:idea::idea: Speed Up Start Menu Search When a users enters text in the search box on the start panel Windows automatically searches the file index as well. The file index includes all of the searchable files on your hard drive and can be quite large. One way to speed up searching through your start menu applications is to narrow the scope of the search so that it does not include hard drive files. Prevent Start Menu Searches from searching the File index: 1. Open Registry Editor (regedit). 2. Navigate through HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software, Microsoft, Windows, CurrentVersion, Explorer and finally Advanced. 3. Find and right click on Start_SearchFiles and select Modify. 4. Set the Value to 0. Restart the Explorer.exe process or just reboot your computer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Enhance SATA disk performance Do you have a SATA disk drive in your computer? If so, you can squeeze a little more performance out of your hard disk. This speeds up the performance of your hard disk by enhancing write caching. However, if your computer is not connected to a battery backup and you loose power you have a increased risk for data loss or corruption. If you have a laptop your chances are data loss or corruption are dramatically less since your laptop battery will kick on if your power source is lost. Let's get started: 1.Click on the Start Button and key in Device Manager and hit Enter. 2.Expand Disk Drives. 3.Right click on your hard drive and select Properties. 4.On the Policies tab, check Enable advanced performance. 5.Hit OK and close Device Manager. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speed up wireless WAN connections In Windows Vista the networking components were designed to be much more intelligent and automatically adjust the network settings to optimize the connection speed. This is a great new feature. Your network components basically tweak themselves for optimal performance. In most situations, these components automatically adjust perfectly for best performance. However, with wireless WAN cards the detection of network conditions is flawed and can result in slower network performance. To fix this problem, Microsoft has released a hotfix for users affected by this issue. If you have a Wireless WAN device, I suggest you give this hotfix a try. KB 940646 details: This problem occurs because of the way that TCP receive window auto tuning is used in Windows Vista for connections that only receive data. Windows Vista obtains a round-trip time (RTT) estimate at the time of connection setup and every time that a new segment of data that is transmitted. A connection that only receives data is limited to the single RTT sample that is obtained at the time of connection setup. Because the connection only receives data, the connection cannot "converge" to the actual RTT of the connection. For example, because the RTT data may fluctuate for various reasons, a "converge" operation is performed to estimate a meaningful RTT by using blending current and previous RTT data. However, if the connection cannot converge to the actual RTT of the connection, the bandwidth delay product (BDP) estimate that Vista obtains is also incorrect. Therefore, the connection's receive window is limited, and throughput of the connected transmission network is reduced. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tweak Indexing Options for More Performance The indexing service in Windows Vista is responsible for making those search boxes all over the operating system lightening fast. By default Windows automatically indexes all files in your user profile folders, start menu and any files you have setup for offline access. If you have a lot of files in these locations and the files change often you can be putting a heavy load on the indexing service. For maximum performance when using Windows Vista I recommend disabling indexing for all other locations other than the Start Menu. This will lessen the background work that Windows Vista has to do. It will also slow down your searches of other locations but that is the price you must pay for this performance benefit. Follow these steps to tweak the indexing locations: 1.Click on the Start Button and key in Indexing Options and hit Enter. Indexing Options will now load. 2.Hit the Modify button. 3.Next, click on Show all locations. 4.Scroll through the tree-view and uncheck any folders you do not want to be indexed. When you are finished, click OK. 5.If you want to change advanced indexing settings such as what file types are indexed click on the Advanced button. Otherwise hit Close. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bypass open with lookup web service When opening up a file in windows that does not already have a registered file association you are prompted if you would like to specify what file to use to open the file or if you would like to use a web service. The web service is a great idea for the average computer user but for advanced users, you likely already know what you want to open the file with. With the help of a registry change you can disable the web service lookup and bypass that screen entirely. Instead you will be taken directly to the list of applications on your computer you can open the file with. [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] NoInternetOpenWith Create a DWORD called NoInternetOpenWith and set it to 1. The next time you use Open With on a file you will be taken directly to the application list. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quick aero speed tip The transparent glass in Windows Vista computer can look very nice. However, on some computers that have underpowered video adapters will see a performance hit when running the transparent glass effect. One way to speed up Windows Vista and still get the benefits of aero, such as flip 3D and taskbar thumbnails, is to disable glass transparency. 1.Click on the desktop and select Personalize. 2.Select Windows Color and Appearance. 3.Uncheck Enable Transparency. