Set Start Parameters in a service

Question

Hi I made a simple service with a ServiceProcessInstaller and ServiceInstaller Classes. The service installs and runs well. I would just like to know where to set the start parameters for my service. Is there a property for that? I can't find it in either classes. Properties for servicename descriptionstartuptypeetc. exist but can't find one for startparameters. Thanks in advance. Regards Jan

Jan Montano · Answer

this thread is old. hehe. fyi. it could be set via registry. I just can't remember the exact key but it could be set via registry that's for sure. I just don't have the code here with me. But will find it as soon as possible.

Brandon Lewis · Answer

I wish I could help. The funny thing is I was actually in charge of creating a Windows Service for a little while until I told my boss that like Alan stated MS Visual Studio Standard Edition doesnt come with a template for Windows Services. What a bother... So I had to make it a mock up service that shows and hides the main form and basically runs from a tray icon. Anyway I dont know much of anything about services so Im gonna take a shot in the dark but perhaps you could try using some preprocessor directives to implement certain parameters into the application before it technically starts. Or perhaps modify the program.cs file? If you find out anything let us know as Im interested too : )

Jan Montano · Answer

Isn't there really a way to programatically set the start parameters for the services? =) Or is there a registry entry where I could set the service's start parameters? And why can't I manually change the start parameters of any services in the services.msc? When I click ok and check the properties of the service again the start parameters reverts back to a blank value. why? and the path to executable doesn't have an appended start parameters which I just entered... THanks.

Jan Montano · Answer

Greg thanks for the link. I've already read that one but haven't read it deep enough. Alan I thought so. huhuhu :=( I was avoiding setting the parameters in the services UI. And I find it odd not having a property for the start parameters in the installer classes when you could add start parameters in the services UI. Thanks! wahh!!! (^_^) Thanks again.

Alan · Answer

I've just been trying to find a Windows Service template when I realized I hadn't got one because I'm using VS 2005 Standard Edition right now :) But from memory I'm almost certain that you can't set the start parameters programatically but have to set them from Windows. On XP pro the steps are: 1. Right click on MyComputer and select Manage -> Services and Applications -> Services 2. Right click on your service select Properties and you should then see the Start Parameters box under the General tab.

Greg · Answer

I've not fully read the article but does this solve your problem? http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/UploadFile/ankithakur/Passing_parameters_to_Windows_Services10062006000204AM/Passing_parameters_to_Windows_Services.aspx Cheers Greg