Windows 2000 Professional and Server Services 411
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Alerter ~ notifies users of administrative alerts. This service usually is not required under normal circumstances. Note: This is NOT “WinPopUp”.
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Application Management ~ used for Assign, Publish and Remove software services. If you cannot modify your software installation of certain applications, put this service into automatic or manual.
ClipBook ~ used to store information (cut / paste) and share it with other computers. I have never found enough need for this to allow this service to always be running. This service alone uses about 1.3MB of memory.
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COM+ Event System ~ you will receive, in the Event Log, an entry from "DCOM" complaining about not having this service running if disabled. I am unaware of any application that uses COM+, but if set to manual, many services report to it, so it will start anyway. This service is required for System Event Notification.
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Computer Browser ~ maintains a listing of computers and resources located on the network. This service is not required on a standalone system. In fact, even if you want to browse the network (workgroup or domain) or have mapped network shares as local hard drives, you can still do so. On a large network, one computer is designated the "master" browser and another one is the "backup" browser. All others just announce they are available every 12 minutes to "take over" duties if one of the other computers fail. No lag time is discernable if this service remains disabled on all but one computer. (Honestly, I do not even believe one needs to be running. You could, "just in case", but it sure does not need to be running on all computers.
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DHCP Client ~ receives a Dynamic IP address from your DHCP server and DNS updates. Required for ICS / internet client and if you run IPSEC, disable on a standalone system or one that has a static IP address. Take note: Most DSL / cable ISP’s use DHCP to provide internet access. If you disable this service and your internet no longer works, place this back into automatic
Distributed Link Tracking Client ~ maintains links with NTFS files within your computer or across a domain. For example, you make a file on "Computer A". You then create a "short cut" or "link" to that file on "Computer B". If you would move the file on Computer A to a different location, this service would tell Computer B to update its information to allow uninterrupted connectivity. Even though this is rather valuable on a large network, I have not found a use for this service. It uses about 3.5 MB to 4 MB in an idle state.
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Distributed Transaction Coordinator ~ takes care of transactions that span multiple resources. You may also see complaints in the Event Log if this service is disabled, but I have experienced no side effects. Microsoft's .NET may require this service in the future.
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DNS Client ~ resolves and caches DNS names and Active Directory domain controller functions. This service is not required for DNS lookups, but if it makes you happy to have it running, you may. This service is required if using IPSEC. If your computer connects to a network with a domain controller, you will be unable to connect to Active Directory with this service disabled.
Event Log ~ views Event Log messages from applications in Event Viewer. Always helpful to check out the Event Log to see what problems with applications are popping up that is "hidden" from the normal user. To see quickly what, if anything has resulted in your adjustments, you may consider clearing the Event Log. It is best to keep this service active.
Fax Service ~ not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD.
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FTP Publishing Service ~ not installed by default, but if you need it, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. This service provides a FTP server on your network.
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IIS Admin ~ not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. This service usually operates in conjunction with a local web site or FTP servers. Leave it uninstalled mainly because IIS has been "popular" for crackers to break.
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Indexing Service ~ ~ this service always has been a major resource hog. I NEVER recommend having this service enabled. Remove the function via the "Add / Remove Programs" icon in the control panel (Windows Setup Programs). It uses about 500 K to 2 MB in an idle state, not to mention the amount of memory and CPU resources it takes to INDEX the drives. I have had people (and witnessed it on other people's computers) report to me that the Indexing Service sometimes starts up EVEN while the system is NOT idle… as in the middle of a game. You may feel, as I do, that this is unacceptable. If your computer suddenly seems "sluggish", this service is usually the cause of it.
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Internet Connection Sharing ~ used to allow multiple computers on your network to access the internet via only one account. This service installs on the "modem" computer. If you are using a third party firewall or Internet Connection Sharing software package, this service is not required.
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IPSEC Services ~ may be required on some domains, but the "average" user will not need this.
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Logical Disk Manager ~ this service is vital to run the Disk Management MMC console for dynamic volumes. If you attempt to "Manage" your hard drives and a dialog box pops up complaining about not being able to do this, start this service.
Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service ~ this service is vital to run the Disk Management MMC console for dynamic volumes.
Messenger ~ sends messages between clients and servers. This service needs not to be running under normal "home" conditions. It is also advisable to make this service go away to avoid the possibility of "net send" messages hitting your computer from the internet. This has nothing to do with MSN Messenger, nor is it "WinPopUp".
To test for this security vulnerability, at the command prompt, (run: cmd.exe) type:
net send 127.0.0.1 hi
If you get a popup "hi" message, you should disable the Messenger service.
If you get an error stating, "The message alias could not be found on the network", you are safe.
If, for whatever reason, you need the Messenger service running but wish not to have spam popups active, you can disable the particular ports at your firewall. The Messenger service uses UDP ports 135, 137, and 138; TCP ports 135, 139, and 445.
