Optimizing and Tweaking Windows XP

Every modern operating system needs to run certain processes constantly, regardless of what
other programs and operations are currently active and regardless of what the user may be
doing. These background processes may be used to detect new hardware, monitor the network
for incoming data, or a variety of other things that require the operating system to pay
constant attention to its surroundings.
In Windows XP, these background processes are called Services

What's a Service?
A Windows service is an 'always on' application that is constantly running in the background of
your system. These applications are loaded at startup with an executable file or started when
needed, and do not have a user interface or require a user to run them. They allow Windows
XP to perform functions that require constant management or access without forcing the user
to run a specific program or command.

A good example of a service is Windows XP's 'Automatic Update' service. If you've enabled
automatic updating, this service will run constantly in the background, and periodically connect
to Microsoft to look for new updates and patches. When they are found, the service will either
notify you or automatically download and install the updates, depending on how you set up
your system.

Which services are running?

To access a configurable list of services, open the Start menu and click the 'run' command.
In the text box, type: services.msc and hit ENTER. This will bring up the services management
window.

'Status' simply indicates whether a given service is actually running on your computer at the
moment. Services are either 'started' or not. 'Startup type' indicates how starting the service is
handled by Windows. There are three possible values:
Automatic: The service is started automatically as part of the Windows XP boot process.
Manual: The service can be started by another application or process that needs it, but is off
by default. Once it is started, the service will remain on until it is manually stopped or the
system is rebooted.
Disabled: The service will not start unless this condition is changed.
Finally, the 'log on as' attribute determines which user or system account the service uses to
perform its duties. This can have several implications, but is more important for those who are
designing new services. As you can see, most of the services use the 'local system account'
which provides them practically unlimited access to your computer, but does not allow them to
perform any operations over a network. Services can also be run under users accounts, which
gives them the same security permissions as that specific user would have.

Getting Information on Specific Services

To find out more information about a specific service, you can double click it to bring up its
properties window.

As you can see, there are four tabs here. The 'general' tab gives you essential information
about the service, including its actual name according to the system (this will be important
later), the 'path to executable' which shows the .EXE file that Windows uses to start the
service, its startup type and status.
The 'log on' tab allows you to change what account the service uses to perform its function.
Just like every other user and application on a Windows XP box, services need an account
(which defines what security restrictions are in place) to run.

Why do does WinXP need Services?

Services are started during the operating system boot process, and load from executable files
like other programs. The difference is that once they are started, they stay running in the
background until they are manually turned off. This way, they can perform whatever function
they need to perform without having to be manually invoked by the user.
The downside of this, of course, is that services consume system resources, notably memory.
The more services you have open, the greater the initial overhead on your system.
Potentially worse is the fact that standardized sets of services that are always present by
default (such as the base list of services loaded by Windows XP) are well known, and their
presence on the vast majority of XP systems can (and has) made certain network services
vulnerable to viruses, Trojans, spyware and exploits. The sheer complexity of Windows XP is
the main reason why Microsoft seemingly has so much trouble securing it. Service Pack 2 went
a long way towards rectifying these issues, closing down several little-used services that might
present security issues, like the Remote registry editing service.
The difference between services and processes
You've looked at the list of services running on your system by now, and you understand that
these services are applications running behind the scenes, but now for a puzzling thing… Press
CTRL+ALT+DEL to bring up the Task Manager Window and click on the 'processes' tab
Hmm, if all those services are loaded in the background, why aren't they represented on this
list? The processes tab shows every piece of software currently running within your Windows
application, so surely the services you've seen should be here too? The quick answer to this is
that they are here, just not in the form you are expecting.
The processes tab only displays the .EXE executable file for each application that is running on
your Windows XP system. Remember when we said that services are loaded with an
executable file like any other program?
The thing is, certain executable files (like SVCHOST.EXE, which should appear several times in
the process list) start up multiple services. Also, in most cases the name of the executable file
in the process list is not representative of the service(s) it starts.
We can find out more about a service that is running by going back to the 'services.msc'
window and double clicking on any 'started' service. Try the 'computer browser' service as one
example.
Look at the 'path to executable' box. Recognize that .exe file? The browser service is just one
of many services started by the 'SVCHOST.EXE' file which runs as a process when Windows
boots up.
To recap, services are applications that run in the background, while processes are
the actual operations that the computer is currently working on. One process can be
responsible for several running services, as in the case of the SVCHOST.EXE process.

