Services

INFO: Services are a computer program or process that runs in the background and provides support to other programs in Vista.

NOTE: If you want to cut down the overhead and speed Vista up some, then disable the services you do not use. Services apply to all users on the computer.

WARNING: You should Export a text list of your sevices and their settings, or take screenshots of them, before you make any changes as a backup. This will be handy if you need to use it to set a Service setting back to what it was later. (Right click on Action and click Export List.)

RELATED LINKS:
1. How to Check and Change the Startup Programs in Vista

2. How to Speed Up Vista Boot Up

3. How to Speed Up the Performance of Vista

4. How to Turn Windows Features On or Off in Vista

5. How to Change the Virtual Memory Paging File in Vista


STEP ONE:
Services Guides :
NOTE: These two sites will explain each service and include different levels of recommendations for disabling or not. You just need to know what you will or will not use on your computer.

1. SpeedyVista.com - Windows Vista Services - Summary/Details Page

2. http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm
NOTE: This is the one I like the best.


STEP TWO:
Enable or Disable a Vista Service :
WARNING: Make sure you only disable the services you want disabled. Disable the wrong service and you could disable Vista completely. Read the guides above for what each service does and for their recommendations.
NOTE: To Export a text file list of all of your current Services settings right click on Action and click Export List. If you disabled the wrong service and lost access to the computer, try booting into Safe Mode to change the service back. See: How to Boot Up in and Use Advanced Boot Options in Vista

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. In the white line (Start Search) area, type services and press Enter.
3. Click Continue button for UAC prompt.
4. Right click on the service you want to disable or enable and click Properties. (See screenshot below)

Services.jpg

5. To Disable a Service : (See screenshot below)
A) Click the Stop button and wait a sec for it to stop.
B) Next to Startup type, click on the drop down menuand select Disable.
C) Click the Apply button.
NOTE: If the service will not stop and gives a error, then you will need to restart the computer to stop it after you set it to Disabled and clicked OK.

6. To Enable a Service :
A) Next to Startup type, click on the drop down menu and select Automatic or Manual and click Apply.
NOTE: See the guides above to help decide.
B) Click the Start button.
NOTE: If the Start option is grayed out and will not start, then you will need to restart the computer to start it after you set it to Automatic and clicked OK.

7. Click OK.

Properties.jpg
NOTE: You may need to restart the computer for some changes to the services to take affect.

8. Close the Services window.


That's it,
Shawn