Which "Services" are required . . . (link) (1 Viewer)

[and-81]

Yep good point, anyone can use msconfig, because it comes with Windows. But the program I recommend is "Autoruns". Roughly speaking it does pretty much everything Autoruns does, but finds more and can be run from one user account to change settings on another too. I mentioned it a few posts back. It's like msconfig on steroids. Very, very good. And if you can use MsConfig then Autoruns will not be a problem for you.

Cheers,

 

[MartinSmith]

Right you are, druffski.

And to further manipulate Windows Services, click Start / Control Panel / Administrative Services / Settings. From here you can read a brief Description, verify Status, Startup Type (i.e. automatic, manual or disable), and Log On As for each Service.

Clicking on each service opens Service Properties where, in addition to the same Description, you can modify the Startup Type, Log On, and Recovery, as well as review "This service depends on the following system components" and "The following system components depend on this service" information. While "Autoruns" is a GREAT tool, like msconfig (which launches the System Configuration Utility), you are limited to enable or disable each service. More importantly, if a Service is disabled, it may not appear or be listed. I don't know why, but some disable Services still get listed while others do not. This may just happen on my system, but, for example, if I "disable" Workstation, it does no longer appears in the System Configuration Utility.

For a thorough explanation of each Windows Service, with thanks to Aaron (once again) for his excellent effort and previous posting, go to http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr...r2003/technologies/management/svrxpser_7.mspx.

Martin

 

[MartinSmith]

System Services for the Windows Server 2003 Family and Windows XP Operating Systems
Http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr...r2003/technologies/management/svrxpser_7.mspx

The Elder Geek's Services Guide for Windows XP
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm#Services

After reviewing the above websites and, in many instances bowing to Aaron's expertise, as well as some additional experimentation with MP 0.2.3.0 RC2 and WatchHDTV, the following Windows XP SP2 Services (and settings), including .NET Framework 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 with all updates, and DirectX 9c Runtime with updates thru June 2007, appear to work well (at this time) with my ATI TV Tuner 650 running CyberLink's Video/SP Decoder (PDVD7) version 8.0.0.1828 video codec, and Alexander Vigovsky's AC3Filter (http://ac3filter.net/) version 1.46 audio codec/filter . . .

AUTOMATIC
========
> COM+ Event System
> COM+ System Application
> Cryptographic Services
> DCOM Server Process Launcher
> DHCP Client
> Distributed Link Tracking Client - since this service ensures that shortcuts and OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) links continue to work after the target file is renamed or moved, I prefer this setting.
> Event Log
> HTTP SSL - because my PC is not a dedicated HTPC, I prefer this setting because it establishes a secure communications channel to prevent the interception of critical information, such as credit card numbers.
> Logical Disk Manager
> Network Connections
> Plug and Play
> Print Spooler - since I have a printer connected to my computer
> Protected Storage - similar to HTTP SSL, I prefer this setting because it provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services processes or users, and the storage location provided by this service is secure and protected from modification.
> Remote Access Connection Manager
> Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
> Security Accounts Manager - appears to be many services tied to this service, including > Distributed Transaction Coordinator and SMTP (not a service) - however, I am on the fence and considering disabling it.
> Server
> Shell Hardware Detection
> System Event Notification
> System Restore Service - since I use this service regulary, and keep Restore Points to a minimum.
> Task Scheduler
> Telephony
> Windows Audio - mandatory for my system setup.
> Windows Management Instrumentation

DISABLED
=======
> Alerter
> Application Layer Gateway Service
> Automatic Updates
> Background Intelligent Transfer Service
> Clipbook
> Computer Browser
> Distributed Transaction Coordinator - at this time, I find no value for this service with MediaPortal.
> Error Reporting Service
> Fast User Switching Compatibility
> Human Interface Device Access - my KB and mouse are USB, and neither appears to be effected negatively if this is diabled.
> IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - not required with Nero software.
> Indexing Service
> Messenger
> MS Software Shadow Copy Provider - again, not required with Nero software and I do not trust Microsoft Backup.
> Net Logon
> Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service - none of the sources listed above address this service, so, once again, I prefer to err on the "safe" side and set this service to manual.
> NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
> Network DDE
> Network DDE DSDM
> Portable Media Serial Number Service
> QoS RSVP
> Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
> Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - my System Configuration Utility categorizes this service as "Essential" (with my non-TVServer system running on Windows XP SP2) and its ATI TV Tuner 650, MediaPortal and WatchHDTV work better.
> Routing and Remote Access
> Secondary Logon
> Smart Card - no smart cards here, I prefer using a USB port to transfer photos from a digital camera.
> SSDP Discovery Service
> TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
> Terminal Services
> Themes
> Uninterruptible Power Supply
> Universal Plug and Play Device Host
> Volume Shadow Copy - once again, not required with Nero software and I do not trust Microsoft Backup.
> WebClient
> Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) - I prefer a non-Windows Firewall.
> Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
> Windows Time - I prefer using a non-Windows program, Atomic Clock Sync, in the manual mode.
> Wireless Zero Configuration
> Workstation - after reading Microsoft's article, since my PC is stand alone, I find no other value or reason (at this time) to set this service to automatic or manual.