What services should be running?

Now Let's run through a list of all the services that should be present by default in a Windows
XP Service Pack 2 computer. Compare your own list of services to this one to find out what
additional services (if any) are present on your system.
Please note that if you have more services than are listed here (and you will), it doesn't mean
that these extra services are harmful or shouldn't be present on your system. Many third party
software programs create and run their own Windows services as part of their normal
operation. Anti virus software is one great example of this, as Norton's antivirus suite creates
several additional services when it is installed.
If you are unsure about a specific service or process and the information provided in the
services.msc window is of no use, try a web search using that service or process's name.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 Default Services List
Alerter
Application Layer Gateway Service
Application Management
Automatic Updates
BackgroundIntelligentTransferService
ClipBook
COM+ Event System
COM+ System Application
Computer Browser
Cryptographic Services
DCOM Server Process Launcher
DHCP Client
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Distributed Transaction Coordinator
DNS Client
Error Reporting Service
Event Log
Fast User Switching Compatibility
HTTP SSL
Help and Support
Human Interface Device Access
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
Indexing Service
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing *Formerly known as Internet Connection
Firewall / Internet Connection Sharing
IPSEC Services
Logical Disk Manager
LogicalDiskManagerAdministrativeService
Messenger
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider
Net Logon
NetMeetingRemoteDesktopSharing
Network Connections
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Network Provisioning Service
NT LM Security Support Provider
Performance Logs and Alerts
Plug and Play
Portable Media Serial Number Service *previously 'Portable Media Serial Number'
Print Spooler
Protected Storage
QoS RSVP
RemoteAccessAutoConnectionManager
Remote Access Connection Manager
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
RemoteProcedureCall(RPC)
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator
Remote Registry
Reomovable Storage
Routing and Remote Access
Secondary Logon
Security Accounts Manager
Security Center
Server
Shell Hardware Detection
Smart Card *Incorporates the 'smart card helper' service post-SP2
SSDP Discovery Service
System Event Notification
System Restore Service
Task Scheduler
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service
Telephony
Telnet
Terminal Services
Themes
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Volume Shadow Copy
WebClient
Windows Audio
Windows Firewall / Internet Connection Sharing
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Windows Installer
Windows Management Instrumentation
Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration
WMI Performance Adapter
Workstation
What services can I disable for better performance/security?
As far as security is concerned, Windows XP Service Pack 2 went a long way towards making
XP a much more secure environment, and that included locking down several previously active
services. If you've already got SP2 (and if you haven't, you should), there's actually very little
additional security tweaking that needs to be done to the services list.

