Tech4dummies

A simple guide to turn your xp box to a web server

Now days everybody wants have there own we server. Then the important question. What would be the cheapest way to do it? If you are on a broadband connection (cable/dsl), Windows XP Professional IIS (Internet Information Server) is the cheapest answer.

Step 1 ) Accessing the Win Xp IIS Interface

First you have to check whether IIS is already turned on.

Go to [START] -> [CONTROL PANEL] -> [ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS]
Check to see whether [Internet Information Services] shortcut is already there. If it is skip step 2.

Step 2 ) Installing Win Xp IIS

Go to [START] -> [CONTROL PANEL] -> [ADD REMOVE PROGRAMS]
Click on [Add/Remove Windows Components] Tab
Scroll down to Internet Information Services (IIS)
Check the box on the left and click apply.

Step 3 ) Starting IIS

Click to [START] -> [CONTROL PANEL] -> [ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS]
Click on [Internet Information Services]
Now you will see the IIS user interface
Expand the left tree under (your computer name)(local computer)
You will see Web Sites ? FTP Sites ? Default SMTP Virtual Server
Expand [Web Sites]
You will see [Default Web Site Started or Stopped]
If it is stopped, [RIGHT CLICK] on [DEFAULT WEB SITE] and click start.

Step 4 ) Checking to see whether IIS is actually working

Open your web browser
On the address bar type http://localhost
You will see the default IIS welcome screen
If you see the welcome screen your web server is up and running.

Step 5 ) Pinching a small hold in your firewall

If you have ICF (Internet Connection Firewall) Enabled you will have to open up port 80 to let the world access your web server
Go to [START] -> [RIGHT CLICK MY NETWORK PLACES] -> [CLICK PROPERTIES]
[RIGHT CLICK] on your Lan or High Speed Internet Connection
[CLICK PROPERTIES]
[CLICK] on the Advanced Tab
[CLICK] [PROTECT MY COMPUTER] Check box
[CLICK] [SETTINGS] at the bottom of the dialog box
Under the [SERVICES] tab check the [WEB SERVER]
[CLICK OK]
If you have a router/firewall you will have to enable [PORT FORWADING] to enable access to your web server from the outside world. Make sure [PORT 80] is forwarded to the PC(IP) your running the web server.

Step 6 ) Placing the files

By default your web server directory will be located at C:\Inetpub\wwwroot
Now you can place you *.html, *.htm and *.asp files there