MANUAL
======
> .NET Runtime Optimization Service V2.0.5.0727_X86 - when set to automatic, it eventually resets itself to manual.
> Application Management
> ASP.NET State Service
> DNS Client - another service where I find myself on the fence because I understand its value, but rarely notice the enhanced performance. In fact, websites load faster with it set to disable or manual.
> Help and Support - on occaaaron I still used this Windows feature.
> IPSEC Services - another service that has me on the fence. When it is set to automatic, I find an IPSec error listed in my Event Log and have not found a fix or workaround that resolves it. Similar to HID Access (noted above), given it intrinsic security value(s), I prefer to err on the "safe" side, it remains set to manual.
> Logical Disk Manager Administration Service
> Network Location Awareness (NLA) - whenever I start MediaPortal MyTV or run WatchHDTV, this service engages and that is why I have it set to manual, Windows' XP SP2 default setting. Otherwise, I find no real value for it.
> Network Provisioning Service - says it manages XML configuration files on a domain basis for automatic network provisioning, and while I am not using MediaPortal's XMLTV option, I prefer this setting at this time.
> NT LM Security Support Provider
> Performance Logs and Alerts
> Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
> Removable Storage
> Security Center
> Windows CardSpace
> Windows Installer
> Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0
> Windows User Mode Driver Framework
> WMI Performance Adapter

Of course, like twice today, tomorrow may change a Service setting or two.

Cheers,

Martin

 

[druffski]

Thanks for the detailed list, MartinSmith. I've got a couple of additional points:

DHCP Client set to Automatic: If you use static IP addresses behind a networked router, then you should be able to set this service to manual. However if you let the router assign IP addresses (as mine is set up to do) then needs to be enabled. EDITDisable at own risk - may cause an issue with DNS resolution though I've not seen this happen yet. If so, just enable the process again.

Task Scheduler set to Automatic: I'm unsure if MediaPortal uses this service when scheduling tv recordings. You can also see what tasks you have scheduled by going to Control Panel / Scheduled Tasks. If nothing in there, you can also set this to manual.

 

[MartinSmith]

Hi druffski, and thanks again for contributing to my thread and for sharing your perspectives on Windows Services.

Since updating my previous post, I have made some changes that have improved the stability of 0.2.3.0 RC2 on my MediaPortal Client system running with Windows XP SP2. Most obvious are those services that were once set to automatic that are now returned to manual, their MS default setting.

Interestingly, one such setting was DHCP - now set to manual. Thanks for the tip too, Druffski.

I also share your perspective on Task Scheduler with respect to MP, but since its value goes beyond MP, I prefer to leave it set it to the MS default, automatic.

My revised (current) settings include . . .

AUTOMATIC
========
Cryptographic Services
DCOM Server Process Launcher
Distributed Link Tracking Client - since this service ensures that shortcuts and OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) links continue to work after the target file is renamed or moved - therefore, I strongly prefer this setting.
Event Log
Logical Disk Manager
Plug and Play
Print Spooler
Protected Storage - this setting provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services processes or users, and the storage location provided by this service is secure and protected from modification.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
Security Accounts Manager
Server
Shell Hardware Detection
System Event Notification
System Restore Service
Task Scheduler
Windows Audio
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Windows Management Instrumentation

DISABLED
=======
Alerter
Application Layer Gateway Service
Automatic Updates
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Clipbook
Computer Browser
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - not required with Nero software.
Indexing Service
IPSEC Services - another service that has me on the fence. When it is set to automatic, I find an IPSec error listed in my Event Log and am yet to find a fix or workaround to resolved it. Similar to Human Interface Device Access (noted above), I prefer the manual setting, but am leaving it set to disabled for now.
Messenger
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider - since I prefer Nero, and I do not trust Microsoft Backup.
Net Logon
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
Performance Logs and Alerts
Portable Media Serial Number Service
QoS RSVP
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Routing and Remote Access
Secondary Logon
Security Center
Smart Card - not using smart cards and prefer to use a USB port to transfer photos from a digital camera.
SSDP Discovery Service
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Themes
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Volume Shadow Copy - not required with Nero, and I do not trust Microsoft Backup.
WebClient
Windows Time - prefer a non-Windows program, Atomic Clock Sync, run manually.
Wireless Zero Configuration
Workstation - according to Microsoft's article, this service may be disabled for stand alone PCs and I find no value enabling this service for MediaPortal Client. Does anyone???

