Tips

Workstation Service

Service Name	lanmanworkstation		Process Name		svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Default Settings	XP Home : Automatic			XP Pro : Automatic
Microsoft Service Description	This service is used to create and maintain client network connections to remote servers. In case it is stopped, connections will become unavailable and any other services that depend specifically on it will not start.
Dependencies
Real World Description	If you disable this service, it will affect a number of items. Therefore, it is recommended to read "Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-049 - Buffer Overrun in the Workstation Service Could Allow Code Execution (828749)", and especially the section on "Workarounds". Then it will be easier to decide whether this service should be enabled or disabled.
Do you need this service?	Possibly	Recommended Setting:				Automatic
Note	Updated to reflect SP2 changes.

Microsoft states that "If the Workstation service is disabled, the system cannot connect to any shared file resources or shared print resources on a network. Only use this workaround on stand-alone systems (such as many home systems) that do not connect to a network. If the Workstation service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on the Workstation service do not start, and an error message is logged in the system event log. The following services depend on the Workstation service:

Alerter

Browser

Messenger

Net Logon

RPC Locator

These services are required to access resources on a network and to perform domain authentication. Internet connectivity and browsing for stand-alone systems, such as users on dial-up connections, on DSL connections, or on cable modem connections, should not be affected if these services are disabled."