Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance. Since I have Fast User Switching on, I had to enable it.

Themes (Automatic) -Used to display all those pretty new XP themes and colors on your desktop. If you don't like the pretty stuff, disable this. I have a nice theme I downloaded, so I enabled this.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (DISABLE) -If you don't know what it is, disable it! I never hook my UPS up to my box :/

Universal Plug and Play Device Host (DISABLE) -Used in conjunction with SSDP Discovery Service, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. Disable it for security reasons!

Upload Manager (Manual) -If your using the Windows XP builtin firewall or you are using Internet Connection Sharing, you should turn this service to manual. If you are not using either of these, you can DISABLE this service.

Volume Shadow Copy (DISABLE) -Used in conjunction with the MS Software Shadow Copy Provider Service. MS Backup also uses these services.

WebClient (DISABLE) -No need for it, disable it.

Windows Audio (Automatic) -If you like your audio on you computer leave this alone. Hey, if you don't like audio, turn it off and save some ram

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) (Automatic) -Used for some scanners and cameras. My camera requires this service :/ If, after Disabling this service, your scanner or camera fails to function properly, enable this service.

Windows Installer (Automatic) -This service is required for software applications that install using MSI files. Set this to Manual.

Windows Management Instrumentation (Automatic) -Remote Procedure Call (RPC) requires this to be enabled!

Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension (Automatic) -Same as above.

Windows Time (DISABLE) -Automatically sets your clock by contacting a server on the internet. Hey, if something contacts someone behind my back, I want know part of it! Disable it!

Wireless Zero Configuration (DISABLE) -Automatic configuration for wireless network devices. If you do not have any wireless network devices in use, Disable this service. If your not sure, then you probably don't need this service.

WMI Performance Adapter (DISABLE) -I have not found a use for this service. It's safe to turn it off.

Workstation (Automatic) -Just leave this alone, it's almost a critical service!"

End quoted material


I hope this helps some guys with their connection /frame rate issues.
I can't take credit or the blame for this info so use it carefully.
I did not follow every tip on this list, but I did tailor this info to my specific network and system configuration.
Know what you are doing before you do it and everything should be fine.

rgds
fled