WinXP Expected Services

[DOA]

Hi,

This topic doesn't seem to have come up yet, what are the typical services that should be running on a "clean" install of WinXP? Obviously after each installed app has their stuff loading it starts to fill up, but being able to spot out of place services can help identify spyware / virus infections.

So does anyone have a list / know where they can find a list of standard WinXP services?

Mike

[wenwilder]

You might consider downloading HiJackThis (http://www.spychecker.com/program/hijackthis.html) and keeping an eye on your log files. Before long you'll be an expert at what should be running and what shouldn't. The log files from HiJackThis is one of the first things any forum (on viruses or security) will ask for if you ask for help.

In the meantime here's a startup items list (http://www.3feetunder.com/krick/startup/list.html)that shows what should be running and why. I'm not sure if it's just for 98 and ME, but it's a good reference.

There's even more here (http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php#THE_PROGRAMS). Lots of reading, so enjoy :)

[DOA]

cheers wen, just sick of loading up my process list to find 10 / 20 processes all with really informative / stupid names such as "ctEvtMgr"?

I'll have a look at the docs you recommended and let you know if i have any problems

Mike

[mikmik]

answersthatwork (http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm)

DOA wrote
cheers wen, just sick of loading up my process list to find 10 / 20 processes all with really informative / stupid names such as "ctEvtMgr"?
ctEvtMgr? Do you mean CCEVTMGR (http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist_c.htm)?

Common Client Event Manager Service for Norton AntiVirus 2003/4, Norton Personal Firewall 2003/4, and Norton Internet Security 2003/4. This task is responsible for keeping track of all events that are occurring within the above products and then writing the details of those events to the Activity Log. The end-user can view the Activity Log through the Reports section.

Recommendation :
Leave alone – essential to the proper functioning of your Norton 2003/4 security product.

[DOA]

Cheers for the info, has a look at the answersthatwork website and it seems really useful. Also the software tool wen mentionned looks great, that will be first on my d/load list when i finish work.

Thanks again,
Mike