Adding a System.Threading.Timer to a windows service in VS 2010

Question

This is my first time working with windows service, and I am learning as I go. I am using VS 2010, Windows 7 to create a windows service that will have a timer. I have googled and browsed this site as well Use of Timer in Windows Service, Best Timer for using in a Windows service but I still am confused as to where to code for the timer in the windows service component

I have an OnStart method and OnStop method in the service1.cs class
Where would I code for the timer to execute the function (NOT start the windows service)?

Answer 1

Below is an example of how to do this. It writes a message to the Application log (as seen in the Event Viewer) every 10 seconds until the service is stopped. In your case, put your periodic logic in the OnElapsedEvent() method.

private System.Timers.Timer _timer = new System.Timers.Timer();

protected override void OnStart(string[] args)
{
    _timer.AutoReset = true;
    _timer.Interval  = 10000;  // 10 seconds
    _timer.Elapsed  += OnElapsedEvent;
    _timer.Start();
}

protected override void OnStop()
{
    _timer.Stop();
}

private void OnElapsedEvent(object sender, ElapsedEventArgs e)
{
    // Write an entry to the Application log in the Event Viewer.
    EventLog.WriteEntry("The service timer's Elapsed event was triggered.");
}

I've got a couple of detailed answers here at SO that might be of help as you start working with Windows services.

• Creating a Windows service using C#
• How to have your service install/uninstall itself without using InstallUtil.exe

Answer 2

Would it be easier to use a scheduled task to run a little console application or similar instead of dealing with the various nuances a Windows Service can bring?

If not, you may need to review a normal article on writing windows services such as this c# article or this VB Article. Once you see how a normal service runs (a service that doesn't use a timer), you should know where to add in the timer code.

Hope that helps?