Services to disable for better security and performance

Computer Browser: If your system is not in a network, you have no need for this service and
you can disable it. If you are in a network, but do not habitually browse the network for file
shares, you can also disable this service. Disabling it does not stop you from accessing file
shares on other computers, it just prevents you from using my network places to browse to
them. Mapped network drives and direct connections (i.e. \\mycomputer\myshare) will still
work.
Distributed Link Tracking Client: This service maintains links to NTFS files that are moved
between disks or computers. Generally not needed except in larger networks, so you can set to
manual. I wouldn't recommend disabling it.
Error reporting service: Like E.T., it calls home to Redmond if a program crashes
unexpectedly. If you have a social conscience you can leave this enabled. Otherwise disable it.
Indexing Service: This can have a major effect on system performance if activated (though it
does make file searches quicker, if that's your thing). The best way to remove it is not through
services.msc though. Instead go to 'my computer', right click on each NTFS drive you have and
choose 'properties.' Now disable the 'allow indexing...' button at the bottom of the 'general'
tab.
Messenger: Allows simple communication between networked computers by means of pop-up
text windows. This service is the source of those irritating pop-up desktop ads that flooded the
computer world a few years ago. One of the improvements Service Pack 2 introduced was the
disabling of this service by default. If you are running pre-SP2 Windows XP or Windows 2000,
disable this service immediately.
Net Logon: Used for logging into a Windows domain. This is not required in a typical home
network, and if you need it, you'll know. Disable.
Net Meeting Remote Desktop Share: Allows remote control of your computer through the
netmeeting application. Sound appealing or useful? Leave it at manual then. Otherwise disable
it as a potential (though currently unproven) security risk. Paranoia is a healthy trait when it
comes to your computer…
Network Provisioning Service: Not required for home networks; disable.
Performance Logs and Alerts: Disable unless you want to measure the performance of your
system using the performance monitor application.
Qos RSVP: Disable for normal networks. May be required for netmeeting.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager: Has anyone ever used Windows XP's remote
desktop help feature? We thought not. Disable this.
Remote Registry: Enables remote registry editing on your computer over a network. Why
would anyone want this enabled? Beats me. Disable.
Secondary User: Allows access to the 'run as' command in the right click menu of application
executable files. This command allows you to run that particular program as another user. This
is a potential security hole for managed computers, and if you can't think of a good reason to
use this feature, disable the service.
Server: This service allows you to share files and printers from your networked computer. If
you don't want or need to do this, disable the service.
Smart Card: Enables the use of smart card authentication in Windows XP. Disable unless you
have a good reason not to.
System Restore Service: If you decide you want to disable system restore, use the
instructions in that article first, then disable the service.
TCP/IP NETBIOS helper Service: Safe to disable on most home networks. If you experience
connectivity problems, restore it.
Telnet: Remote console connectivity. Disable unless you know you need it.
Terminal Services: Disable unless you plan to use Windows XP Professional's remote desktop
feature.
Themes: This service provides the 'look' of the Windows XP desktop and toolbars/menus,
complete with various graphical effects. Disabling it will make your desktop faster, but it'll also
make it uglier. Stop this service for a preview, it won't do any harm.
Uninterruptible power supply: You don't need this unless you have a UPS attached to your
system, and you may not even need it then. Disable unless you know you need it.
Universal Plug and Play: Switched to manual by SP2. If you do not use SP2, we'd
recommend you change this service to manual anyway.
Webclient: Allows FTP-like access to hosted folders and data on websites. May be useful for
other things too, but not really necessary as far as I know. Disable unless someone give you a
good reason to do otherwise.
Windows Audio: Can be disabled if you have no soundcard. Otherwise leave as is.
Windows Time: Automatically synchronizes your computer's clock with a Microsoft time
server at weekly intervals. You can disable with no major ramifications unless you use your
system as an alarm clock.
Wireless Zero Configuration: Helps automatically configure wireless devices. No wireless
devices equals no need for this service.
Convert FAT32 To NTFS

To change from FAT 32 to NTFS file system for more stability, security and less fragmentation,
open the command prompt and type:

Convert C: /FS:NTFS

"C" being the drive you wish to convert. Make sure there is a space between the C: and the forward
slash (/). Once you press enter it will ask you for confirmation and press Y. Then press Y and enter
once more to reboot.. This also works for windows XP Home.

Disable automatic updating

To save memory and CPU time turn off the automatic update system in windows. You can always
check manually for updates and most users have no problem with that. For those of you lazy bums
out there you can leave this feature on but I warned you.

1. Open control panel.

2. (if using XPstyle control panel, click on performance and maintenance.)
3. Click on System.
4. Then click on the automatic updates tab and select Turn off automatic updating. If Service Pack
1 is installed uncheck Keep my computer up to date.
5. Click Ok.
Disable Indexing Services
Indexing services is a small program that hogs HUGE amounts of RAM and can often make a
computer endlessly loud and noisy. This system process indexing and updates lists of the files on
your system, so you can search for them quickly, but it's completely unnecessary.

To disable it, go to the Control Panel and click Add/Remove Programs. Click the Add/Remove
Window Components. Simply unclick the Indexing services and click next!

Indexing service creates a database index of all files on your system when the system is otherwise
idle. Unless you do frequent searches, it is suggested you disable this service. (Allan, Forum
Admin)

Disable unnecessary programs

When you install some programs they will insert themselves into an area of your registry that will
cause them to load when your computer starts up. Obviously this will use memory and slow down
your system.

1. Start Regedit.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Run
3. Once there, locate any entry's on the right. You can identify the program by the path to the
executable. Find programs that you can live without starting up from the list.
4. Right click on them and select Delete
5. You may also want to navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Runonce and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Run.
6. Delete unnecessary programs.
7. Also go to START - PROGRAMS - STARTUP and see if there is anything there you wish to
remove.
8. Reboot your computer.

Alternative method:

1. Click on the start button and select run.

2. In the text box type msconfig and click ok.
3. Once the window has loaded, click on the startup tab and uncheck programs you do not want to
start up anymore.
Stop Windows XP from asking if you want to send a report to Microsoft whenever a program
crashes

Whenever a program crashes, whether it’s a Microsoft application, a component of Windows, or a

third-party application, a window appears, prompting you to send a "report" to Microsoft.

