How to Use the StartService API Within a Service

 Last reviewed: December 16, 1996
Article ID: Q133756
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Win32 Application Programming Interface (API) included with: 

        - Microsoft Windows NT versions 3.51 and 4.00

SUMMARY

In the Win32 API Help file, it mentions that you cannot call the StartService API from within a service. This statement is not totally correct. It should say that you cannot call the StartService API from within a service while it is initializing.

An initializing service is a service which has not yet reported to the Service Control Manager a status of SERVICE_RUNNING. Once the service is running, you can use the StartService API within the service.

MORE INFORMATION

If your service is initializing due to a dependency or the auto start flag, If your service is initializing due to a dependency or the SERVICE_AUTO_START flag, and your service attempts to start another service, a deadlock state in the Service Control Manager may occur. The reason this occurs is because the call to StartService API blocks because the Service Control Manager has a lock on the service control database from the original initializing service.

KBCategory: kbprg kbdocerr
KBSubcategory: BseService
Additional reference words: 3.51 4.00

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Last reviewed: December 16, 1996
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