Q:

How to install VS2012 Windows Service without using installutil.exe

I am trying to install a windows service without using the installutil. An understandable and straightforward way to do this which I found is to use: 

ManagedInstallerClass.InstallHelper

So I end up with the following Program.cs:
 static class Program
{
    /// <summary>
    /// The main entry point for the application.
    /// </summary>
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        if (args.Length >0)
        {
            string parameter = string.Concat(args);
            switch (parameter)
            {
                case "--install":
                    ManagedInstallerClass.InstallHelper(new string[] { Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly().Location });
                    break;
                case "--uninstall":
                    ManagedInstallerClass.InstallHelper(new string[] { "/u", Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly().Location });
                    break;
            }
        }
        else
        {
            ServiceBase[] ServicesToRun;
            ServicesToRun = new ServiceBase[] 
            { 
                new PicknikService() 
            };
           ServiceBase.Run(ServicesToRun);
        }
    }
}

After I Build the service and execute MyService.exe --install I get the following:
Cannot start service from the command line or debugger. A winwows Service must first be installed(using installutil.exe) and then started with the ServerExplorer, Windows Services Afministrative tool or the NET START command.

Any thoughts?

A:

The only possible way seems to be the following

