Symptoms

A Windows service keeps starting automatically during install. Most likely, an Install Start service control event has been configured in the project.

Project Type

Basic MSI
InstallScript MSI

Solution

See very quick, attached, 30-second screen capture video demonstrating the solution. After following the steps in the video, just rebuild the project, then run the installer!

The video demonstrates a Basic MSI project, but this solution also applies to InstallScript MSI projects.

Additional Information

For more information about using sc.exe, which is the Windows tool for creating, deleting, starting, stopping, etc. Windows services, click here.

For more information about using a custom action to stop a Windows service, click here.