MANUAL
======
.NET Runtime Optimization Service V2.0.5.0727_X86 - set to automatic, and resets to manual.
Application Management
ASP.NET State Service
COM+ Event System - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
COM+ System Application - set to MS default, manual.
DHCP Client
Distributed Transaction Coordinator
DNS Client - another service that finds me on the fence because, while I understand the value of this service when set to automatic, I do not find that overall performance is improved. In fact, while surfing, websites load faster with it set to disable or manual.
Help and Support
HTTP SSL - because my PC is not a dedicated HTPC, I prefer this setting because it establishes a secure communications channel to prevent the interception of critical information, such as credit card numbers.
Human Interface Device Access - my KB and mouse are USB, and neither appears to be effected negatively if this is diabled, but I prefer to play it "safe" and oppose the MS default.
Logical Disk Manager Administration Service
Network Connections - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
Network Location Awareness (NLA) - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
Network Provisioning Service - manages XML configuration files on a domain basis for automatic network provisioning, and while I do not use MediaPortal's XMLTV option, this setting appears to be appropriate at this time.
NT LM Security Support Provider - connect faster with this disabled (no surprise there).
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
Remote Access Connection Manager - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - my System Configuration Utility categorizes this service as "Essential" (with my non-TVServer) MediaPortal Client system running on Windows XP SP2) and its ATI TV Tuner 650, MediaPortal and WatchHDTV work better - and MS default is manual.
Removable Storage
Telephony - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
Terminal Services - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - MS default is disabled, yet starts when called upon.
Windows Installer
Windows User Mode Driver Framework
WMI Performance Adapter

Of course, as I continue testing settings and learning from fellow MediaPortal members like you and Aaron, tomorrow may bring another Service change or two.

Cheers,

Martin

 

[armyofme]

Hi there,

Just to add my bit to this discussion: I've been running my htpc for quite a while now on a very low service list. The only services I have running are:
DCOM Server
Plug and Play
RPC
Server
Windows Audio

The only two other services I have running are particular to my system (ZoneAlarm and VNC).

I have had no problems and use the machine mainly for mediaportal but do use it for downloading too. I don't have DHCP service running as my IP is static. I also don't have Windows time running and surprisingly my pc keeps good time. However my tv signal is not perfect . Do you think having such a skeletal service list is affecting my tv signal?

 

[and-81]

I can't see why services would effect tv signal... unless there is a lot of hard disk thrashing which could make your tv stutter.

 

[clintebb]

Im one to always disable as many services as possible.. just thought id add one now while im thinking of it. Terminal services is required for ultravnc. im making a server for tv and general filesharing. just a power cable and network cable going to it.. and as i found out the hard way, disabling terminal services means ultravnc doesnt accept incoming connections. so i restarted the computer and couldnt connect via vnc.. my mediaportal client still worked tho

also found workstation is needed for me, and probably most others with a tv server. after disabling workstation my client pc couldnt find the server when typing into the run box \\tv\ or \\192.168.1.20\ my tv client is also set up to not use rtsp so with workstation disabled the client wouldnt be able to reach any of the recordings on the server.

 

[armyofme]

My above post was way back in Nov 07 and indeed I did then run that few services up until about a month ago when I realised it was about time I upgraded to a TV server. I found that quite a few more services were required. In fact upgrading was a bit of a nightmare because I couldn't work out which services were required to get it up and working so I had enable them all

In all the time I had such a limited services list I used VNC and never needed terminal services however I used RealVNC for the server and UltraVNC for the viewer. My aim now is to work back to a limited service list.

Interesting what you have to say about workstation Clintebb, what other services are enabled on your system? I'm trying to set up ForTheRecord too and I wonder what impact this will have on service requirements!

 

[clintebb]

Ok firstly ill describe my system so you know what ive got and what services are related. i went and bought a cheap motherboard/cpu/ram, spent AU$203 on those 3 parts, 2GB ram, motherboard with 3PCI slots, 3Pciex slots, 1 Pciex16 slot, its a celeron E1200 CPU 1.6GHZ, stock cpu HSF, for testing i set the fan to 0% in speedfan, with automatic speed control, cpu temp desired at 55 degrees, the fan would be off for 15 mins, turn on for 30 seconds then off for 15 mins again and the stock heatsink is tiny on this cpu! only stands 10-15mm high. i read people can overclock these more than 100%, so geting more than 3.3GHZ with stock HSF and oid believe them haha... anyways... the system is primarily for file storage, has 2TG of hard drives. 1x 500gb for TV, 1x 500gb for music/videos, and 1x1TB for computer backups, general data/and all my photography, which ill need to add another 1TB for photography soon haha.... other main job is Mediaportal TV server. i also will be setting up a web file server to access all my files from over the net, and also for easy sharing of files betwen myself and friends that im working with on photography.. check it out.. Optical Note > Home haha. also has the mediaportal web interface for easy scheduling and checking of recordings both from home or anywhere in the world. i'd also like to set up streaming over the net at some stage too..

