I need to start Postgres 8.1 database in XP without any user intervention even when Postgres is not installed. I have implemented this for Apache2 by running the following commands: Apache.exe -k stop Apache.exe -k uninstall Apache.exe -k install Apache.exe -k start @rem if user has no privileges to install service, start Apache as application: Apache.exe This causes Apache to run under SYSTEM account . Trying to use same approach with Postgres fails. Postgres requires special user account and is not capable to create this account without user intervention. How to force Postgres to install itself as service running under SYSTEM or under LOCAL SERVICE account? Andrus.
