Script to Backup the Services Configuration (Startup Type) in Windows XP/2003/Vista

After doing a fresh install of Windows XP/2003/Vista, disabling unused Windows Services is one of the time consuming tasks you perform. One configured, you can backup the service startup state using a Batch file or Script so that it can be used for subsequent installations, or if you need to automate the task on several computers in your workgroup.

Using Batch File

The folks at MyDigitalLife Website have made available the Services Start State Backup Script that can automatically save the startup state of all Windows Services in the current computer and creates another Batch file containing the SC command-line to change the Startup Type of services with the current start state. This Batch file when run in the target computer, automatically applies the Services startup settings.

You can download the "Services Start State Backup Script" from MyDigitalLife.

Using VBScript

I’ve created a VBScript that outputs the Service Startup configuration to a .REG file. The script enumerates the list of Win32 services and their startup state from the following registry (rather than using SC) key:

The Startup type of all the Win32 services are written to a .REG file, which can then be run in other computers. The REG file will have the prefix Services_Backup_ followed by the current date, and will be saved to the Desktop. Note that you’ll need to restart the target computer after running the file.

Download services_conf_backup.zip and save to Desktop. Unzip the archive and run the script services_conf_backup.vbs.

Copyright © 2008 Ramesh Srinivasan. All rights reserved.

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