Accessing background services when not logged in

I have a bit of a boggle.

If my server restarts for some reason - auto update, datacentre issues, any other reason - Can an MSSQL database service still be accessed by remote users despite not having been logged on? (assume the service is set to auto start)

Additionally, could a custom made and installed WCF service also be accessed without any changes, or would that need some sort of modification? (also assume it is set to autostart)

I know that some services are certainly avaliable at the winlogon prompt - remote desktop springs to mind (otherwise id never be able to log on!)

Takarii

Posted 2016-11-14T13:04:31.190

Reputation: 101

Answers

Yes, services by definition run independent of any interactive logons ("in the background" so to say). The "Service Manager" in Windows takes care of setting up a token and starting the program under its dedicated account.

Custom services can be created as long as they implement the required APIs:

Introduction to Windows Service Applications for .NET 4.6
For comparison, PyWin32 module 'servicemanager'
Underlying RegisterServiceCtrlHandler Win32 API function

user1686

Posted 2016-11-14T13:04:31.190

Reputation: 283 655

So as its a service it is still going to be running, where as a server application would cease to run as it requires a logon? – Takarii – 2016-11-14T14:00:46.207