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Net Login ~ used for logging onto a Domain Controller. This service is not required on a standalone system, or for a “home” network.
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NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing ~ enables a user to access your computer using NetMeeting. This may create a BIG open door for the unwanted. If you are paranoid about security, disable this function. Even if you were not worried, I would still get rid of it.
Network Connections ~ required for managing network connectivity. Set to disabled if you have NO network or you do not toy with the configurations a lot. If your internet connectivity no longer operates after disabling this function, set it back to Automatic! Note: While disabling this service, you will no longer see the system tray icon (lower right) displayed, even for modem connections. Connectivity, however, still exists even on incoming shared network drives.
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Network DDE ~ I have not found a good use for this service. Unless you use remote ClipBook, disable it. This uses about 1.5 MB idle.
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Network DDE DSDM ~ I have not found a good use for this service. Unless you use remote ClipBook, disable it.
NT LM Security Support Provider ~ not needed unless you are running Message Queuing or Telnet server.
Performance Logs and Alerts ~ collect performance data on a schedule and send the information to a log or trigger an alert. This may be a super geek tool, but I feel that the overhead associated with it is not worth the benefit. You decide.
Plug and Play ~ this service is the heart and soul of the Plug and Play environment. I do not recommend disabling this service, but if you want to, you are on your own. Take note: UPnP is NOT PnP. UPnP is for connectivity on networks via TCP/IP to devices, such as scanners or printers. Your sound card is PnP. Do NOT Disable Plug and Play service.
Portable Media Serial Number ~ retrieves serial numbers from portable music players connected to your computer. I have not really found a good reason to keep this service always running. I am not aware of anything that actually requires it. Disable it unless something of yours ceases to function properly, such as Windows Media Player and Microsoft's integration with "Digital Rights Management".
Print Spooler ~ queues up print jobs for later printing. This service is required if you have printers, even if they are network printers. If this does not fit your needs, disable it. You will save about 3.8 MB by making this service go away. Your printers will still be "installed" if you disable this service, but not visible in the printers folder. After restarting Print Spooler, they will reappear and be available for use.
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Protected Storage ~ allows for the saving of local passwords or even web sites information (AutoComplete). This service is set to Automatic by default. Due to security reasons, I recommend leaving this "feature" disabled to make things all that much more difficult to steal vital information if you do not "save" it. On the other hand, you may need this service to manage private keys for encryption purposes. If so, leave this service on automatic to ensure the "higher" security settings you choose work. If you disable this service, you will no longer have any of your passwords saved, no matter how many times you click the box. If you enjoy having your passwords saved in applications like Outlook or Dial up networking or you are connecting to the internet via a domain controller/server that requires authentication, set this service to Automatic.
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QoS RSVP ~ provides traffic control on a network using IPSEC and applications that support QoS, and have an adapter that supports it. The QoS Packet Driver installs by default on any TCP/IP connections. I recommend uninstalling it if it is not needed on your network. As far as I can tell, you also need an ACS Server (Provided with Windows 2000 Server and Advanced Server) for the QoS Packet Scheduler and Applications to request the needed bandwidth. Since my network is not straining under any load, this is rather pointless.
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Remote Access Auto Connection Manager ~ creates a connection to a network when a program requests a remote address. This service may be required for your internet connection. If things cease to function after disabling this service, put it to automatic. Note: you may require this service for some cable or DSL providers, depending on how they implement their logon process. If your Dial-up, cable or DSL internet access no longer functions properly with this service disabled, place this service into automatic.
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Remote Access Connection Manager ~ creates a network connection. This service is required if you use Internet Connection Sharing. If things cease to function after disabling this service, put it to automatic. Note: you may require this service for some cable or DSL providers, depending on how they implement their logon process. If your Dial-up, cable or DSL internet access no longer functions properly with this service disabled, place this service into automatic.
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Remote Procedure Call (RPC) ~ ~ this service is rather vital. Practically everything depends on this service to be running. This is also the only service that you should not (and will not) disable via the Services MMC. If you do, your computer may (will) become unbootable AND you cannot place this service back to automatic to fix it. Leave it on Automatic and do not change it. If, for whatever reason, the service became disabled and you can no longer boot your system, please read the information here for a way to fix it.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator ~ 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. About 1.2 MB of RAM is in use with this service.
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Remote Registry Service ~ this is one of those not needed services. One of the first I disable. If you are paranoid about security, disable this service. Even if you are not or do not care, disable it anyway.
Removable Storage ~ 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, (no auto play, etc) place this service into automatic. Normally, this service does not need to be running and you will not miss any of its functionality.
