Vista Tutorial - Services

**Brink** · **STEP ONE:**

How to Disable or Enable Vista Services

Information

This will show you how to enable or disable a Service in Vista with the help of an advice guide. The guides have different levels of recommendations. 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 of what is running in the background and speed Vista up some, then only disable the services you do not use. If you disable a service that you need or use, then it could actually lower your computer's performance. The Services apply to all users on the computer.

Configuration Information:

Automatic - With a service in this state, it will start at boot time. Some services, when no longer required, will also automatically stop when not needed. If you find you do not need a service, place it into Manual or Disabled.
Automatic (Delayed Start) - With a service in this state, it will start just after boot time. Some services, when no longer required, will also automatically stop when not needed. If you find you do not need a service, place it into Manual or Disabled.
Manual - Manual mode allows Windows to start a service when needed. However, very few services will start up when required in Manual mode. If you find you need a service, place it into Automatic.
Disabled - This setting will stop a service from starting, even if needed. Errors in the Event Viewer will show up complaining of that fact. Some services, while Disabled, will constantly complain. However, this situation is taken care of if placed in Manual. The service descriptions identifies those that should be in Manual vice Disabled.
Started - A service that either set to Manual or Automatic that is running by default at or shortly after boot time.
Stopped - A service that is not running by default at or shortly after boot time.

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. In the Services window, right click on Action and Export List.

Tip

If you would like to have a REG file created to have the changes you want made to the Services done automatically instead of changing them manually, then see: Windows Vista Ultimate 32 Bit Custom Services Registry File

RELATED LINKS:

STEP ONE:
Services Guides

NOTE

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

1. For Vista with SP1 - Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Service Configurations by Black Viper
2. For Vista without SP1 - Windows Vista Service Configurations by Black Viper

STEP TWO:
Enable or Disable a Vista Service

Tip

If you disabled the wrong service and lost access to the computer, try booting into Safe Mode to change the service back. For how, 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. If prompted, click on Continue in the UAC prompt, or provide the administrator password to approve.
4. Right click on the service you want to disable or enable and click on Properties. (See screenshot below)

5. To Disable a Service -
A) Click on the Stop button and wait a sec for it to stop. (See screenshot below)
B) Next to Startup type, click on the drop down menuand select Disable.
C) Click on 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 on OK.

D) Go to step 7.

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 on 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 on OK.

8. Close the Services window.
NOTE: You may need to restart the computer for some changes to the services to take affect.

That's it,
Shawn

ggbib · 03-12-2008

I'll try the links, thanks.

I'm beginning to think seeing a real time view of how well your box runs Shawn would just be nice,

Jerry

**Brink** · 03-12-2008

Jerry, it's usually runs pretty great. However, with all of the tinkering I do, I'm bound to mess it up good at least one time every few months. Thank goodness for a complete pc backup.

Shawn

**Hogtowner** · 07-21-2008

Thanks for this.

I have often wondered just how many of these services can be stopped without major problems. The blackviper link looks like a very intelligent point of departure.

I was surprised how many services were running that require hardware I don't even have installed -- like TV scheduling for Media Center

!!!

**Brink** · 07-22-2008

You're welcome Hogtowner. The BackViper did a great job with his guide.

Shawn

**krisdestruction** · 07-30-2008

You guys should use a registry key to do this. If you have a tutorial to show which services should be enabled/disabled, this site can create the registry file and do some coding to change the services:

Windows Vista Ultimate 32 Bit Custom Services Registry File

This way no newbie can mess up their computer.
Hope this helps Brink! BTW I like your tutorial.

**Brink** · 07-30-2008

Thank you Krisdestruction for sharing this tip. It has been added to the tutorial.

Shawn

**krisdestruction** · 07-30-2008

Glad to help.

Lightning Speed · 09-18-2008

Thanks brink I've been looking for this list long time ago, was scared to play configure these since I really don't know what are they or is it safe to close them ^^

antonyua · 12-05-2008

Hey Is There A List Of What Services can be Disabled safely ??

Thank you in advance