WebClient Service
|
Service Name |
WebClient |
Process Name |
svchost.exe -k LocalService |
|
Default Settings |
XP Home
: Automatic |
XP Pro
: Automatic |
|
Microsoft Service
Description |
Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify
Internet-based files. If this service is stopped, these
functions will not be available. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will
fail to start. |
|
Dependencies |
WebDav Client Redirector |
|
|
Real World Description |
Truthfully, I haven't been able to locate anyone that can
tell me whether this service is needed or not. I've had it
Disabled, Manual, and Automatic with no conclusive evidence.
It's a crapshoot. |
|
Is this service needed? |
Possibly |
Recommended Setting: |
Manual |
|
Note |
Updated to reflect SP2
changes. |
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|
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Last Updated:
08/19/2008
11/20/2002 - A
note from Chris C. regarding the WebClient service.
On your website:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/webclient.htm you stated you were
unsure of what the WebClient service actually does in WindowsXP. I
believe it is a redirector service for Distributed File Systems. I
would think disabling it would be fine if you don't have this type
of network (some college computer labs or businesses may). Home
users can probably disable it, but I'm sure it doesn't affect
performance or security. It most likely does something stupid like
resolving share names to UNC address.
Based on the ONLY ms kb article even MENTIONING WebClient:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;312181
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/slowbrowse02.htm says
that disabling the WebClient service can speed up network browsing
in My Network Places but it will prevent access to web-resident
network places, such as free disk storage from your ISP. How
many people actually use My Network Places for that?
It will probably be required for the
.NET architechture in the future. Most likely it will be as dead
Channels were in Windows 98 first edition.
In geeks we trust,
Christopher C.
07/02/2003 - A note from James
regarding the WebClient service.
Here's
the skinny on the WebClient Service on Windows XP:
-
Real World Description: the WebClient service provides WebDAV
(Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) integration in the
Explorer shell. It makes it possible to use "web folders" and to
browse the file systems of web servers (not unlike FTP, but
better -- adds secure password authentication and file locking)
within an Explorer window. WebDAV is an extension of the
HTTP/1.1 protocol.
-
It is not needed.
-
You can also use Internet Explorer 5 and above for this
functionality (File > Open > enter URL and check the "Open as
Web Folder" checkbox), as well as a host of other downloadable
tools that implement WebDAV.
-
More info about WebDAV:
Click here.
|
