c# - Install windows service without InstallUtil.exe

Question

I'm trying to deploy a windows service but not quite sure how to do it right. I built it as a console app to start with, I've now turned it into a windows service project and just call my class from the OnStart method in the service.

I now need to install this on a server which doesn't have Visual Studio on it, which if I've understood it correctly means I can't use the InstallUtil.exe and have to create an installer class instead. Is this correct?

I did have a look at a previous question, Install a .NET windows service without InstallUtil.exe, but I just want to make sure I've understood it correctly.

If I create the class that question's accepted answer links to, what is the next step? Upload MyService.exe and MyService.exe.config to the server, double click the exe file and Bob's my uncle?

The service will only ever be installed on one server.

Answer 1

I know it is a very old question, but better update it with new information.

You can install service by using sc command:

InstallService.bat:

@echo OFF
echo Stopping old service version...
net stop "[YOUR SERVICE NAME]"
echo Uninstalling old service version...
sc delete "[YOUR SERVICE NAME]"

echo Installing service...
rem DO NOT remove the space after "binpath="!
sc create "[YOUR SERVICE NAME]" binpath= "[PATH_TO_YOUR_SERVICE_EXE]" start= auto
echo Starting server complete
pause

With SC, you can do a lot more things as well: uninstalling the old service (if you already installed it before), checking if service with same name exists... even set your service to autostart.

One of many references: creating a service with sc.exe; how to pass in context parameters

I have done by both this way & InstallUtil. Personally I feel that using SC is cleaner and better for your health.