What's the minimum set of processes needed to run Windows XP?

The list given by billy bob works great for me! I can cut my processes from 70 odd down to about 28 and my laptop still works fine. Infact, it works GREAT. I can still play games and use the internet, aswell as media player and all the essential office programs. It definately seemed to solve the speed problems I've been experiencing recently, although its a bloody pain to have to do it every time I start my computer up!

Maybe one way to isolate the details of the computer in question would be to boot into SAFE mode (plain, with internet, or command window - all of which require different services) and see what is listsed in the Task Manager.

That might give you some "minimum" list to start with.

billy bob wrote:
"Ok . I will give you an example . xp with a wampp server , what are the minimum services needed ."

Even the most experienced techs wont give you an answer because truthfully they don't know!
You needed to ask this in a hardcore gaming forum.

MINIMUM
Plug and Play - AUTOMATIC
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - AUTOMATIC
Windows Audio - AUTOMATIC
/MINIMUM

PLUS NETWORK
DHCP Client - AUTOMATIC (unless you set static ip)
Server - AUTOMATIC (access to network drives)
Workstation - AUTOMATIC (access to network drives. Access network machines by "\\remote ip" only.)
/PLUS NETWORK

The best answer I saw is Billy Bob's.

No one wants to hear it depends on this or that. They want an answer.

Sure it depends on drivers for now piece of hardware ..etc.. But that doesn't answer the question, to any ones satisfaction.

Minimal. Minus network, plus network.. MINIMAL would be no network.

MINIMAL _IS_ going to be specific to each hardware setup. True. then you need the drivers for those items. Are they included, wither within XP or something that runs separately.. In either case, you will want what you need.

"What is the absolute minimal requirements, independent of hardware specifics, for windows XP to run?"

Perhaps that is a better question to be asking.

Anyone asking the question in the first place, should have some idea of what their particular hardware requirements are, and to be able to sort that out themselves.
Yeah, I know.. not everyone does.

There was another answer that included.. or didn't include.. themes, and audio.. That is a closer answer.

Answering with any network requirements will bring the "IS hardware dependant" But then so are some HDDs. And so are CPUs. If you want to get really picky.

Once the "minimum" is installed. Individuals can begin adding their minimum required items. SCSI.. PRINTER.. DVD.. audio and or video codecs.. etc.
This eventually give them their individual answers.

There should be a base minimum requirement, and from there, individuals basically customize their XP install.

Now where to search for THAT information.. That is a start to answering the first question.

( I should note Which reply I was refering to: Posted by: billy bob at January 9, 2009 9:05 PM )

The one just above mine, with "/MINIMUM" is also reasonable, but not the one I referred to, however it does present 2 ideas in 1 reply. the 'minimum, and the minimum + network.

(TYPO in my reply.. NO where.. should be NOW where..) Can't edit. :/ :) )

i HAVE ABOUT 69 PROCESSES RUNNING- APPLICATIONS ARE SLOWING AND SOME ARE HANGING-wOULD IT BE SENSIBLE TO JUST KEEP SYSTEM PROCESSES ACTIVE?

08-Oct-2011