How to pass a parameter to a windows service once and for all at install instead of each start

Question

We have a Windows Service application that can accept command line parameters like:

MyService -option

So far, when we want to start the service with a parameter, we either do it manually from the Service Properties dialog (in the Start parameters box) or with the command

sc start MyService -option

What we would like is a way to install the service "permanently" with this parameter, so that the users would just have to start/stop it without having to set the parameter each time.

BTW, adding the parameter in the ImagePath registry entry doesn't work, neither does installing like this:

MyService -option /install

Updated: Thank you for the answers so far which help me refine the question.
What I'd like to achieve is to set the parameter at the Service level itself (like with the properties) in case there are more than 1 service in the same executable. The binpath config option is merely updating the ImagePath entry in the registry. That cannot be service specific.

user_2160765 · Answer

According to the ServiceBase.OnStart documentation:

The arguments entered in the console are not saved; they are passed to the service on a one-time basis when the service is started from the control panel. Arguments that must be present when the service is automatically started can be placed in the ImagePath string value for the service's registry key (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\). You can obtain the arguments from the registry using the GetCommandLineArgs method, for example: string[] imagePathArgs = Environment.GetCommandLineArgs();.

user_5775048 · Answer

The only thing that worked for me was to add the parameter to the ImagePath on the registry like the following image :

user_6309684 · Answer

Use the SC (service control) command, it gives you a lot more options than just start & stop.

DESCRIPTION:
          SC is a command line program used for communicating with the
          NT Service Controller and services.
  USAGE:
      sc  [command] [service name]  ...

      The option  has the form "\ServerName"
      Further, help on commands can be obtained by typing: "sc [command]"
      Commands:
        query-----------Queries the status for a service, or
                        enumerates the status for types of services.
        queryex---------Queries the extended status for a service, or
                        enumerates the status for types of services.
        start-----------Starts a service.
        pause-----------Sends a PAUSE control request to a service.
        interrogate-----Sends an INTERROGATE control request to a service.
        continue--------Sends a CONTINUE control request to a service.
        stop------------Sends a STOP request to a service.
        config----------Changes the configuration of a service (persistent).
        description-----Changes the description of a service.
        failure---------Changes the actions taken by a service upon failure.
        qc--------------Queries the configuration information for a service.
        qdescription----Queries the description for a service.
        qfailure--------Queries the actions taken by a service upon failure.
        delete----------Deletes a service (from the registry).
        create----------Creates a service. (adds it to the registry).
        control---------Sends a control to a service.
        sdshow----------Displays a service's security descriptor.
        sdset-----------Sets a service's security descriptor.
        GetDisplayName--Gets the DisplayName for a service.
        GetKeyName------Gets the ServiceKeyName for a service.
        EnumDepend------Enumerates Service Dependencies.

      The following commands don't require a service name:
      sc

How to pass a parameter to a windows service once and for all at install instead of each start

8 Answers