Does it fail even if the EXE is executed by double clicking from user mode? If so try attaching a debugger to the process. You could try running the EXE in debug mode, but without attaching the debugger (Ctrl + F5). «_Superman_» I love work. It gives me something to do between weekends. Microsoft MVP (Visual C++)

Thanks a lot Frank... Ur answer is really wounderful.. Meanwhile is there anyway to get a list of all available services in separate dialog box. Regds Jain

Yes Loyal, i have administrator rights on this machine.. Meanwhile is it possible to install a service in Setup project using installutil.exe in CustomAction. If not please provide a alternative solution.

Yes Rajesh, i am able to install a service thru setup project (if i select windows service project template) , THE PROBELM IS: i have solution :testing project1: windowsservice1 (Windowsservice project) project2: AppServer (Win32 application project)---> this is my main application AppServer.exe project3: ServerSetup (SetupProject) If i do run my MSI file from ServerSetup, its installing AppServer.exe to C:\program files\AppServer\AppServer.exe and in Services i have only Servicename: AppServer , Path :C:\program files\AppServer\WindowsService1.exe (instead of AppServer.exe) i hope nw i expained correctly :) Regds jain

just quick read your problem, maybe you having express edition, you need to get release edition of VC++ or get latest .NET framework update and MSVC++ 2008 redistributable update, I experienced same, did that.