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!