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Thread: Administrative Tools - Services

  1. #1
    Member carenath's Avatar
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    Administrative Tools - Services

    I have searched through this site and not found anything (maybe I'm not searching under the right keywords) that could tell me what services I could do without. I am currently using WinXP, service pack 2 on an Intel Celeron 2.2 system. My couurent list of services are listed below. Is their anyone who could comprehensively tell me what services I need to disable and why? I've tried a "hit and miss" approach and several times had to re-install Win XP. In the intrest of trying to keep this msg brief, I've not doublespaced anything in hte msg. But the text file included IS double spaced for easier reading.
    Name Status Startup Type Log On As

    Alerter Disabled Local Service
    Application Layer Gateway Service Manual Local System
    Automatic Updates Started Automatic Local System
    Background Intelligent Transfer Service Manual Local System
    ClipBook Disabled Local System
    COM+ Event System Started Manual Local System
    COM+ System Application Manual Local System
    Computer Browser Started Automatic Local System
    Cryptographic Services Started Automatic Local System
    DCOM Server Process Launcher Started Automatic Local System
    HCP Client Started Automatic Local System
    Distributed Link Tracking Client Started Automatic Local System
    Distributed Transaction Coordinator Manual Network Service
    DNS Client Started Automatic Network Service
    EarthLink Monitor Service Started Automatic Local System
    Error Reporting Service Started Automatic Local System
    Event Log Started Automatic Local System
    Fast User Switching Compatibility Started Manual Local System
    Help and Support Started Automatic Local System
    HTTP SSL Manual Local System
    Human Interface Device Access Disabled Local System
    IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service Manual Local System
    Indexing Service Manual Local System
    IPSEC Services Started Automatic Local System
    Logical Disk Manager Manual Local System
    Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service Manual Local System
    Messenger Disabled Local System
    MS Software Shadow Copy Provider Manual Local System
    Net Logon Manual Local System
    NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing Manual Local System
    Network Connections Started Manual Local System
    Network DDE Disabled Local System
    Network DDE DSDM Disabled Local System
    Network Location Awareness (NLA) Started Manual Local System
    Network Provisioning Service Manual Local System
    Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service Started Automatic Local System
    Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Started Automatic Local System
    Norton Protection Center Service Started Manual Local System
    Norton UnErase Protection Started Automatic Local System
    NT LM Security Support Provider Manual Local System
    Performance Logs and Alerts Manual Network Service
    Plug and Play Started Automatic Local System
    Portable Media Serial Number Service Manual Local System
    Print Spooler Started Automatic Local System
    Protected Storage Started Automatic Local System
    QoS RSVP Manual Local System
    Remote Access Auto Connection Manager Manual Local System
    Remote Access Connection Manager Started Manual Local System
    Remote Desktop Help Session Manager Manual Local System
    Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Started Automatic Network Service
    Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator Manual Network Service
    Removable Storage Manual Local System
    Routing and Remote Access Disabled Local System
    Secondary Logon Started Automatic Local System
    Security Accounts Manager Started Automatic Local System
    Security Center Started Automatic Local System
    Server Started Automatic Local System
    Shell Hardware Detection Started Automatic Local System
    Smart Card Manual Local Service
    SPBBCSvc (Symantec) Started Automatic Local System
    Speed Disk service Started Automatic Local System
    SSDP Discovery Service Started Manual Local Service
    Symantec AVScan Manual Local System
    Symantec Core LC Started Automatic Local System
    Symantec Event Manager Started Automatic Local System
    Symantec Network Drivers Service Started Automatic Local System
    Symantec Settings Manager Started Automatic Local System
    System Event Notification Started Automatic Local System
    System Restore Service Started Automatic Local System
    Task Scheduler Started Automatic Local System
    TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Started Automatic Local Service
    Telephony Started Manual Local System
    Terminal Services Started Manual Local System
    Themes Started Automatic Local System
    Uninterruptible Power Supply Manual Local Service
    Universal Plug and Play Device Host Manual Local Service
    Volume Shadow Copy Manual Local System
    WebClient Started Automatic Local Service
    Windows Audio Started Automatic Local System
    Windows Firewall/(ICS) Started Automatic Local System
    Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Manual Local System
    Windows Installer Manual Local System
    Windows Management Instrumentation Started Automatic Local System
    Windows Time Started Automatic Local System
    Wireless Zero Configuration Started Automatic Local System
    WMI Performance Adapter Manual Local System
    Workstation Started Automatic Local System


    My apologies for the ragged formatting of the list, but I did my best. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    [gloworange] Windows XP = Windows Xtra Problems[/gloworange]

  2. #2
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    Hey Hey,

    Here's my general rule of thumb.... It's a 3 point Rule

    Point 1 - If you know you don't need it... disable it.
    Point 2 - If you know you need it... enable it.
    Point 3 - If you don't know if you need it... leave it alone.

