I will attempt to write this guide with easy instructions for the novice user.  If there is something in error or something you are unable to understand, please send me an email, which you can find on the last page.

 

 

 

 

THE BASICS

 

 

The first thing you need to do is configure the programs that load on startup.  Your computer may take a long time to boot because it is loading many programs, and you will notice many icons down on the taskbar to the right by your clock.  (Figure 1)

Figure 1

 

Usually, when you install a program, it will load on startup.  Why does it do this?  Basically, if you want to use a program, it will already be loaded into memory so it will load up fast.  However, do you really need to have Quicktime loaded when you have no intention of using the program?  This is taking memory which can be slowing your computer down since you only have so much memory to go around. 

Usually, a program will have an option that you can set to prevent it from loading at startup.  Also look at your “startup” folder under the START button.  Start/all programs/startup.  This folder should be empty.  You can safely delete any shortcut in this folder by right clicking, then delete.  You are only deleting the shortcut, not the program.  Alternatively, if you do want a program to start when your computer boots up, you can drag and create a shortcut into this folder.  Just right click on the programs icon and hold the mouse button down while navigating to the folder.  Then once you let go of the mouse button select create shortcut on the menu. 

The best way of preventing programs from loading on bootup is to use the MSCONFIG utility.  Start/run then type “msconfig” (no quotes).  If you receive an error saying Windows cannot find msconfig, or the DOS box appears then disappears quickly, don’t worry, this is a normal occurrence on some machines, especially after an upgrade.   Usually when you receive this error msconfig has moved to the

C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386

folder.  It should normally be located in the

C:\WINDOWS\system32

folder.  I would suggest right click copy and then right click paste it back into the system32 folder.  Then Start/run “msconfig” will work.  You should be using msconfig a lot so you can either use the run command or make a short cut onto your desktop.  Do this by right clicking on msconfig and while holding the mouse button down, drop it onto the desktop.  Then select “copy here”, or “create shortcut”.

MSCONFIG

Msconfig is a very handy tool.  You only need to be concerned with the startup tab.  Make sure you select Selective Startup and all the ticked boxes such as Figure 2.

 

Figure 2

 

Next, select the Startup tab

Most likely you will have every box checked.  What you have to do now is figure out what you want to uncheck.  The list of what you can have is huge and I am not going to get into it because someone else has already done it.  You can do an internet search for the startup item as there are many webpages devoted to the msconfig utility.  Here is one which I think is very good.

http://www.greatis.com/appdata/index.html

For comparison, I have 49 startup items, and only 3 are checked.  See Figure 3.

 

Figure 3

 

Each box checked will load the program upon boot.  If you are unsure then I would suggest doing them one at a time and rebooting to see what effect it has.  The best way however is to check with the link I provided.

You should now notice your computer booting faster and a performance increase.  I would check msconfig at the very least once a week.

SERVICES

When your computer boots it loads what are called services.  This also slows your boot time.  Many of the services are required, but many are not.  Services are accessed by Start/run and typing “services.msc” or through the Start/Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services (Figure 4)

 

Figure 4

 

With the Extended tab selected (default), clicking on a service will give a brief explanation of what it does.  Below is a list of the usual services you will encounter, (you will probably have some not listed for which you can either leave on default or search them out yourself online) and my suggestions on whether you should set it to Disable, Manual, or Automatic.  If you right click on a service, then select Properties, you can change the option with the pull down menu at the Startup Type.  I would suggest doing only a few at a time and then reboot to see if you have any problems.  If you have any doubts about a service, leave it alone.     

Alerter

Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts
Default is Manual

Suggested is default or set to Disabled.


Application Layer Gateway Service

Provides support for 3rd party protocol plug-ins for Internet Connection Sharing and the Windows Firewall.
Default is Manual

If you use the built in firewall set it to automatic, otherwise leave it on default.

 

Application Management
Provides software installation services such as Assign, Publish, and Remove.
Default is Manual

Suggested is leave on Manual

Automatic Updates

Enables the download and installation of Windows updates
Default is Automatic

Recommended is Disabled.  I prefer to do all of my updating myself and not have Microsoft do it for me.  If you use windows update and you receive and error and you are not able to update then turn this back on.

Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Transfers files in the background using idle network bandwidth
Default is Manual

Suggested is to leave on default


ClipBook
Enables ClipBook Viewer to store information and share it with remote computers

Default is Manual

Suggested is Disable unless you use Clipbook

COM+ Event System
Supports System Event Notification Service (SENS), which provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing Component Object Model (COM) components

Default is Manual

Suggested is default or Automatic

COM+ System Application
Manages the configuration and tracking of Component Object Model (COM)  based components
Default is Manual

Suggested is default

Computer Browser
Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual

 

Creative Service for CDROM Access
This is only for Creative soundcards and software.  If you use Disk Detector do not change it.  Default is Automatic

Suggested, if you use Creative leave it, otherwise Manual.


Cryptographic Services
Provides three management services: Catalog Database Service, which confirms the signatures of Windows files; Protected Root Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root Certification Authority certificates from this computer; and Key Service, which helps enroll this computer for certificates
Default is Automatic

Suggested is leave on default

 DHCP Client
Manages network configuration by registering and updating IP addresses and DNS names

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


Distributed Link Tracking Client
Maintains links between NTFS files within a computer or across computers in a network domain
Default is Automatic

Suggested is manual only if you use FAT32 and are not on a network domain, otherwise leave on default.

Distributed Transaction Coordinator
Coordinates transactions that span multiple resource managers, such as databases, message queues, and file systems

Default is Manual

Suggested is leave on default

DNS Client
Resolves and caches Domain Name System (DNS) names for this computer
Default is Automatic
Suggested is Manual, unless you use a DNS server, check your Network Connection properties.  If unsure leave on default.


Error Reporting Service
Allows error reporting for services and applictions running in non-standard environments

Default is Automatic.

Suggested is Disable, unless you want Bill Gates seeing what errors you have. Before disabling it, go to Control panel/system/Advanced Tab/Error Reporting button/ and click disable error reporting.


Event Log
Enables event log messages issued by Windows-based programs and components to be viewed in Event Viewer

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default

Fast User Switching Compatibility
Provides management for applications that require assistance in a multiple user environment

Default is Manual

Suggested is disabled unless there are other accounts.  Before disabling go to Control Panel/User Accounts/Change the Way Users Log On or Off, and uncheck Use Fast User Switching.

 

Help and Support
Enables Help and Support Center to run on this computer

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual

Human Interface Device Access
Enables generic input access to Human Interface Devices (HID), which activates and maintains the use of predefined hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls, and other multimedia devices

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default, unless your multimedia device uses it’s own drivers then set to disable.  If unsure leave on default.


IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
Manages CD recording using Image Mastering Applications Programming Interface (IMAPI)

Used for Windows pre-installed CD-RW burning

Default is Manual or Automatic.

Suggested is Manual or Disabled if you do not use windows burning software.


Indexing Service
Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language

Default is Manual

Suggested is Disable.  I also suggest deleting the catalogues windows has created already.  Go to Start/Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Computer Management/Expand Services and Applications/Indexing Service/System/Directories Folder, and delete each listed folder on the right hand side.

Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Provides network address translation, addressing, name resolution and/or intrusion prevention services for a home or SO network.
Default is Manual (Home) or Automatic (Pro)

Suggested is default

 

IPSEC Services
Manages IP security policy and starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE) and the IP security driver
Default is Automatic

Suggested is default. 


Logical Disk Manager
Detects and monitors new hard disk drives and sends disk volume information to Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service for configuration

Default is Manual (Home) or Automatic (Pro)

Suggested is default


Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service
Configures hard disk drives and volumes. The service only runs for configuration processes and then stops
Default is Manual

Suggested is default

 

McAfee Firewall
Only if you use McAfee Firewall

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Automatic if you are on a dedicated internet line, or Manual if you are using dial up.  Just make sure to disable the auto startup in the firewall settings and start the program each time you go online.


McShield
McAfee Scanner.

Only if you use McAfee Virus Scan. 

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual unless you have virus scan running all the time, then automatic.  See the chapter on virus’ and spyware.

Messenger

Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. This service is not related to Windows Messenger
Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual

MS Software Shadow Copy Provider
Manages software-based volume shadow copies taken by the Volume Shadow Copy service
Default is Manual

Suggested is default


NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Enables an authorized user to access this computer remotely by using NetMeeting over a corporate intranet

Default is Manual

Suggested is Disable.  If you use NetMeeting set it to Automatic.  For extra security I would recommend disabling it and turning it on only when you use netmeeting.


Network Connections
Manages objects in the Network and Dial-Up Connections folder, in which you can view both local area network and remote connections

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Automatic.  Manual or Disable will affect your internet connection.


