Hosting your own website on a Windows Server using Internet Information Services (IIS)
David Schunk
Systems Administrator Sr. at BAE Systems | Co-VP of Communications, ABLE ERG at BAE Systems | AI Consultant | Host of Voice of Adoptees | Leader for New Hampshire VMUG | IT Infrastructure & Security Consultant | Adoptee
1. Install Internet Information Services (IIS)
Open Server Manager: Click on the Start button, type "Server Manager," and open it.
Add Roles and Features: In Server Manager, click on "Manage" and then "Add Roles and Features."
Before You Begin Page: Click "Next."
Installation Type: Choose "Role-based or feature-based installation" and click "Next."
Server Selection: Select the server on which you want to install IIS and click "Next."
Server Roles: Scroll down and check "Web Server (IIS)." A pop-up window will appear to add features that are required for Web Server (IIS); click "Add Features" then "Next."
Features: Leave the default settings or add additional features if needed, then click "Next."
Web Server Role (IIS): Click "Next."
Role Services: Choose the services you need for your website (e.g., FTP Server, ASP.NET, etc.), then click "Next."
Confirmation: Review your selections and click "Install." Wait for the installation to complete.
2. Configure Your Website
Open IIS Manager: Press Windows key + R, type "inetmgr," and press Enter.
Add Website: In the IIS Manager, right-click on "Sites" and select "Add Website."
Website Details: Enter your website name, set the physical path to the directory where your website files are stored, and specify the port (default is 80 for HTTP).
Bindings and SSL: If you have a domain name, you can add it to the bindings. If you're setting up HTTPS, you'll need to select an SSL certificate.
Start Website: After configuring, click "OK" to add the website. Right-click on your site and click "Start" if it isn't already running.
3. Set Up DNS
If you want your website to be accessible via a domain name, you'll need to configure DNS settings: Update DNS Records: Go to your domain registrar's website and point your domain to your server's public IP address using an A record.
4. Configure Firewall and Port Forwarding
Open Firewall Ports: Go to "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > "Windows Defender Firewall" > "Advanced settings." Add inbound rules to allow traffic on port 80 (HTTP) and, if needed, port 443 (HTTPS).
Router Configuration: If your server is behind a router, you'll need to configure port forwarding to forward HTTP (80) and HTTPS (443) ports to your server's local IP address.
5. Test Your Website
Open a web browser and navigate to your website using your server's public IP address or domain name. If everything is set up correctly, your website should be accessible from the internet.
6. Secure Your Website
Consider implementing security measures, such as installing an SSL certificate for HTTPS, configuring security headers, and regularly updating Windows and IIS to protect against vulnerabilities.
7. Monitoring and Maintenance
Regularly check your website's performance and logs for any issues. Set up monitoring tools if necessary to get alerts for downtime or performance problems.
Hosting a website on IIS is a detailed process that requires careful setup and configuration. This guide provides a foundational start, but depending on your specific needs, you may need to explore more advanced features and settings of IIS.
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