Run an executable as SYSTEM

[Kerflumper]

I have an exe file that I need to run as SYSTEM. If I try to run it on startup in the registry, the user gets an error. So it must need to run as an administrator. Is there a way to make this exe run as SYSTEM? Are there any free tools to turn the exe into a service. I once used firedaemon, but it looks like it isn't free anymore.

 

[CaptainCommandLine]

There's a difference between local administrator and SYSTEM. SYSTEM is of higher privilege than local administrator. Which one are you looking for?

 

[Kerflumper]

I understand the difference. I misspoke. I managed to get this working using the INSTSRV and SRVANY from the resource kit.

 

[CaptainCommandLine]

Glad to hear it! My recommendation was going to be to create a local administrator service account and then try creating a Scheduled Task which runs "At System Startup" using those credentials. If SYSTEM level was required, then use SysInternal's PSEXEC in conjunction with the scheduled task.