Here's how to disable this feature, either completely or selectively:

* Open System in the Control Panel (or right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties.
* Choose the Advanced tab, and click Error Reporting.
• You can disable error reporting entirely here, or enable it selectively for certain programs. Click
Ok when you're done.
•

How do I sort the Start Menu alphabetically?

Here's the easy way, although you can only do it one folder at a time, and it won't stay sorted when
new items are added:

* Right-click on an item in the folder you want to sort, and select Sort by Name.

Here's the hard way, which allows you to sort all the folders in your Start Menu at once:

* Open the Registry Editor, and expand the branches to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder.
• Delete the MenuOrder key, and close the Registry Editor.
•

Introduction to the Registry

The Registry is a database of nearly all the settings for Windows and your installed applications.
The following is a brief collection of information, tips, and troubleshooting techniques involving
the Windows Registry. Check out the Glossary for definitions of any of the technical terms used
below.

How the Registry is stored

• In Windows 95, 98, and Me, the Registry is contained in two hidden files in your Windows
directory, called USER.DAT and SYSTEM.DAT.
• In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the Registry is stored in several Hives, located in the
\windows\system32\config and \Documents and Settings\{username} folders.

Structure of the Registry

The Registry has a hierarchal structure, like the directories on your hard disk. Each branch (denoted
by a folder icon in the Registry Editor, see below) is called a Key. Each key can contain other keys,
as well as Values. Each value contains the actual information stored in the Registry. There are three
types of values; String, Binary, and DWORD - the use of these depends upon the context.
There are six main branches (five in Windows 2000 and Windows XP), each containing a specific
portion of the information stored in the Registry. They are as follows:
 • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - this branch contains all of your file types as well as OLE
information for all your OLE-aware applications.
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER - this branch points to the part of HKEY_USERS appropriate
for the current user.
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - this branch contains information about all of the hardware
and software installed on your computer. Since you can specify multiple hardware
configurations, the current hardware configuration is specified in
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG.
• HKEY_USERS - this branch contains certain preferences (such as colors and control panel
settings) for each of the users of the computer. In Windows 95/98/Me, the default branch
here contains the currently-logged in user. In Windows 2000/XP, the default branch here
contains a template to be used for newly-added users.
• HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG - this branch points to the part of
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE appropriate for the current hardware configuration.
• HKEY_DYN_DATA (Windows 95/98/Me only) - this branch points to the part of
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, for use with Windows' Plug-&-Play subsystem.

Using the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor (regedit.exe) is included with Windows to enable you to view and edit the
contents of the Registry. When you open the Registry Editor, you'll see a window divided into two
panes. The left side shows a tree with folders (see Structure of the Registry above), and the right
side shows the contents (values) of the currently selected folder (key).
To expand a certain branch, click on the little plus sign [+] to the left of any folder, or just double-
click on the folder. To display the contents of a key (folder), just click the desired key, and look at
the values listed on the right side. You can add a new key or value by selecting New from the Edit
menu. You can rename any value and almost any key with the same method used to rename files;
right-click on an object and click rename, or click on it twice (slowly), or just press F2 on the
keyboard. Lastly, you can delete a key or value by clicking on it, and pressing Delete on the
keyboard, or by right-clicking on it, and choosing Delete.

Importing, Exporting, and Applying Registry Patches

Although you can edit the Registry with the Registry Editor (see above), you can also make changes
by using Registry patches. A Registry patch is a simple text file with the .REG extension that
contains one or more keys or values. If you double-click on a .REG file, the patch is applied to the
registry. This is a good way to share or back up small portions of the registry for use on your own
computer, or someone else's, because (among other reasons) it's much simpler and less dangerous
than manually editing the Registry.
You can create a Registry patch by opening the Registry Editor, selecting a branch, and choosing
Export from the File menu. Then, specify a filename, and press OK. You can then view the
Registry patch file by opening it in Notepad (right-click on it and select Edit). Again, just double-
click on a Registry patch file (or use Import in the Registry Editor's File menu) to apply it to the
registry.
Backing up the XP Registry - Three methods
Method 1: Using System Restore

One way to backup the registry is to create a System Restore snapshot. System Restore returns your
computer to a previous snapshot without losing recent personal information, such as documents,
history lists, favorites, or e-mail. It monitors the computer and many applications for changes and
creates restore points. You restore these snapshots when your configuration isn't working. This
method is unreliable in case you want to rollback the registry changes made a longtime ago, in
which case the System Restore might have purged that particular restore point - due to space
constraints or due to a recent system restore point or even a Restore point corruption. Please
remember, System Restore points get deleted for many reasons, making it unreliable, especially in
the long run.

