Verify if a service is marked for deletion

Question

Sometimes when I uninstall the setup (made with WIX) the service remain marked for deletion, and the user must restart the machine to install again. How could I verify that the service is marked for deletion and tell to the user to restart the computer before making other installation?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, this scenario occurs when something remains latched onto that service, preventing Windows from removing its configuration in the registry. (In most cases, it's simply the Services applet -- services.msc -- left open by accident in the background.)

For detection, I suggest you read up on CreateService and other Service API. For example, you'll receive ERROR_SERVICE_MARKED_FOR_DELETE upon calling CreateService if the service is marked for deletion.

Regarding your proposed reboot solution... Windows has advanced far enough to not require a reboot for nearly any reason. Unless you're installing specialized kernel drivers, you do not need to reboot. Don't be lazy! Keep the user in mind! I recommend altering your installer logic to detect potentially conflicting running programs, like the Services applet, and suggest closure.