Under the Add or Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel, there are additional options for disabling Windows components. These components include extra functions such as accessories and utilities, fax services, indexing services, and so on. Some of these programs are activated by default with your standard Windows setup but not all are necessary. Some programs that you may consider disabling are Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services, to run a web server on your computer) and/or MSN Messenger. Unless you are doing application development, IIS is not needed. Instant messaging programs like MSN Messenger can also steal both processing time and network bandwidth.

To disable a Windows component for Windows XP, uncheck the box beside the component name, then click next on the menu. Your system automatically configures the new setting. Click Finish to complete. For Vista users, go to Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features. Select the program to uninstall, and click on Uninstall/Change.

Reference:
Microsoft Help and Support: How to Add or Remove a Windows Component in Windows XP
MSDN Forums. Add/Remove Programs in Windows Vista

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