Svn Version Control

Setting Up Subversion on Windows as a Service: Overcoming Installation Hurdles

Setting up Subversion (SVN) on Windows can sometimes be a challenge, especially when trying to install it as a service. If you’ve ever received the frustrating error message “Could not create service in service control manager” while attempting this setup, you are not alone. In this blog post, we will explore the common issues faced during this process and provide you with potential solutions, including a highly recommended alternative approach.

The Problem

When you attempt to install Subversion as a service using the following command:

c:\>svnservice -install --daemon --root "c:\documents and settings\my_repository"

you may encounter the error message:

Could not create service in service control manager.

This error can stem from permission issues, improper configurations, or even conflicts with the Windows Service Control Manager. The challenge can be daunting, especially if you’ve followed instructions from various sources without success.

Additional Context

  • Administrator Rights: It’s crucial to ensure that you are running the command prompt with administrator rights.
  • Registry Permissions: Some have attempted to resolve permission issues by altering settings in the registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services, but results can be inconsistent.

Potential Solution

While troubleshooting any issues with Subversion installation as a service can take time, here’s an alternative solution that can save you the hassle.

VisualSVN Server: A Simpler Alternative

If you continue facing difficulties, consider using VisualSVN Server. This tool simplifies the entire process by eliminating many of the headaches associated with manual installations. Below are some key features of VisualSVN Server:

  • Ease of Installation: VisualSVN Server installs seamlessly as a Windows service, requiring minimal setup effort.
  • Built-in Components: It includes Apache for HTTP access and OpenSSL for secure connections.
  • Management Tools: Comes equipped with a user-friendly repository and permission management tool.
  • Active Directory Integration: If your organization uses Active Directory, VisualSVN Server can integrate for user authentication, providing added security and convenience.

Getting Started with VisualSVN Server

To set up VisualSVN Server:

  1. Download: Visit the VisualSVN Server website.
  2. Install: Follow the installation wizard. The wizard will guide you through the necessary steps while configuring the service settings automatically.
  3. Configure Your Repository: Once installed, you can easily create and manage repositories through the VisualSVN Server Manager.

By choosing VisualSVN Server, you can avoid many of the obstacles typically encountered when installing Subversion as a service on Windows, and focus on what matters most: managing your version control effectively.

Conclusion

Setting up Subversion on Windows as a service doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. While errors like “Could not create service in service control manager” can disrupt your workflow, employing a tool like VisualSVN Server can provide a much smoother installation and management experience. With its rich features and simplified setup, it is a solution worth considering for anyone looking to host SVN on Windows.

Give VisualSVN Server a try, and take the stress out of managing your version control!