Installing applications as services in Windows 2000

by Jim Boyce | Jan 30, 2006 8:00:00 AM

Tags: Jim Boyce, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows

Takeaway: Install your own service or configure an app to run as one. Windows 2000 columnist Jim Boyce walks us through it.

Not all Windows programs run in a window and provide an interface to the user. Instead, some programs run as services. Services generally run behind the scenes in a system context and do not provide interaction with the desktop (although some do).

Some third-party applications, as part of a larger package of applications, install as services or install services themselves. In some situations, you might need to install your own services or configure a third-party application to run as a service.

The Instsrv.exe tool included in the Windows 2000 Resource Kit is a command-line tool that lets you install an application as a Windows service. With Instsrv.exe, you specify the location of the application's executable, the name you want to assign to the service, and the credentials will run under. You can also use the Remove argument to remove a service. See the Resource Kit Help documentation for other syntax notes.

If you prefer a GUI-based method, turn to the Srvinstw.exe wizard, also included with the Resource Kit. This wizard provides a graphical interface for adding and removing services and device drivers on the local computer and on remote computers.

Miss a column?

Check out the Windows 2000 Professional archive, and catch up on the most recent editions of Jim Boyce's column.

Want more Win2K tips and tricks? Automatically sign up for our free Windows 2000 Professional newsletter, delivered each Tuesday!

Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

Install Service jplace@... | 01/31/06

Install Service ghughes@... | 01/31/06

Can it run as an Administrator? avi.arditi@... | 01/31/06

As anyone Tony Hopkinson | 01/31/06

null jmschattke@... | 01/31/06

2003 RK Starlyth | 01/31/06

for example... misterdufus | 01/31/06

null jmschattke@... | 01/31/06

To Finish the Article nossedai@... | 01/31/06

Also be extremely careful Tony Hopkinson | 01/31/06

XYNTService: an alternative to SRVANY cpresco@... | 02/09/06