    However some nice people have put some sites together to assist you with disabling services.... Use these guides at your own risk.

    It seems that BlackViper.com (the past leader in service configs) no longer exists... but the page has been mirrored @ http://www.codecavalier.com/blackvip...servicecfg.htm

    You can also check out a slightly modified version of the original BlackViper.com list @ http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP%20Services.htm

    The Elder Geek also has a good list @ http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

    Basically you should leave it alone if you don't know if you need the service or not... or google each service on it's own and see if you require it based on the description...

    Examples: I don't have wireless so I Know I can disable Wireless Zero Configuration... I also know I don't use ICS or the Firewall so I disable that service... However I use Audio on my desktop but not in my VMs so in my VMs I'd also disable Windows Audio...

    As I stated previously you should go and learn what they do yourself... hit and miss is a bad idea and relying on others to tell you what your system needs is a bad idea.. For Example... from personal experience I'd tell you to disable all the Norton services... but I'd also tell you to uninstall it and go with something that's less of a resource hog... I might also tell you norton should be disabled because I'm a dick... You can't trust me because you really don't know me...

    Besides... we're not here to help you configure every service on your PC... google a little and learn... it's the only real way to accomplish anything..

    Peace,
    HT

    PS... Moved to Operating Systems because I don't think this is specific enough to be Microsoft Security...

  3. #3
    Member carenath's Avatar
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    Administrative Tools - Services

    Originally posted here by HTRegz
    Hey Hey,

    Here's my general rule of thumb.... It's a 3 point Rule

    Point 1 - If you know you don't need it... disable it.
    Point 2 - If you know you need it... enable it.
    Point 3 - If you don't know if you need it... leave it alone.


    I've tried that and have apparently been slowing my system down quite a bit, not to mention different application/security problems.

    However some nice people have put some sites together to assist you with disabling services.... Use these guides at your own risk.

    It seems that BlackViper.com (the past leader in service configs) no longer exists... but the page has been mirrored @ http://www.codecavalier.com/blackvip...servicecfg.htm

    You can also check out a slightly modified version of the original BlackViper.com list @ http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP%20Services.htm

    The Elder Geek also has a good list @ http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm
    The above was basically what I've been looking for. Thank you for the links


    As I stated previously you should go and learn what they do yourself... hit and miss is a bad idea and relying on others to tell you what your system needs is a bad idea.. For Example... from personal experience I'd tell you to disable all the Norton services... but I'd also tell you to uninstall it and go with something that's less of a resource hog... I might also tell you norton should be disabled because I'm a dick... You can't trust me because you really don't know me...
    Yes, you could, but since I've had some good experience with Norton products I'd probably ignore that one , and yes you COULD be a dick, too, but I checked your profile before replying so I seriously doubt that would be the case.


    Besides... we're not here to help you configure every service on your PC... google a little and learn... it's the only real way to accomplish anything..

    True, but a point in the right direction, even when I ask the wrong - or should I say wrong kind? - of question helps too. For example, I really was unaware I could google every service to find out what it does or is. Now I know... thank you. Sometimes I may ask a rather open-ended question, not to take up other's time, but to get just such information as you gave to me here. Besides, I am sure that there are - or will be - others who may need these answers as well. If not now then in the future. They now have a means of searching here and finding this thread to get the same info I have received without having to ask inappropriate or "dumb" questions. I think that is worth the risk of getting negged (should I do so) in order to help others later.

    Peace,
    HT

    PS... Moved to Operating Systems because I don't think this is specific enough to be Microsoft Security...

    Thanks for moving this, but I kind of felt inappropriate or non-essential services might have been considered a security issue and so posted where I did. Thanks for putting it in the correct forum.

    Peace and God Bless

    Carenath
    [gloworange] Windows XP = Windows Xtra Problems[/gloworange]

  4. #4
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    Hey Hey,

    Nice reponses for the most part. Except for the norton part... I'd highly suggest ditching it and going with AVG Free... personal opinion but I don't know many people that like Norton (unless they have high end machines... or have used software like eTrust in the past)... If you want to pay for your AV software than I'd suggest looking towards Trend Micro.... Norton is a known resource hog and could be part of the reason your system is slowing down.

    As for moving it... you're right that disabling services can be at times a security related task... I just felt that because you were asking in general about all of them and not specifically onces that would help to further secure your system... in other words it seemed more like a resource conservation type question... I figured it'd be best suited here

    Good Luck with your config.


    Peace,
    HT

  5. #5
    Member carenath's Avatar
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    Norton Products

    Originally posted here by HTRegz
    Hey Hey,

    Nice reponses for the most part. Except for the norton part... I'd highly suggest ditching it and going with AVG Free... personal opinion but I don't know many people that like Norton (unless they have high end machines... or have used software like eTrust in the past)... If you want to pay for your AV software than I'd suggest looking towards Trend Micro.... Norton is a known resource hog and could be part of the reason your system is slowing down.


