Video: Five services you can turn off in Windows Server 2003

Disabling unnecessary Windows Server 2003 services can strengthen your server security. Unfortunately, there are over 100 services to consider. In this IT Dojo video, I show you how to disable Windows Server 2003 services and discuss the following five services that you may want to turn off:

1. ERSvc - Error Reporting Service

2. HidServ - Human Interface Device Access

3. IsmServ - Intersite Messaging

4. ScardSvr - Smart Card Access

5. LMHosts - TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper

The five services I mention in this video are just the beginning. Our download, “Windows Server 2003 services that can be disabled,” contains a complete list of Windows Server 2003 services that can be disabled. This reference sheet lists each service, describes its function, specifies whether you can safely disable the service, and outlines the ramifications of doing so. The spreadsheet also lists each service’s default configuration for specific server roles–domain controller, DHCP server, File server, mail server, and so forth.

You can also learn more about managing and optimizing Windows Server 2003 from the following resources:

• Why the Windows Server 2003 R2 disc matters
• Take service management to new levels in Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008
• Tech Tip: Secure Windows Server 2003 systems by running services under less privileged accounts
• Tech Tip: Add Macintosh support to Windows Server 2003
• Tech Tip: Enable remote desktop connections in Windows Server 2003
• Tech Tip: Deploy patches with Software Update Services in Windows Server 2003
• Administer Windows Server 2003 from your XP workstation
• Network Administration in Windows Server 2003
• Security in Windows Server 2003
• Troubleshooting Windows Server 2003
• Quick Reference: Windows Server 2003 Commands
• Quick Guide: Securing Windows Server 2003
• Tuning Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services for Groups
• Performance Tuning Guidelines for Windows Server 2003
• Windows Server 2003 Terminal Server Capacity and Scaling
• Windows Server 2003: A Technical Overview - Level 200

Want even more Windows Server 2003 tips? Check out the Windows Server 2003 archive.