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RIP Listener ~ not installed by default, but if you need it, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. If you do not know what RIP is, you do not need this service installed. :)
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Routing and Remote Access ~ allows computers to dial in to the local computer through a modem (or other devices) to access the local network using a standard or VPN connection. Unless you require this functionality, disable it for security reasons.
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- NetBIOSGroup
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
RunAs Service ~ enables starting processes under alternate credentials. I have never found a reason to keep this service running. I have always considered "Alternate Credentials" someone other than me! Not my idea of fun… Really, though, it allows a "limited user" account to start an application or process with higher privileges, such as the Administrator account or another user. If you right-click a file, the menu will display "Run As" option. If you disable this service, that function will no longer be available.
Security Accounts Manager ~ like Protected Storage, it saves security information for local users. If you have ever used the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to modify your settings, you need to keep this service running; otherwise, your modifications will not apply. For "Safe" configurations, place this into automatic.
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Server ~ used for file and print sharing from your computer. For security purposes, you may disable this service if you do not require local printers and files shared across your network. Connectivity, however, still exists even on incoming shared network drives. Workstation needs to be running to connect to another computer that has the files you are looking for.
Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) ~ Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later off of the Win2k CD. Supports the use of a local (outbound) E-Mail server.
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Simple TCP/IP Services ~ not installed by default, but if you need it, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. This service supports some old school UNIX networking services.
Smart Card ~ supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication. 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. Save the 1.1 MB to 1.4 MB of RAM this service uses.
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Smart Card Helper ~ supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication. If you do not have a "Smart Card", you do not need this service running.
SNMP Service ~ not installed by default, but if you need it, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. This service supports the use of networking equipment that uses SNMP as a mode of management.
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SNMP Trap Service ~ not installed by default, but if you need it, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. As above, supports the use of networking equipment that use SNMP as a mode of management.
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System Event Notification ~ used in conjunction with COM+ Event System, this service notifies particular services when system events, such as logon and power events occur. I doubt the average user really cares about this. I have also not seen any applications that use this. You will receive, in the Event Log, an entry complaining about not having this service running if disabled. I have yet to find a side effect, though.
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Task Scheduler ~ you use this service to schedule maintenance, Microsoft Backup sessions, or maybe even Auto Update. I do everything manually, to avoid having this service running all the time. Some third party software may require this service to be active for automated functions, such as virus scanners, system maintenance tools, and automatic patch/driver lookups. If you plan to schedule tasks, ensure that Protected Storage also is running.
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TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service ~ this feature provides legacy support for NetBios over TCP/IP. If your network does not use NetBios and / or WINS, disable this function.
TCP/IP Printer Server ~ not installed by default, but if you need it, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. Used for setting up a local UNIX print server. If you do not need this function, leave it uninstalled.
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Telephony ~ controls telephony devices on the local computer. This service is required for dial-up modem connectivity. Note: you may require this service for some cable or DSL providers, depending on how they implement their logon process or some AOL functionality, depending on software used. If Dial-up, cable or DSL internet access no longer functions properly with this service disabled, place it into automatic.
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Telnet ~ it allows remote login to the local computer via the telnet function. For security reasons, disable this unless you specifically require its functionality. You will save about 2 MB of RAM by plugging this security hole.
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Uninterruptible Power Supply ~ I have not found a need for this. My UPS that connects via USB does NOT need this service to run. Some UPS connected via serial port may require this service to be running.
Windows Installer ~ this service is required for software applications that install using MSI files. If no applications that you have will install properly or you get an error that involves "RPC Service", place this service in to Automatic or Manual. Only disable this service after you have completed installation of your applications, mainly Office and such. I am not aware how many Games actually use MSI Files. In an idle state, this service uses about 3.4 MB of RAM. Put it to manual to save that amount.
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Windows Management Instrumentation ~ this service is required if you want to see the "Dependencies" tab in service configuration and you want everything to go smoothly. I do not recommend disabling this service as strange things may start to happen.
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Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension ~ this services is not as vital as Windows Management Instrumentation, but I recommend leaving this service in manual.
Windows Time ~ automatically sets your clock by contacting a server (Microsoft’s server by default) on the internet. Great idea if your network connects to the internet 24/7. The Event Log fills up with "cannot find server" messages on a non-dedicated setup, though. After successful synchronizing, this service will not attempt to do it again for 7 days, meanwhile, taking up resources. You may also need Task Scheduler running. I set my clock manually.
Workstation ~ used to connect local computer to remote computers. Examples may include Internet connectivity and local File and Print sharing. Many services depend on Workstation to be functioning. Leave it on automatic.
World Wide Web Publishing Service ~ not installed by default, but if you need it, you may install it later off the Windows 2000 CD. Used for setting up a local web server. If you do not need this function, leave it uninstalled, mainly because this service requires IIS Admin to be running and IIS has been "popular" for crackers to break.
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