Since you must have XNET.EXE, replace your writevalue line with
 Code:
Shell xnet modify RemoteRegistry /s:Auto
just as a test. If it works, I'd wager that the Start Type is cached and changing the registry isn't enough. SC.EXE and XNET.EXE usually cause a refresh. You can use SC.EXE just as easily - I am just more familiar with the XNET syntax.

Just some thoughts to diagnose the problem...

Glenn
_________________________
Actually I am a Rocket Scientist! \:D