Windows XP Tips: Stopping Unneeded Startup Services and Making XP boot faster

Along with the core operating system and programs that Windows XP runs when it starts, there is also a host of services involved. Many of these services are necessary for Windows XP to operate correctly. However, many of them are for features in Windows XP that you may not use at all. You can peruse the services and disable any service that you do not want to run. 

The fewer services that run, the more quickly Windows XP will boot.  

To reduce the number of services that start on bootup, you can access two different areas of Windows XP.  

A:  The first is the System Configuration Utility. You can do that by entering the command “msconfig” in the run menu.  

Start - Run - “msconfig” (without quotes)-Hit Enter 

 The Services tab shows you the services that start when the computer   boots. You can stop a service from starting by simply clearing the check   box  next to the service and clicking OK. 

B:  However, before you do so, there is another way to disable services that you may prefer because the interface gives you more information about the service in question.  

Open Control Panel - Administrative Tools -Services or 

  

Start - Run - “services.msc” - Hit Enter 

Take a quick look at common services you may want to live without:  Automatic  Updates:  This  service  enables  Windows  XP to  check  the  Web automatically  for  updates.  If  you  don't  want  to  use  Automatic  Updates,  you  can disable the service.  

Computer Browser: If your computer is not on a network, you don't need this service. If you are on a network, leave it alone.DHCP Client: If you are not on a network, you do not need this service. If you are on a small workgroup, you can still increase boot time by configuring manual IP. 

DNS  Client:  If  you  are  not  on  a  network,  you  do  not  need  this  service.  

Error Reporting and Event Log: You don't have to use these services but they can be very  helpful,  so  I  would  leave  them  configured  as  automatic.  

Fax:  If  you  don't  use  your  computer  for  fax  services,  you  can  disable  this  one.  

Help  and  Support:  Disable  if  you  never  use  the  Windows  XP  

Help  and  Support Center.  

IMAPI CD-Burning COM: This service enables you to burn CDs on your computer. If you never burn CDs, you can disable the service without any second thoughts.  

Indexing Service: Your computer keeps an index of all the files. But if you rarely search for files, the service is just a resource hog. You can stop it  Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing: If you do not use 

these features, plz disable.  

Infrared Monitor: If you do not use infrared devices, you can disable this service.  

Messenger: This service sends alert messages on a local area network (it is not the same as Windows Messenger). If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.  

Print Spooler: If you do not do any printing from the computer, you can disable this service. If you print, make sure you leave it as automatic.  

Remote Registry: This service allows remote users to modify the Registry on your computer. If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.  

System Restore Service: This service allows you to use System Restore. If you have turned off System Restore anyway, you do not need to turn off the service.  

Themes: If you do not use themes, you can disable this service.Windows Image Acquisition: If you do not use scanners or digital cameras, you can disable.Wireless Zero Configuration: If do not use wireless networking devices, you can disable.

"Windows XP Tips:  Stopping Unneeded Startup Services and Making   XP boot faster"

Reference : techpraveen.com