Credentials when Installing Windows Service

Question

I am attempting to install a C# windows service project using a VisualStudio.Net deployment project.

To run the deployment project I right-click and select "install" from the context menu, the install wizard runs and eventually prompts me with a "Set Service Login" dialog which asks for username & password.

Do I have to create a login just for this service? I'd prefer to use "Local System" or "Network Service" (not sure what the difference is) as other services do.

When I install a service using the sc utility from the command line, I don't have to provide credentials.

Does anyone have experience installing a windows service? I'd really appreciate your help.

Thanks, -Keith

Answer 1

Add this code to your private void InitializeComponent() method in projectInstaller.Designer.cs file in your windows service project.

    this.serviceProcessInstaller1.Account = System.ServiceProcess.ServiceAccount.LocalSystem;

if the definition of you process installer is:

    private System.ServiceProcess.ServiceProcessInstaller serviceProcessInstaller1;

Hope that helps you !

Answer 2

In the project that contains the service, add an Installer class. Make it look something like this:

[RunInstaller(true)]
public class MyServiceInstaller : Installer
{
    public MyServiceInstaller()
    {
        ServiceProcessInstaller serviceProcessInstaller = new ServiceProcessInstaller();
        serviceProcessInstaller.Account = ServiceAccount.LocalSystem; // Or whatever account you want

        var serviceInstaller = new ServiceInstaller
        {
            DisplayName = "Insert the display name here",
            StartType = ServiceStartMode.Automatic, // Or whatever startup type you want
            Description = "Insert a description for your service here",
            ServiceName = "Insert the service name here"
        };

        Installers.Add(_serviceProcessInstaller);
        Installers.Add(serviceInstaller);
    }

    public override void Commit(IDictionary savedState)
    {
        base.Commit(savedState);

        // This will automatically start your service upon completion of the installation.
        try
        {
            var serviceController = new ServiceController("Insert the service name here");
            serviceController.Start();
        }
        catch
        {
            MessageBox.Show(
                "Insert a message stating that the service couldn't be started, and that the user will have to do it manually");
        }
    }
}

Then, in the solution explorer, right-click on the deployment project and select "View > Custom Actions". Right-click on Custom Actions, and select "Add Custom Action..." Pick the Application Folder and select the primary output of the project that contains the service. Now the custom actions (Commit from above) will be executed upon installation. You can add the additional methods (Install, Rollback, Uninstall) if you need other custom actions.