Windows Service using Visual Studio .NET 2005

Question

Hi  I have created a Windows Service using Visual Studio .NET 2005. In the serviceInstaller1_AfterInstall method I have written some code for inserting some data in the database. But when I am installing the service its throwing exception and my windows service is not installing . Can any one please advice and help that is it possible to write any kind of code in the method serviceInstaller1_AfterInstall OR there are any limitations ? Thanks and Regards Prasad . G . Godbole

Prasad Godbole · Answer

Hi Actually I am calling static methods from userdefined class and accessing key value of connecting string from app.config file. And its throwing exception Object reference not set while installing the service. If I define the method in the ProjectInstaller class and then call them in the metod serviceInstaller1_AfterInstall  it works fine. Also If I hardcode the connection string in the ProjectInstaller class  it works fine. Not sure what I am doing wrong but its indicating that if I try to access anything outside of class ProjectInstaller its throwing exception while installation. I will follow the steps given by you and will let you know the result. Thanks... Many Thanks Prasad . G . Godbole

Mahesh Chand · Answer

Do u know what error you are getting? Before I register as a service I would run it as an exe and make sure exe is working fine. After that you may want to try debug your Windows service. Here is a step by step tutorial on how to debug a Windows Service. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824344