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Speed up Start Menu Search (New Method) The search box on the new Start Menu in Windows Vista can be very useful for everyday tasks. This search box is very powerful because not only does it search the start menu and control panel, but it also searches your pictures, documents and even your e-mails. The scope of the search is very wide and you can see some performance benefits if you narrow it down to just searching the start menu and control panel. Follow these steps to optimize your start menu search: 1.Right click on the start button and select Properties. 2.Click on the Customize button. 3.Remove the check from Search Communications. 4.Set Search Files to Don't search for files. 5.Click OK. 6.Click OK once more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Start applications on specific CPU and priority There is a great little utility that has been around for ages in Windows called the start command. This dos command allows you to start any process with advanced settings. In Windows Vista it is perfect if you want to start an application and tell windows to only run it on one CPU and at a high priority level. For example, let's say that you want to start Microsoft Paint and have it run on your second CPU core at Above Normal priority. The command below will accomplish this: start /affinity 2 /abovenormal mspaint.exe You can customize the command above and replace the 2 with the processor number (in hex) that you want the processor to run on. You can also adjust the priority level by using one of the flags below: /Low /Normal /High /Realtime /Abovenormal /Belownormal ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disable Welcome Center As soon as you install Windows Vista you are bombarded by the Welcome Center that is designed to help beginner Windows users easily configure their new computer. This new welcome screen is a nice feature the first time you start using Windows vista but quickly becomes annoying. Disabling the Welcome Center is very easy to do and can speed up your boot as well. 1. Start Regedit. 2. Navigate through HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software, Microsoft, Windows, CurrentVersion, Run. 3. Right click on the WindowsWelcomeCenter key and select Delete. The next time you restart the Welcome Center will be gone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speed up external hard drives Windows Vista operates external hard drives that are connected with USB differently than internal drives. Write caching is disabled so that you can safely remove the drive at almost any time. This is a great feature for USB thumb drives that are frequently inserted and removed from your computer. But if you have a large hard drive that is in an external enclosure that you never disconnect from your computer, write caching is also disabled which can decrease performance. This tweak is going to show you how to increase the performance of your external hard drives by turning write caching back on as well as activating advanced performance. Let’s get started: 1.Click on the start button, then right click on Computer and select Manage. 2.Click on Device Manager on the side menu. 3.Expand Disk drives and locate your external drive from the list. 4.Right click on the drive and select Properties. 5.On the Policies tab, select Optimize for performance. 6.Next, check Enable write caching on the disk and Enable advanced performance as shown below. 7.Hit OK and reboot. Enjoy the increased performance! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speed up web browsing with OpenDNS When you type in a domain name such as wingeek.com in your browser the computer must resolve the friendly name into an IP address of the server to download the web page and supporting files. Windows uses a DNS (domain name system) server to lookup this information. By default, Windows uses your ISP’s DNS server. Depending on your provider, the performance of their DNS resolving server varies. Some large national providers are known to provide unreliable and slow DNS servers. The performance of the DNS server you are using is one component that affects the speed of your internet browsing. Since each domain name you type in must be resolved into an IP address, the amount of time that takes will delay the loading of any web page. Some users with overloaded ISP DNS servers can see delays in multiple seconds before web pages start to load. OpenDNS provides free alternative DNS servers that anyone can use with any internet provider. Unlike many national internet providers, OpenDNS’s DNS servers are very fast and reliable. Using OpenDNS servers instead of your ISP servers will help you speed up your internet browsing by cutting down on the delay between resolving a domain name and getting the IP address so your browser can start loading the web page. Configuring your computer to use OpenDNS servers instead of your ISP’s is a simple change that works in both Windows XP and Windows Vista: 1.Click on the Start Button and type in ncpa.cpl and hit Enter. In Windows XP Click on the Start Button, click Run and then type in ncpa.cpl 2.Right click on your active network connection that you use to connect to the Internet and select Properties. 3.On the Networking / General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (version 4 on Windows Vista) and hit Properties. 4.On the properties screen, select Use the following DNS server addresses and then type in 208.67.222.222 in the preferred and 208.67.220.220 in the alternate boxes. 5.Hit OK twice and you are finished. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stop auto-start applications on startup There are two ways to stop applications that start when you startup your computer at login. You can use the System Configuration Utility or the new Software Explorer in Windows Defender. Take a look at the two sections to get control over your startup applications and speed up your computer: Disabling auto-start applications with the System Configuration Utility 1.Click on the Start Button and key in msconfig and hit Enter. 2.Click on the Startup tab. 3.Remove the check next to any items that you do not want to startup and click OK. Disabling auto-start applications with Windows Defender 1.Click on the Start Button and type in Windows Defender and hit Enter. 2.Click on the Tools from the top menu bar. 3.Click on Software Explorer. 4.Hit Show for All Users. 5.Select an application and then click either Remove or Disable. