service

services.msc
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=304
This allow you to create a Windows user-defined service for Windows applications and some 16-bit applications (but not for batch files).

What is needed for Windows XP:
The files are included with Windows XP.

Windows XP
At a MS-DOS command prompt (Start | Run | "cmd.exe"), type the following commands: 

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Creating Services:
  Adding Service (Note: Space between binpath= and "C:\ has to be there.
  <path>\sc.exe create "Service Name" binPath= "C:\Your Program.exe"
  Removing Service
  <path>\sc.exe delete "Service Name" 

Controlling Services:
  Starting Service
  <path>\sc.exe start "Service Name"
  Pausing Service
  <path>\sc.exe pause "Service Name"
  Stoping Service
  <path>\sc.exe stop "Service Name" 
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/12411-services-start-stop-disable-windows-8-a.html