How to Configure IIS for Windows XP Pro

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Install IIS 5.1.

   This is a Windows Add-on available in Windows XP Pro or Windows XP Media Center editions of Windows XP.
   
   Open Control Panel from the Start Menu.
   
   Click on Add or Remove Programs Click on Add/Remove Windows Components Select Internet Information Services from the Windows Component Wizard Select Next.
   
   The Wizard may prompt you for your XP Installation Disc.
   
   IIS
   5.1 will now be installed
2. 2

   Step 2: Once it has completely installed you will have to open it (this may be tricky because it doesn't include any shortcuts on the desktop or in the start menu).

   First go to the Control Panel again and click "Performance and Maintenance" and then navigate to "Administrative Tools". (For Service Pack 3, click directly on "Administrative Tools") Now you should see "Internet Information Services"; open the program up (You may create a shortcut on the desktop so it is easier to find). , Now to set it up properly read on... ,,, Change the IP Address to what your local IP Address is if it is not already set (to find out what your local address is click "start"
   
   then "run"
   
   then type in "cmd"
   
   then type in "ipconfig".
   
   Now look at the address beside "IP Address" and that is what it should be in IIS). , You can leave it at port 80 but only if your ISP doesn't block it.
   
   If you do decide to change the port then note than whenever you navigate to your website then your syntax must be "domain.com:portnumber". , To do this type in you gateway in a browser and follow the steps there. , You should use "driveletterofWindows:\Inetpub\wwwroot".
   
   This folder was automatically created upon installation. , Here you can set a default document to redirect to if no document is typed into the URL.
   
   To add a new document to the list click "Add" and then type in the name (you do not need the path but the file must be in the home directory that you previously chose). , This time rollover "New" and then click "Virtual Directory" (you don't have to do this but it is a good practice).
   
   Select a logical name for your virtual directory such as "root" or something similar as to avoid confusion. , Expand the directory and you should see all of the files in there that are in your "Home Directory".
   
   Relax, you are almost done. , Select "Select new security settings from template".
   
   Click next.
   
   Select "Public Site".
   
   Now just keep clicking next until it is finished. , Open up your favorite browser and type into the Location Bar: http:// localIPaddress:port/virtualdirectory/ or type in : http:// computername:port/virtualdirectory/ (if you did not change the port from port 80 then type in: http:// computername/virtualdirectory/) ,,, For reasons why it didn't work consult the Tips section.
3. 3

   Step 3: If it opens then congratulations

4. 4

   Step 4: you have successfully installed it.

5. 5

   Step 5: In the left panel select "Websites".

6. 6

   Step 6: Here you will see if it is running or not

7. 7

   Step 7: the local IP Address it is configured on

8. 8

   Step 8: and the current port it is using (Port 80 is default

9. 9

   Step 9: however you may need to change this because most ISPs block that port).

10. 10

    Step 10: Now right click on "Default Web site" and click properties

11. 11

    Step 11: then go to the "Web site" tab.

12. 12

    Step 12: Now decide what port you want to use (anything above 1024 should be fine).

13. 13

    Step 13: After you have decided on the port you need to open the port in your router.

14. 14

    Step 14: Next go to the "Home Directory" tab

15. 15

    Step 15: and select a local path.

16. 16

    Step 16: Now go to the "Documents" tab.

17. 17

    Step 17: Next close the properties window and right click on "Default Web Site" again.

18. 18

    Step 18: Now expand "Default Web Site" and you should see the name of your virtual directory.

19. 19

    Step 19: Once again

20. 20

    Step 20: right click on "Default Web Site"

21. 21

    Step 21: this time rollover "All Tasks" and click on "Permissions Wizard" Click next.

22. 22

    Step 22: Now test to see if your site works.

23. 23

    Step 23: To access your site from another location that is not on your network then type: http:// externalIPaddress:port/virtualdirectory/ (once again if you did not change the port from port 80 then type: http:// externalIPaddress/virtualdirectory/)

24. 24

    Step 24: To find out your external IP Address then go to http://whatismyip.com

25. 25

    Step 25: If it works then good job.

Detailed Guide

About the Author