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Viper's Top 9 tweaks for a faster (and less annoying) Vista PC The following is what I do directly after a clean install of Windows Vista . This does not mean that everything I do will work for you. Keeping that in mind, ensure you are fully aware of the risks of tweaking your system before doing so. Several of my performance tweaks "reduce" the default functionality of Windows and removes some built in security features. If security is a top priority for you or you are a new user to Vista, refrain from disabling any functionality noted as a security feature. Point to note: Ensure that you are logged in as an "Administrator" or have Administrator rights before performing any of these steps. Even though I do these steps directly after a clean install, all of them be done at any time. Quick Links: Number One: User Account Control Number Two: System Restore and Indexing Features Number Three: Windows Sidebar Number Four: Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Number Five: Vista Aero (Themes) Number Six: Updated Drivers Number Seven: Lighten System Tray Number Eight: Add/Remove Programs Number Nine: Services -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number One: User Account Control User Account Control or UAC is a new feature in Vista that asks for permission to do system software tasks and also run programs. Unfortunately, this security feature is also annoying. I cannot predict the future of your system or what kind of security vulnerabilities will be used to attack systems, and as such, you need to decide for yourself if you desire to keep UAC active, but if you wish to disable it, here is how I do it: With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System and Maintenance Select Administrative Tools Select the System Configuration button Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Select the Tools Tab Select "Disable UAC" Select the Launch button Select the Ok button to close the panel You will have to reboot for the setting to take effect. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Two: System Restore and Indexing Features If you are experiencing "random" slowdowns and "high" CPU usage for no reason, these two features are the most likely cause of the problem. These features are also a major cause of "missing" disk space. System Restore could be taking up to 15% of your hard drive space, just on it's own. On a 200GB hard drive, that is 30GB! System Restore Service creates system snap shots or "restore points" for returning to at a later time. Every time you install a program or new driver, plus on a schedule, this service creates a restore point to roll back to if a problem occurs. This is the first thing that I get rid of on a clean installation. If you use this and enjoy it, good for you. I never will. I feel it is faster and less hassle to just install clean. If you do not use System Restore Service, I highly recommend you back up your important files using, for example, a CD/DVD burner or an external USB 2.0 hard drive. A rather good (and possibly the only) reason to use this "feature" is to roll back your OS after installing an unknown program or testing software. For example: BETA software of any kind or before installing a Service Pack . NOTE: If you disable this service, your previous "restore points" will be deleted. If, for what ever reason, you do not want this to happen, do not disable this service. The Indexing Service, by default, searches the start menu and the user account directory (C:/Users/<account>/) to assist in faster searching. However, with the tasks that I personally do, I rarely, use the Windows Search feature. The indexing feature has improved, though, as it is much more sensitive to an active user and will reduce the resources used while a person is actively using the system. Get rid of System Restore and Indexing. Where do you find it? With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System and Maintenance Select Backup and Restore Center Select Create a restore point or change settings (on the left side) Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Select System Protection Tab (should be there already) Uncheck your hard drives listed under "Automatic restore points" Select the Turn System Restore Off button Select the Ok button to apply the settings With the Classic View: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select Backup and Restore Center Select Create a restore point or change settings (on the left side) Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Select System Protection Tab (should be there already) Uncheck your hard drives listed under "Automatic restore points" Select the Turn System Restore Off button Select the Ok button to apply the settings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can now disable the Indexing Feature: With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System and Maintenance Select Indexing Options Select the Modify button Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Select the Show all locations button Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Double click "Users" in the "Summary of selected locations" Uncheck Users directory Double click "Start Menu " in the "Summary of selected locations" Uncheck Start Menu directory Select the Ok button to close the panel With the Classic Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System and Maintenance Select Indexing Options Select the Modify button Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Select the Show all locations button Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Double click "Users" in the "Summary of selected locations" Uncheck Users directory Double click "Start Menu " in the "Summary of selected locations" Uncheck Start Menu directory Select the Ok button to close the panel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Three: Windows Sidebar The new Windows Vista Sidebar uses between 12MB and 20MB of RAM with the default 3 Gadgets and no news headline feed. Desire to disable the Sidebar? Several ways exist, but here are two of them: Locate the Windows Sidebar icon in the System Tray (lower right, near the clock display) Show hidden icons if