actually, if you use the OCX I provide you, you will have to add this OCX and use it to code, the code will be much simpler than to use API, if you don't want to use it, you don't need to add any references, except that you will have to use the APIS, StartService, OpenSCManager, StopService, GetServiceDisplayName, OpenService, etc.. Each time you use a API, you need to add the API declarations and some time, a structure used with the API (that case, there is a SERVICE_STATUS structure you may need). There is no object provided with VisualBasic to create a service, the OCX I show you is the one Microsoft Distribute, but you can find other on the market (Desaware NT Service ToolKit), but they cost money.

for more informations on API:

http://www.vbapi.com
http://www.allapi.net

JeffB