Method 2: Backing up the selected branch of the registry by exporting (Reliable)

This method is preferred if you're making changes to a specific key/area of the registry. To backup a
selected branch/key in the registry, try this:
• Click Start, and then click Run.
• In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK
• Locate and then click the key that contains the value that you want to edit
• On the File menu, click Export.
• In the Save in box, select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg)
• In the File name box, type a file name, and then click Save.

How do I create a System Restore point?

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore

For Classic Start Menu: Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore.

Click Create a restore point, and then click Next.

In the Restore point description box, type a name to identify this restore point. System Restore
automatically adds to this name the date and time that this Restore Point is created.

To finish creating this restore point, click Create.

You can also launch System Restore window by typing the command below, in the RUN box:

%SystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe
Windows 2000/XP

Win2000/XP Pro include a great on-board solution for backing up files. The Backup utility offers
configurable scheduled options for protecting important data from catastrophic loss. Based on
Veritas (www.veritas.com) backup technology, the Backup utility offers a very simple solution for
creating backups of some or all of the data on the PC, including the option to set backup schedules.

Install the WinXP Backup utility. WinXP Home buries Backup on the install disk. To find the
bundled backup tool, insert the WinXP Home installation CD-ROM and navigate to the
VALUEADD/MSFT/Ntbackup folder. Double-click the folder and install the utility by double-
clicking the NTBACKUP Windows Installer Package, which will automatically step through the
install process. Click Finish when the install is complete. WinXP Home automatically inserts this
file in C:/START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/SYSTEM TOOLS/Backup. Once this
application is on the system, it functions just like the preinstalled WinXP Pro Backup utility.
Back up with both. To get started with the built-in XP Backup
utility, first launch the application by clicking Backup in the
System Utilities folder. The first time the application runs, it
prompts you to use the Backup Or Restore Wizard. (If you
prefer, removing the check mark next to Always Start In Wizard
Mode will allow you to start with the standard program
interface.) Click Next, choose Back Up Files And Settings, and
click Next again. The next screen presents you with several
Select the date on the options and explains them all. Read through these options
calendar for starting your carefully to make personalizing your backup easier next time.
scheduled backup.
For now (assuming this is the first backup you've done on your
system), click the radio button next to All Information On This
Computer and click Next. On the Backup Type, Destination,
And Name screen, click Browse to choose where the information is backed up. In addition to the
drive where the backup data is stored, the full backup also requires a floppy disk for archiving
important system state information. Name your backup file (including the date of the backup in the
name makes finding it again much easier) and click next. A full backup may take several hours to
complete, with a prompt to insert the floppy at the end of the process. Unless many system details
change regularly, a full system backup is probably only
necessary once a month, with smaller backups in between.
Back up like a pro. Using the Backup utility's Advanced Mode
provides greater control over the backup process. Start the
Backup And Restore Wizard and click the Advanced Mode
hyperlink. In the Backup Utility windows, click the Schedule
Jobs tab and double-click the date you'd like for your next
planned backup. This will open the Backup Wizard; click Next.
If you choose to schedule your backups, you have three options:
Back up everything, back up only selected files, or back up
system state information. Choose one that fits your own
computing habits and preferences, but for regularly scheduled WinXP lets you get very
backups, the second option is probably the most sensible choice. particular with your
Click Next after choosing a backup option. backup schedule,
providing options for both
Because we chose the second option, we'll select the files and the date, time, and
folders to include in the backup. (This will be different if you frequency. Click Advanced
chose the first or third option.) Click next, choose the location for more options.
for the backup, and name the backup file before clicking Next again. The following screen offers
several backup type options in a drop-down menu:

Normal: Backs up selected files and marks each file as backed up.

Copy: Backs up selected files but does not mark any as backed up.

Incremental: Backs up selected files only if they were created or modified since the previous
backup.

Differential: Backs up selected files only if they were created or modified since the previous
backup but does not mark them as backed up.

Daily: Backs up only files that were created or modified today.

