windows service takes longer than 30 seconds to start

Question

Hi,

We're using WinXP and .Net 3.5

We have a windows service that (sometimes) takes longer than 30 seconds to start.  Is there a way to signal the the SCM to hold on, and not time out after 30 seconds in an automatic start?  (we see this on a reboot only.  After reboot, it usually takes 15-20 seconds to start)

If this isnt possible, i think we could spin off this functionality to a separate thread and have the service start quickly.  Not sure this is the best idea, because our customers think that once it's started, it's immediately ready to go.  

Thanks! :)