when i was in denmark for 4 weeks, over christmas and new years last year it was great. i was running vista media centre, but mediaportal should be able to do it too.. some nights i would catch up on aussie tv, streaming it from my computer in australia over the net to denmark through the free unlimited wireless internet at the place we were staying. and for new years, early in the afternoon denmark time we watched the sydney fireworks live, my computer was receiving the live broadcast and streaming it live to us in denmark. pretty cool and at home ive only for 1500kb/s download/256kb/s upload. so all that streaming done over 256kb/s upload speed, which is the max.. we are on the edge of adsl internet, we are too far from the telephone exchance so out speeds are considerably less again..

ive also set up a pure mediaportal client. did that few months back, after im finished with the server ill get the mediaportal client out of the cupboard and get it back on the tv, and ill post the services list from that i think i has less enabled.

i also plan on running the mediaportal client pc from a cf card, theres only less than 1GB space used on the hard drive. and on my server pc there is 2GB space used on the hard drive. i havent gone thru and deleted unnecessary things from the server yet tho

so he list so far:
still work in progress, but i think i cant change many of the automatic services, only one could be terminal services if i change to realvnc. ive got a few comments in there. if anyone can answer any of my questions i have in there feel free, or else i will just continue disabling things and see what happens..

MEDIA PORTAL SERVER / FILE SERVER / WEB SERVER:
AUTOMATIC
========
DCOM Server Process Launcher what does this do? "provides launch functionality for DCOMM services." what are dcom services? ill try disabling it.
Event Log - windows requires it.. but why? aparently cant be stopped but will try.
Logical Disk Manager - im tempted to remove this one
MediaPortal Web Interface - obviously needed
Plug and Play - also tempted to remove this one. its a server.. nothing is going to be changing on it.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) aparently this one must be enabled. but looking at services that depend on it.. ive disabled all of them haha i may give this a shot at disabling it.
Server - required for file sharing
SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) - can any of these 3 be removed?
SQL Server Browser - can any of these 3 be removed?
SQL Server VSS Writer - can any of these 3 be removed?
System Event Notification - what does this do? the description mentions power events.. i need that fr standby/resume but ill try disabling it and see what happens.
Task Scheduler - i might make my own program or something to run the guide everyday and disable task scheduler.
Terminal Services - required for Ultravnc server. i will remore ultravnc and terminal services and replace realvnc.
TVService - kinda obvious
uvnc_service - ultravnc, will be removed when i remove ultravnc..
Windows Management Instrumentation - aparently this must be enabled. it says most windows base software will not function.. well im not using many programs, just mediaportal, web interface, ultravnc. whats the chances of one of those 3 being affected? haha ill find out..
Workstation - required for filesharing. when disabled i could not connect to the computer by start>run \\tv\ or \\192.168.1.20\

DISABLED
=======
Alerter
Application Layer Gateway Service
Automatic Updates
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Clipbook
Computer Browser
Cryptographic Services
DHCP Client
Distributed Link Tracking Client
DNS Client
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Help and Support
HID Input Service
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - not required with Nero software.
Indexing Service
IPSEC Services
Messenger
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider
Net Logon
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Network Provisioning Service
Performance Logs and Alerts
Portable Media Serial Number Service
Print Spooler
Protected Storage
QoS RSVP
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
Remote Access Connection Manager
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Remote Registry
Removable Storage
Routing and Remote Access
Secondary Logon
Security Accounts Manager
Security Center
Shell Hardware Detection
Smart Card
SQL Server Active Directory Helper
SSDP Discovery Service
System Restore Service
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Telephony
Telnet
Themes
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Volume Shadow Copy
WebClient
Windows Audio - my compiter has nothing but a power cable and network cable
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
Windows Time
Wired AutoConfig
Wireless Zero Configuration
WMI Performance Adapter


MANUAL
======
.NET Runtime Optimization Service V2.0.5.0727_X86
Application Management
ASP.NET State Service
COM+ Event System - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
COM+ System Application - set to MS default, manual.
Distributed Transaction Coordinator
HTTP SSL
Logical Disk Manager Administration Service
Network Connections - set to MS default, manual, but starts anyway.
NT LM Security Support Provider
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator
Windows Installer
Windows User Mode Driver Framework