    Actually I just purchased Norton SystemWorks yesterday and installed it today. I've not noticed much of a slow-down with it - yet...

    But seriously, I've used Symantec products in the past such as NAV for DOS or Windows, Norton Utilities (back when it was for DOS 5.0), Norton Commander, SystemWorks, etc... and never really had much of a problem with them. About the only one I ever DID have a problem with was the Anti-Virus for SystemWorks 2002 and 2003. But that really was minor compared to the difficulties I had without it on the system.

    As for moving it... you're right that disabling services can be at times a security related task... I just felt that because you were asking in general about all of them and not specifically onces that would help to further secure your system... in other words it seemed more like a resource conservation type question... I figured it'd be best suited here

    Good Luck with your config.


    Peace,
    HT

    I guess I should have been clearer in my post about what it was I was trying to do - specifically to remove the security risks involved in having too many - or the wrong - services active.

    Thanks and God Bless

    Carenath
    [gloworange] Windows XP = Windows Xtra Problems[/gloworange]

  6. #6
    Senior Member nihil's Avatar
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    Hi Carenath I have to support HTRegz regarding Norton. McAfee is pretty much the same. You really need a modern, powerful machine for them to run smoothly. You also need to keep them up to date as both have been known to issue updates that produced performance issues that needed subsequent patching.

    Another little "trick" you might like to consider is to update all your AV and anti-malware applications. Then reboot into safe mode and defragment your hard drive. This will pull all the pattern/signature files together, and make the applications run faster, smoother and more stable.

    You should do this on a regular basis.


  7. #7
    Member carenath's Avatar
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    Norton Products

    Originally posted here by nihil
    Hi Carenath I have to support HTRegz regarding Norton. McAfee is pretty much the same. You really need a modern, powerful machine for them to run smoothly. You also need to keep them up to date as both have been known to issue updates that produced performance issues that needed subsequent patching.


    Well, I used to use McAfee until they screwed it up when porting to windows from DOS. During my DOS days, McAfee, Norton AV, F-Prot and (now defunct) Thunderbyte Anti-Virus were the best AV tools available. I used a collection of approximately 80,000 someodd viruses to check different AV products on the - then - market and found that between those four, they found every one. I guess I am partial to NAV simply because of my past experience with them, but I havn't found anything else that does as well and does it for free. While I don't necessarily like spending the money for the subscriptions, I'd prefer going with something I know than something I don't. Most of the "free" AV products are limited in some way anyways.

    Another little "trick" you might like to consider is to update all your AV and anti-malware applications. Then reboot into safe mode and defragment your hard drive. This will pull all the pattern/signature files together, and make the applications run faster, smoother and more stable.

    You should do this on a regular basis.

    As far as updating, I do THAT on a VERY regular basis. My current list of AV and Anti-malware is Spybot S&D, Spyware Guard, Avast, as well as Spyware Guard and MS Anti-Spyware Beta. Other software I use to try and keep my system clean and "neat" are Tuneup Utils 2006, Mindsoft Utils XP9, Index DAT Spy as well as a few others. I am always in the market for "new and improved" software to keep my system safe and malware free. As far as defraging, I admit I probably do not do that as often as I should, but I sometimes tend to be lazy in that respect.

    Regards and God Bless!

    Carenath
    [gloworange] Windows XP = Windows Xtra Problems[/gloworange]

  8. #8
    Senior Member nihil's Avatar
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    Hi Carenath

    I have just installed the beta of "SpyDefense" from Everest Labs..............I have used Everest for hardware analysis for a while now, and they seem reputable. Too soon for an opinion on this product though.

    I have a 5.25" floppy with Norton AV 1.0 on it It claims to detect all 760 known viruses (seven hundred and sixty! )

    Times have changed a bit since then?

    Cheers,

    Johnno

  9. #9
    Member carenath's Avatar
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    Originally posted here by nihil
    Hi Carenath

    I have just installed the beta of "SpyDefense" from Everest Labs..............I have used Everest for hardware analysis for a while now, and they seem reputable. Too soon for an opinion on this product though.

    I have a 5.25" floppy with Norton AV 1.0 on it It claims to detect all 760 known viruses (seven hundred and sixty! )

    Times have changed a bit since then?

    Cheers,

    Johnno
    Hmmm... I'll check it out and let you know what I think. Maybe it will be something to add to my "stable" of apps.

    Norton version 1.0???? Man, you really are dating yourself, you know? I threw my copy out after they stopped making 5.25 drives As for the 760 viruses, if you group all of hte variants of a virus as just one virus, then really there are only about maybe 4000 viruses out there now.

    Blessings;

    Carenath
    [gloworange] Windows XP = Windows Xtra Problems[/gloworange]

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