it is not displayed Right click the icon to bring up the context menu Select Properties Uncheck Start Sidebar when Windows starts Select the Ok button to apply the settings You can disable the Sidebar also by: Right click on an unused area of the Sidebar (between Gadgets or at the bottom) to bring up the context menu Select Properties Uncheck Start Sidebar when Windows starts Select the Ok button to apply the settings If you wish to close the Sidebar now: Locate the Windows Sidebar icon in the System Tray (lower right, near the clock display) Show hidden icons if it is not displayed Right click the icon to bring up the context menu Select Exit or: Right click on an unused area of the Sidebar (between Gadgets or at the bottom) to bring up the context menu Select Exit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Four: Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Remove Remote Assistance and ensure Remote Desktop is disabled. Take Note: Remote Desktop is not available on Vista Home or Vista Home Premium, so the option will not be there. Where do you find it? With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System and Maintenance Select System Select Remote settings (on the left side) Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Uncheck "Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer " option Ensure "Don't allow connections to this computer" option is checked Select the Ok button to apply the settings With the Classic Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System Select Remote settings (on the left side) Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Uncheck "Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer " option Ensure "Don't allow connections to this computer" option is checked Select the Ok button to apply the settings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Five: Vista Aero (Themes) Reduce the overhead associated with Windows Vista's new Themes. As a side note, the new Aero is a big reason to upgrade to Vista and I really enjoy the new look. However, if you are using an older system that does not meet the recommended requirements to run the new Aero Glass engine, disable the themes to make it look like Windows 2000/XP (with it's new theme disabled) and save the memory. With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select Appearance and Personalization Select Personalization Select Theme From the drop down box, select "Windows Classic" Select the Ok button With the Classic Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select Personalization Select Theme From the drop down box, select "Windows Classic" Select the Ok button -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fine tune visual performance options: With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System and Maintenance Select Performance Information and Tools Select Adjust visual effects (on the left side) Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Select "Adjust for best performance." Select the Ok button With the Classic Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System Select Advanced system settings (on the left side) Select Advanced Tab Under Performance, select the Settings button Select Visual Effects Tab Select "Adjust for best performance." Select the Ok button -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After that, Disable and Stop the Themes service. With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select All Programs Select Administrative Tools Select Services Select "Themes" service (Double Click) Select General Tab In the Startup type: select "Disabled" In the Service status area: select "Stop" Select the Ok button to close the panel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Six: Updated Drivers Download and install all updated drivers from the hardware manufacture sites. I cannot tell you what site you need to go to for your system components as I have no idea what is installed in your system, but do your computer a favor and get updated drivers for everything. Contact your PC builder or each manufacture for each item installed in your system. As with every Windows release in the past, updated drivers fix bugs and also usually increase performance from the default OS drivers installed. Usually, after the installation of each driver, you must reboot. If the driver installation program does not ask you to reboot, I still recommend to do so. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Seven: Lighten System Tray After updating all my drivers, I remove any excess icons (all of them, basically) from the system tray (lower right) and check the services (Number Nine) to ensure nothing else was installed (like NVIDIA's "driver helper." Contrary to popular belief, those little "quick access" icons take up a lot of room and increase boot time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Eight: Add/Remove Programs Uninstall Windows Vista features that are unused: With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select Programs Select Programs and Features Select Turn Windows features on or off (on the left side) Select the Continue button (if UAC is active) Check or Uncheck needed/unneeded Windows features Select the Ok button -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number Nine: Services Adjust for any additional unneeded services. Windows Vista Services. With the default Category Control Panel: Head to Start Select Control Panel Select System and Maintenance Select Administrative Tools Select Services Select a service to adjust by double-clicking In the General tab, Startup type section, select Automatic (Delayed Start), Automatic, Manual or Disabled. If you like, you can also do: Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> Run --> type in services.msc --> Select OK. After configuring all services that you desire to change, reboot to see the effects of your tweaking. Note: Do not use msconfig to stop services. It basically is "disabling" a service. Use the above procedure and set to "manual" instead for testing purposes. If you have not already, reboot now. If you have rebooted, do it again. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Windows Vista has several new services and features that we do not all need. I have gone through the list of services that are running in Windows Vista and compiled a list of services that you can safely disable. Before I get started, it is necessary to understand how to disable services in Windows Vista. Similar to other version of Windows, you will be using the Services MMC. Follow the steps below to get started with the Services applet. 1.Click the Start Button, key in services.msc and hit Enter. 2.To stop and disable a service, just right click on a service and select Properties. 3.Then, in the properties box change the Startup type to Disabled and hit OK. The next time that you restart your computer the service will no longer be able to start. Now that you know the basics of disabling a service, I can begin going over the services that I have found that can be disabled to increase your system performance. Below is a list of services that can be disabled. Some provide value added features, so if you use a feature associated with the service consider if it is really worth the slight performance gain compared to the usefulness of the feature. Apple Mobile Device - Provides the interface to Apple mobile devices. If you don’t have any apple hardware but use iTunes, then disable this service. Diagnostic Policy Service - The Diagnostic Policy Service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, diagnostics will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Diagnostic System Host - The Diagnostic System Host service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, some diagnostics will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Base Filtering Engine - The Base Filtering Engine (BFE) is a service that manages firewall and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) policies and implements user mode filtering. Stopping or disabling the BFE service will significantly reduce the security of the system. It will also result in unpredictable behavior in IPsec management and firewall applications. Certificate Propagation - Propagates certificates from smart cards. Computer Browser - Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Desktop Window Manager Session Manager - Provides Desktop Window Manager startup and maintenance services. Disabling this will kill aero glass. Function Discovery Provider Host - Host process for Function Discovery providers. Detects devices such as Windows Media Center Extenders on your local network. Function Discovery Resource Publication - Publishes this computer and resources attached to this computer so they can be discovered over the network. If this service is stopped, network resources will no longer be published and they will not be discovered by other computers on the network. Group Policy Client - The service is responsible for applying settings configured by administrators for the computer and users through the Group Policy component. If the service is stopped or disabled, the settings will not be applied and applications and components will not be manageable through Group Policy. Any components or applications that depend on the Group Policy component might not be functional if the service is stopped or disabled. IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules - The IKEEXT service hosts the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and Authenticated Internet Protocol (AuthIP) keying modules. These keying modules are used for authentication and key exchange in Internet Protocol security (IPsec). Stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service will disable IKE and AuthIP key exchange with peer computers. IPsec is typically configured to use IKE or AuthIP; therefore, stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service might result in an IPsec failure and might compromise the security of the system. It is strongly recommended that you have the IKEEXT service running. IP Helper - Provides automatic IPv6 connectivity over an IPv4 network. If this service is stopped, the machine will only have IPv6 connectivity if it is connected to a native IPv6 network. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vista Service Guide: Part 2 As I mentioned in Vista Service Guide Part 1, Windows Vista has several new services and features that we do not all need. I have gone through the list of services that are running in Windows Vista and compiled a list of services that you can safely disable. Before I get started, it is necessary to understand how to disable services in Windows Vista. Similar to other version of Windows, you will be using the Services MMC. Follow the steps below to get started with the Services applet. 1.Click the Start Button, key in services.msc and hit Enter. 2.To stop and disable a service, just right click on a service and select Properties. 3.Then, in the properties box change the Startup type to Disabled and hit OK. The next time that you restart your computer the service will no longer be able to start. Now that you know the basics of disabling a service, I can begin going over the services that I have found that can be disabled to increase your system performance. Below is a list of services that can be disabled. Some provide value added features, so if you use a feature associated with the service consider if it is really worth the slight performance gain compared to the usefulness of the feature. iPod Service - iPod hardware management services. IPsec Policy Agent - Internet Protocol security (IPsec) supports network-level peer authentication, data origin authentication, data integrity, data confidentiality (encryption), and replay protection. This service enforces IPsec policies created through the IP Security Policies snap-in or the command-line tool "netsh ipsec". If you stop this service, you may experience network connectivity issues if your policy requires that connections use IPsec. Also,remote management of Windows Firewall is not available when this service is stopped. Messenger Sharing Folders USN Journal Reader service - Service installed by Messenger to enable sharing scenarios. Network Location Awareness - Collects and stores configuration information for the network and notifies programs when this information is modified. If this service is stopped, configuration information might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. NMIndexingService – A component of the Nero CD/DVD burning software that is not needed for burning. Offline Files - The Offline Files service performs maintenance activities on the Offline Files cache, responds to user logon and logoff events, implements the internals of the public API, and dispatches interesting events to those interested in Offline Files activities and changes in cache state. ReadyBoost - Provides support for improving system performance using ReadyBoost. If you do not use ReadyBoost, disable this. Tablet PC Input Service - Enables Tablet PC pen and ink functionality. Telephony - Provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that are also running the service. Terminal Services – Allows users to connect interactively to a remote computer. Remote Desktop and Terminal Server depend on this service. To prevent remote use of this computer, clear the checkboxes on the Remote tab of the System properties control panel item. Terminal Services Configuration - Terminal Services Configuration service (TSCS) is responsible for all Terminal Services and Remote Desktop related configuration and session maintenance activities that require SYSTEM context. These include per-session temporary folders, TS themes, and TS certificates. Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector - Allows the redirection of Printers/Drives/Ports for RDP connections You have now finished part 2 of my service guide for Microsoft Windows Vista! If you have not already done so, take a look at Part 1 of the service guide. You have now finished part 2 of my service guide for Microsoft Windows Vista! If you have not already done so, take a look at Part 1 of the service guide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vista Service Guide: Part 3 As I mentioned in Vista Service Guide Part 1 and 2, Windows Vista has several new services and features that we do not all need. I have gone through the list of services that are running in Windows Vista and compiled a list of services that you can safely disable. Before I get started, it is necessary to understand how to disable services in Windows Vista. Similar to other version of Windows, you will be using the Services MMC. Follow the steps below to get started with the Services applet. 1.Click the Start Button, key in services.msc and hit Enter. 2.To stop and disable a service, just right click on a service and select Properties. 3.Then, in the properties box change the Startup type to Disabled and hit OK. The next time that you restart your computer the service will no longer be able to start. Now that you know the basics of disabling a service, I can begin going over the services that I have found that can be disabled to increase your system performance. Below is a list of services that can be disabled. Some provide value added features, so if you use a feature associated with the service consider if it is really worth the slight performance gain compared to the usefulness of the feature. Themes - Provides user experience theme management. UPnP Device Host - Allows UPnP devices to be hosted on this computer. If this service is stopped, any hosted UPnP devices will stop functioning and no additional hosted devices can be added. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. WebClient - Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. If this service is stopped, these functions will not be available. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Windows Audio – Manages audio for Windows-based programs. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start Windows Audio Endpoint Builder - Manages audio devices for the Windows Audio service. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Windows Defender - Scan your computer for unwanted software, schedule scans, and get the latest unwanted software definitions. Windows Error Reporting Service - Allows errors to be reported when programs stop working or responding and allows existing solutions to be delivered. Also allows logs to be generated for diagnostic and repair services. If this service is stopped, error reporting might not work correctly and results of diagnostic services and repairs might not be displayed. This service has always been a favorite for power users to disable. I'm not going to lie, it will give you a slight performance gain if you disable it since less overhead = more resources for your apps. However, Windows Vista is in Beta! Why wouldn't you want Microsoft to hear about the problems you are having. Don't you want them to be aware of issues you are having? Windows Firewall - Windows Firewall helps protect your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras. Windows Management Instrumentation - Provides a common interface and object model to access management information about operating system, devices, applications and services. If this service is stopped, most Windows-based software will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. This service is used a lot in the enterprise environment in scripting events on computers. In the home area, there is no use for it and can be disabled. If in the future you ever have any problems with installing programs, try re-enabling this service again since some, not all, tend to use it. Windows Search - Provides content indexing and property caching for file, email and other content (via extensibility APIs). The service responds to file and email notifications to index modified content. If the service is stopped or disabled, the Explorer will not be able to display virtual folder views of items, and search in the Explorer will fall back to item-by-item slow search. Windows Time - Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. If this service is stopped, date and time synchronization will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. Windows Update - Enables the detection, download, and installation of updates for Windows and other programs. If this service is disabled, users of this computer will not be able to use Windows Update or its automatic updating feature, and programs will not be able to use the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API. While many disable this service, I think you are crazy if you do these days. :idea::idea: