Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products Lists
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Top Products Lists
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
  • See All Topics
  • Sponsored
  • Newsletters
  • Forums
  • Resource Library
TechRepublic Premium
Join / Sign In
Microsoft

Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

By Ed Bott May 18, 2008, 7:25 AM PDT

Image
1
of 7

001_processes_tab_with_uac.jpg
001_processes_tab_with_uac.jpg
Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

Use Task Manager to see running processes

Use Task Manager to see running processes

By Ed Bott

The default view of Task Manager, shown here, lists only the processes running under your user account. To see processes running under service accounts, click the Show processes from all users button in the lower left corner.

For a detailed discussion of when and how to manage services, see Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

Sort by columns to see resource usage

Sort by columns to see resource usage

This listing shows a complete set of processes, including those running under service accounts, as indicated by the capitalized names in the User Name column. I’ve clicked the Memory heading to show which processes are using the most memory.

For a detailed discussion of when and how to manage services, see Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

What is that process doing?

What is that process doing?

The process highlighted in the center of this list is using 9% of all available CPU resources. But what is it? The generic process name, Svchost.exe, provides no clues at all. To see the details, right-click the entry in the list and then click Go To Service(s) from the shortcut menu.

For a detailed discussion of when and how to manage services, see Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

Many services can run in a single process

Many services can run in a single process

In this case, at least 13 processes are running under s single Svchost instance. You’ll need more advanced tools to identify which of those services is active at any given time, but it’s a good guess in this case that Superfetch is doing most of the work.rnrn

For a detailed discussion of when and how to manage services, see Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

Identify third-party services

Identify third-party services

On a properly running system, most Windows services run predictably. Third-party services are much more likely to run amok and use too much memory, CPU, or disk I/). To see a concise list of third-party services, open the System Configuration utility (Msconfig.exe), click the Services tab, and select the rncheckbox circled at the bottom of this dialog box. As a diagnostic tool, you can temporarily disable a service by clearing its checkbox here and then restarting.rn

For a detailed discussion of when and how to manage services, see Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

To manage services, use this console

To manage services, use this console

Msconfig provides a quick-and-dirty troubleshooting tool, but for long-term management, you’ll want to use the Services console (Services.msc). Click the Status heading (1) to sort all the running (Started) processes into a group. Use the command buttons (2) to start, stop, pause, or restart a service. For quick testing, use the Stop and Restart links (3) in the sidebar, where you’ll also find descriptions of the selected service.rnrn

For a detailed discussion of when and how to manage services, see Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

How to disable a service for good

How to disable a service for good

The Stop button temporarily puts a service out of commission. But it’s likely to restart the next time you start your system, unless you specifically disable it. Use the Disable choice on the Startup Type menu, shown here, to ensure that a service won’t run at all. The Manual option keeps a service turned off but allows it to start if it’s needed.rnrn

For a detailed discussion of when and how to manage services, see Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

  • Microsoft
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services

    Your email has been sent

Share: Taming and Tweaking Windows Vista Services
Image of Ed Bott
By Ed Bott
  • Account Information

    Contact Ed Bott

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Ed's content

TechRepublic Premium

  • TechRepublic Premium

    Google Chrome: Security and UI tips you need to know

    Google’s Chrome web browser held a 64.92% command of the global browser market share in April 2023. That means more users are working with Chrome in significantly more use cases: mobile, desktop and even business. Because of that, users of all types must employ Chrome with a measure of caution and intelligence. After all, most ...

    Downloads
    Published:  June 7, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  June 8, 2023, 9:12 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Ergonomics policy

    A safe and healthy work environment provides the foundation for all employees to be at their most productive. Not only does it promote productivity in the workforce, but it also helps prevent accidents, lawsuits and, in extreme cases, serious injury and loss of life. A clear and robust ergonomic policy, like this one from TechRepublic ...

    Downloads
    Published:  June 7, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  June 8, 2023, 7:58 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Enterprise IoT calculator: TCO and ROI

    Internet of Things devices serve a number of useful applications, such as environmental, asset or inventory monitoring/control, security functions, fitness devices and smartwatches. There is an array of IoT functions for both consumer and business purposes, but determining the total cost of ownership and the return on your enterprise investment in a widespread or large-scale ...

    Downloads
    Published:  June 6, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  June 7, 2023, 9:15 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Employee political activity policy

    No matter where in the world an enterprise operates, politics is going to play a major role in the lives of its employees. Depending on the country and the current political situation, it’s possible for affiliations, candidates and political parties to become a driving passion in your workforce. While an actively engaged workforce taking interest ...

    Downloads
    Published:  June 6, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  June 7, 2023, 8:42 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium

Services

  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information

Explore

  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Twitter
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on Flipboard
© 2023 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Property of TechnologyAdvice