Windows 98 Service

[BustaCap]

I need a way to run an executable in the same way as a windows nt service would run it. It needs to run at startup and before login and the window needs to be hidden. It also needs to be restarted automatically if it somehow got shutdown. I also need to be able to easily add it to the registry, i.e. a .reg file.
If there was a program much like FireDaemon that worked on windows 98, that would be awesome, but I am unaware of such a program.

Thanks!

[GaryRouth]

I'm not sure how you'd be able to run it hidden, but you could try testing out this:

Add the program's executable name to the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Run

Programs in that key run at startup - not sure if they'd run before the logon. If they execute in order, try putting your application up with the PowerProfiles, I believe they run before the logon.

This is a bit of guesswork, it would require some testing.

I don't know of a way of restarting the process if stopped, other than a restart each time the computer itself is restarted. And while the process might not have an open window on the screen, I imagine it might show up in the Task List. So it wouldn't be entirely hidden.
. . . Gary

I've heard the FireDaemon is a good program, but I've also heard that it's been abused by the hacking community as a tool for creating trojans.

[BustaCap]

yes,they run at startup, but not before login, but the biggest problem with that is that it brings up the console windows and there isn't a way to run it with the window hidden (and not just minimized).

[andyms18a]

wot program are you trying to run at start up ?

[BustaCap]

I'm trying to run the Folding@Home console. They aren't my computers so they don't have windows xp on them, which would make it MUCH easier.

[BustaCap]

I guess I might have been too narrow on my first post, all I need if for an executable to run in the background (without being seen), startup automatically and before login, since these computer are not used about 70% of the day.

ANY ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help so far!

[andyms18a]

try this site http://forum.folding-community.org/viewforum.php?f=4
all so try the folding topic at our site in my sig

[GaryRouth]

BustaCap = you'd want to be entirely sure you have the authorization from the right channels to run even a worthy service such as this in the background. Many organizations pitch in enthusiastically. But not all.

I looked over at andy's link = seems like if the answer isn't over on that site, it doesn't exist. That's a serious amount of info over there.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[andyms18a]

this is the info you knead to run as a service http://forum.folding-community.org/viewtopic.php?t=2950
but as Gary said make shore you have permission to do this

[BustaCap]

YES!!! EXACTLY what I needed to know. Thanks to all of you.