Introduction: TWEAKING YOUR COMPUTER

One * (asterisk) indicates changes from the default

Two ** (asterisks) indicates you can add or remove this service by:

**Head to Start

**Select Control Panel

**Select Programs

**Select Programs and Features

**Select Turn Windows Features on or off

Three *** (asterisks) indicates they are installed with Windows Live Essentials

Notes:

Do not use �msconfig� to disable services, type �services.msc� in the Run box.

WLAN Autoconfig service is required for normal operation of your wireless

network card. It is listed here as Manual due to most desktops not needing
wireless access, but if you do have a wireless network card installed, it will be
in Automatic by default.

Still unsure? Put your setting to �Manual� or the listing under �Safe.� Manual
allows Windows 7 to start the service when it needs to, but not at boot up.

Depending on your configuration, not all services will start when required
while in �Manual� mode. If you find you need a service, place it in
Automatic.

After adjusting your service settings, reboot your computer.

Table Header Information:

DEFAULT ~ What MS thinks should be running on Windows 7.

SAFE CONFIGURATION ~ This is the configuration that 95% of the people will be
able to use with little or no side effects. It will also minimizes the amount
of �errors� that is reported in the Event Viewer.
19 service settings have been changed from the default annotated by an (*)
asterisk.

TWEAKED ~ This is the configuration that I have developed to reduce the �Safe�
services started, but maintain system security.
57 service settings have been changed from the default annotated by an (*)
asterisk.
This configuration is a system that is still able to perform many LAN
networking functions, such as file and print sharing, HomeGroup access and uses
wireless networking (laptop) plus leaves several security related �features� like
the Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Windows Update active.
This configuration is not for a Windows Media Center PC. In this case, use
�Safe�.

BAREBONES ~ WARNING!! ~ This configuration disables many built in features of

Windows 7 as well as several security features.
85 service settings have been changed from the default annotated by an (*)
asterisk.
This configuration is not for a system that is directly connected to the
internet as Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Windows Update are disabled!
This configuration is not for a laptop system as wireless networking (as well
as Defender and Firewall) are disabled and will not be able to counter attacks
while roaming on some random wireless connection outside of the home.
This configuration is not for a system that internal network attacks are an
issue. For example: Multiple PC�s with multiple family members and
inexperienced users. For this situation, I highly recommend �Safe� to ensure
network security and Windows Update compatibility.
This is not for a system that provides networked resources, such as printers,
Media Center, and WMP library to other LAN connected computers.
Use this configuration at your own risk. It is only provided here as a
reference for me to adjust my system setting. If you tweak your Windows 7 OS,
use �Safe� unless you read and understand what you are doing.

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.

�Not Started� ~ A service set into Automatic that is not running by default at
or shortly after boot time.

�Not Available� ~ A service that does not apply to the particular version.

�Uninstalled� ~ The ability to uninstall a service that I recommend to be

removed by using Add/Remove Windows Features.

Service Default Registry Entries:

 These entries are exported directly from the registry of a default Windows 7
installation.

They are in the .reg file format (many entries are in hex notation), not as you
would actually view the content via regedit.exe.

The particular location extracted is under:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\