How to debug the .NET Windows Service OnStart method?

Question

I have code written in .NET that only fails when installed as a Windows service. The failure doesn\'t allow the service to even start. I can\'t figure out how I can step int

Answer 1

I usually have a console app that pretends to be the SCM e.g. calls Start, Stop which I can then just F5 into for my main coding/debugging purposes, and use the Debugger.Break for debugging when the service has been installed and started via the SCM.

It means a bit more work to start with, I have a class lib that contains all the service code, with a class that exposes Start and Stop that the Windows Service class and the console app can both call.

Matt