Grumpy Old DBA

Do you really need those services?

• o   When your SQL Server is under pressure stopping or disabling unnecessary services may free up resource.
• o   This is especially true of x32 systems where bottom memory allocation is critical.
• o   Just because x64 has a flat memory model there is still no reason to not pay attention to services, some of which may actually be weak spots in your defenses. 

• o   Important:  Do not just disable services and hope for the best, it could be you may be using some of them.
• o   I’m assuming this is for a dedicated SQL Server and is based upon Windows 2003 SP2.
• o   Disabled services can stop service pack installation, always set to manual if you are unsure 
• o   IIS requires a special mention, usually this isn’t installed but if you want to run SSRS then it has to be installed.
• o   I have seen this installed purely to enable smtp forwarding, use a custom proc rather than installing and running IIS.

• o   Telephony  -  this cannot be stopped whilst Remote Access Connection Manager and Remote Access Auto Connection are running.
• o   Windows Firewall – Probably not wanted on a Server ( ** )
• o   Server Service –  ( not listed ) you can stop this but you lose file shares part of the process to harden a SQL Server.
• o   Windows Installer – ideally this shouldn’t be running but be careful of disabling it. 
• o   Depending on your build and install you may have other services installed or running. I frequently see Full Text Service  and Analysis Services running although no use is being made of them, don’t just install everything.
• o   Same applies to Indexing Service.  

© grumpy old dba   march 2008