Debugging Windows Services: Methods and Tools

Application-Specific Debug Mode

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Navigate to service executable location
• Run: [full path of executable] NOSERVICE /DEBUG
• Service runs in console mode for real-time debugging
• Works with business software

Important Note About NOSERVICE /DEBUG

• This method only works with applications specifically designed to support it
• Not a universal Windows service debugging command
• Most standard Windows services do not recognize these parameters
• Primarily used by business applications and custom-built services

General Windows Service Debugging Methods

• Use Event Viewer to check Application and System logs for service errors
• Enable service logging if supported by the specific service
• Use Process Monitor to track file and registry access
• Stop service and run executable manually to identify startup issues
• Use Service Control Manager commands: sc query, sc start, sc stop
• Check service dependencies with sc qc [servicename]

Advanced Debugging Techniques

• Attach debugger to running service process using Visual Studio or WinDbg
• Use Performance Toolkit for Windows to analyze service behavior
• Configure crash dumps for services that terminate unexpectedly
• Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor to monitor service resource usage
• Check service account permissions and security settings

When to Use Each Method

• NOSERVICE /DEBUG for supported business applications during development
• Event Viewer for general service failure investigation
• Process Monitor for file access and permission issues
• Service Control commands for basic service management and status checking