In most cases, choosing Incremental offers the most convenient way to back up files. This way, all
important data gets backed up without wasting additional space with files that never change. A good
example of this is performing backups of a music collection. If the My Music folder contains
10,000 WMA (Windows Media Audio) files, which always remain exactly the same, adding the
extra gigabytes to each backup to make yet another copy of the same 10,000 files is a waste of
space. With an incremental backup, only if songs are added to the folder will they be backed up
during the next session. Choose Incremental and click Next.

The next screen offers you options to Verify Data After Backup and Disable Volume Shadow Copy.
The first tells the system to make sure the backup data is complete, which increases the length of
the process but guarantees a complete backup. It's highly recommended to verify the backup to
avoid even more frustration if the backup fails after a data failure. A volume shadow copy makes a
backup of an in-use file. A third box, located between the other two, is designed to offer hardware
compression when available, but you can't select it because the feature is only available in the full
Veritas backup product. After selecting one or both available options, click Next.
In the Backup Options screen, you have two choices: Append
This Backup To The Existing backups or Replace The Existing
Backups. Only use the second option when you'll back up all
data on the system. With an incremental backup, the second
option results in some data not effectively backed up, unless
every file on your computer changes between each session.
Because you've already selected Incremental backup, choose the
first option and click Next.
Use the Backup Scheduler
in Win98 to set where and
On the next screen, you'll set the schedule. Click the radio
when you want your
button next to Later, type a name for your scheduled backup,
information backed up.
and click the Set Schedule button to determine when the backup
job will run. By default, the backup utility automatically
chooses the data you clicked on the calendar as the first date to
run the backup.

Under Schedule Task you can choose the backup frequency, and you'll then customize the backup
depending on the backup option selected. You can configure weekly backups to run every week,
every other week, or some other specified period, with the option to perform the backup on specific
day(s) of the week. A monthly backup defaults to the first day of the month, but you can configure it
to run on a specific day, which is useful when system changes happen at predictable intervals. Make
your choice and select OK. Click Next. In the Set Account Information box, type and confirm your
password and click OK. Select Finish in the Backup Wizard to schedule your backup.

Don't Hold Up Your Backup

Microsoft takes a very inconsistent position on backups and their role in protecting data. Finding
the bundled tool to back up your files is sometimes like a game of digital hide-and-seek. Once the
tools are installed, they perform consistently across operating systems based on the same kernel
structure, which means maintaining backups after an upgrade to a new OS should be relatively
intuitive. Just make sure backups are part of your regular computing routine. A college paper is
certainly an inconvenient thing to lose, but when the information is banking data or family
keepsakes, the information loss is considerably more than a few hours of your time.

Getting service packs for Windows 2000 and XP

Introduction
Windows service packs (SPs) are collections of updates that fix problems with the Windows
operating system and occasionally add additional components. You can apply service packs to all
versions of Windows 2000 or XP. Currently, the latest service packs are SP4 for Windows 2000 and
SP2 for Windows XP.

Windows XP
Windows XP SP2 includes all updates contained in the previous SPs (1 and 1a). For complete
information, see the Knowledge Base document What is Windows XP Service Pack 2, and why
should I install it?

Windows 2000
SP4 for Windows 2000, which includes all updates contained in SPs 1-3, addresses the following:
• Application and hardware compatibility
• Windows 2000 setup, and setup for various add-on components
• Operating system reliability
• Security, including the latest updates for known Windows 2000 security problems
• Patches for programs and utilities included in Windows 2000, such as Windows Media
Player

Getting service packs

You can get service packs in several ways:
• From Microsoft's web site:
• Windows XP: Microsoft recommends that you either use Automatic Updates, or visit
the Windows Update web site at: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
For instructions on how to enable automatic updates for Windows XP, refer to the
"Automatic Updates for Windows Me, 2000, and XP" section of the Knowledge
Base document For Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000, or XP, how can I get software
updates and patches?
• Windows 2000:
 http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/default.mspx
• Order the Service Pack CD from Microsoft:
• Windows XP:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default
.mspx
• Windows 2000:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp2/ordercd.asp

What is Windows XP Service Pack 2, and why should I install

it?
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is the latest major update to Windows XP. It provides critical
security updates to help protect computers from viruses and intruders.
Specifically, SP2 offers these features:
• The Windows Security Center, which provides a unified way to manage Windows XP
security options
• The Windows Firewall, now enabled by default, which prevents intruders from accessing
your computer
• The Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker, which stops most Internet pop-up ads
• Enhanced wireless security, which simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to
wireless networks