Distributed Transaction Coordinator Service

Service Name	MSDTC		Process Name		msdtc.exe
Default Settings	XP Home : Manual			XP Pro : Manual
Microsoft Service Description	Coordinates transactions that span multiple resource managers, such as databases, message queues, and file systems. If this service is stopped, these transactions will not occur. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Dependencies	Remote Procedure Call (RPC)			Security Accounts Manager
Real World Description	Closely related to Distributed Link Tracking Client discussed previously. Really serves no purpose for home user systems.
Is this service needed?	No	Recommended Setting:				Disabled
Note	Updated to reflect SP2 changes.

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Slipstreamed XP/SP3 CD

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Service Pack 2
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Guide to Simple File Sharing
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Virtual Memory Paging File
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Consider A Donation

Basic How To Articles
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System Services Guide

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Protecting System and Data Via NTBackup
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Windows Update Catalog
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Clean or Upgrade
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Bare Bones Troubleshooting
Tried everything and can't get XP to install? Take a look here.

The 'System Volume Information' Folder
What is it and why is it taking up room on your hard drive(s)?

Microsoft Management Console
A Guide to Understanding and Using This Often Overlooked but Useful XP Feature

Registry Tweaks and Edits

Backing Up and Restoring the XP Registry

Accessing The Different Methods of Repair Available in Windows XP

Generate File Listings from IE Context Menu

The "Send To" Menu Command
Add your own frequently accessed locations to make this context menu more useful.

Consider A Donation

Create A Personalized Boot Logo Screen

Using XP Disk Cleanup Utility

Using Disk Defragmenter Utility

Common Solutions

Tips and Solutions Arranged by XP Control Panel Groupings

- Reminder -

For many months now I've been posting a reminder about 'Patch Tuesday' or 'Second Tuesday' as it has come to be known when Microsoft releases the latest round of updates for Windows XP and other products.

If you're using a Microsoft operating system (and it's likely you are or you wouldn't be on this site) it's once again time to head for Windows Update for the latest round of Critical and Security updates.

As always, I strongly suggest you read about any update prior to installation, especially updates carrying a less than 'Critical' rating, and have a current system and data backup available in case it's necessary to restore the system to a pre-patch condition.

More info at Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

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Important Information
The Elder Geek sites contain many articles and suggestions for modifying the Windows operating system. I've tried these tweaks and tips on many systems. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. The point is, ensure you have a current, tested backup of all system and data files and understand how to restore the system in case something goes very wrong. You can still yell at me, but I assume no responsibility for your actions and use of the information and disclaim any legal responsibility for any consequences of such actions.

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