For best performance of SQL Server running under Windows 2000, turn off any operating system services that aren’t needed. This conserves both RAM and CPU cycles, helping to boost the overall performance of SQL Server. Below are some of the operating system services (not a complete list) that are non-essential and can be turned off, if they are not used. Some of these services may not be installed on your server, and others will already be set to “Disabled” or “Manual,” depending on how the server was installed and configured. Some of the services set to “Manual” are designed to only started when needed, and then to turn themselves off when no longer needed.
· Alerter
· Application Management
· Clipbook
· Distributed Link Tracking Server
· Fax Service
· File Replication
· FTP Service
· Indexing Service
· Internet Connection Sharing
· Intersite Messaging
· Kerberos Key Distribution Center
· License Logging Service
· Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service
· Messenger
· Microsoft Search
· NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
· Network DDE
· Network DDE DSDM
· Print Spooler Service (if you won’t be printing from this server)
· QoS RSVP
· Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
· Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator
· Routing and Remote Access
· RunAsService
· Smart Card
· Smart Card Helper
· SMTP Service
· Telnet
· Utility Manager
· Windows Installer
· World Wide Web Service
Generally, I set turn off these services (assuming they are currently on) and ensure that their “Startup Type” setting is set to “Manual.” Of course, if you have a need for any of these services, you don’t have to turn them off. [6.5, 7.0, 2000, 2005] Added 12-28-2001
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Remove any unnecessary network protocols from your server. Generally, the only network protocol you need is TCP/IP if you are running SQL Server on it. Removing unnecessary network protocols on your SQL Servers helps by reducing the load on the server and by reducing unnecessary network traffic. [6.5, 7.0, 2000, 2005] Added 12-28-2001