Network DDE
Provides network transport and security for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) for programs running on the same computer or on different computers

Default is Manual

Suggested is default

Network DDE DSDM
Manages Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) network shares

Default is Manual

Suggested is default

Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Collects and stores network configuration and location information, and notifies applications when this information changes

Default is Manual

Suggested is default unless you use windows firewall, in which case set it to automatic.

Performance Logs and Alerts

Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert

Default is Manual

Suggested is Automatic.  I suggest automatic to track system events which can be used to troubleshoot crashes.  If you are not interested in system events then set to default.

Plug and Play
Enables a computer to recognize and adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Automatic. 


Portable Media Serial Number
Retrieves the serial number of any portable media player connected to this computer

Default is Automatic

Suggested is disabled if you don’t have any portable devices, otherwise set to default if you do.


Print Spooler
Loads files to memory for later printing

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default.  If you do not use a printer, you can disable this service.


Protected Storage
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


QoS RSVP
Provides network signaling and local traffic control setup functionality for QoS-aware programs and control applets

Default Manual

Suggested is default


Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
Creates a connection to a remote network whenever a program references a remote DNS or NetBIOS name or address

Default is Manual

Suggested is default


Remote Access Connection Manager
Creates a network connection

Default is Manual

Suggested is as Remote Access Auto Connection Manager


Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Manages and controls Remote Assistance

Default is Manual

Suggested is Disable.  Before disabling, go into Control Panel/System/Remote Tab and uncheck Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop. If you allow someone such as Tech Support to control your computer, you will have to re-enable this.


Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Provides the endpoint mapper and other miscellaneous RPC services

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locater
Manages the RPC name service database

Default is Manual

Suggested is default

 

Remote Registry
Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer

Default is Manual

Suggested is Disabled


Removable Storage
Manages removable media, drives, and libraries

Default is Manual

Suggested is default


Routing and Remote Access
Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments

Default is Manual

Suggested is Disabled.  Set to Automatic only if you share a network connection or need things routed remotely


Secondary Logon
Enables starting processes under alternate credentials.

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual unless there are multiple users, in which case default

 

Security Accounts Manager
Stores security information for local user accounts.

Default is Automatic

Suggested is disabled unless you have multiple users with different security settings, then default

Server
Supports file, print, and named pipe-sharing over the network for this computer

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default

Shell Hardware Detection
Support for docking a laptop or other related external hardware

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual unless docking, then default

 

Smart Card
Manages access to smart cards read by this computer

Default is Manual

Suggested is Disable unless you use smart cards, then default


SSDP Discovery Service
Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network

Default is Manual

Suggested is default


System Event Notification
Tracks system events such as Windows logon, network, and power events.  Notifies COM+ Event System subscribers of these events.

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


System Restore Service
Performs system restore functions
Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


Task Scheduler
Enables a user to configure and schedule automated tasks on this computer
Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual


TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


Telephony
Provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP based voice connections on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that are also running the service
Default is Manual

Suggested is default


Telnet
Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients, including UNIX-based and Windows-based computers
Default is Manual

Suggested is default


Terminal Services
Allows multiple users to be connected interactively to a machine as well as the display of desktops and applications to remote computers. The underpinning of Remote Desktop (including RD for Administrators), Fast User Switching, Remote Assistance, and Terminal Server
Default is Manual

Suggested is default


Themes
Provides user experience theme management.

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default

 

Uninterruptible Power Supply
Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer
Default is Manual

Suggested is default unless you use a backup battery


Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices

Default is Manual

Suggested is default, set to same setting as SSDP Discovery Service


Upload Manager
Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network

Default is Manual

Suggested is default


Volume Shadow Copy
Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes

Default is Manual

Suggested is default

 

WebClient
Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files
Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual

Windows Audio
Manages audio devices for Windows-based programs

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras

Default is Manual

Suggested is default

Windows Installer
Adds, modifies, and removes applications provided as a Windows Installer (*.msi) package

Default is Manual

Suggested is default

 

Windows Management Instrumentation
Provides a common interface and object model to access management information about operating system, devices, applications and services

Default is Automatic

Suggested is default


Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extensions
Provides systems management information to and from drivers
Default is Manual

Suggested is default


Windows Time
Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Disabled.  Before disabling, right click on the clock, adjust date and time, Internet time tab, and uncheck Automatically synchronize with an internet time server


Wireless Zero Configuration
Provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Disable, if unsure set to Manual


WMI Performance Adapter
Provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf providers

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Manual


Workstation
Creates and maintains client network connections to the remote servers

Default is Automatic

Suggested is Automatic

 

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