IIS on Windows 7: installing and opening the firewall
Posted by jpluimers on 2012/11/12
Usually, I run IIS only on server systems, but for the occasional time when I need it on a (development) workstation (as Cassinni only listens to localhost), these links come in handy:
- Installing IIS 7 on Windows Vista and Windows 7 : Installing IIS 7 : Installing and Configuring IIS : The Official Microsoft IIS Site.
This helps you setup IIS 7, and make sure ASP.NET works on it - Allowing Remote Connection in IIS on Windows 7 – Super User.
This helps you open up the firewall to access IIS over http port 80. - Make sure if you add virtual directories or applications, that they are based on Physical Paths. When not (for instance with a subst path), you will get an error like this:
<<
—————————
Add Virtual Directory
—————————
The specified directory does not exist on the server.
—————————
OK
—————————
>> - For ASP.NET applications, when creating a virtual directory or application (especially outside the
C:\inetpub\wwwrootrealm), make sure the rights are set correctly.
The IIS configuration will warn you when testing a new virtual directory:
<<
The server is configured to use pass-through authentication with a built-in account to access the specified physical path. However, IIS Manager cannot verify whether the built-in account has access. Make sure that the application pool identity has Read access to the physical path. If this server is joined to a domain, and the application pool identity is NetworkService or LocalSystem, verify that <domain>\<computer_name>$ has Read access to the physical path. Then test these settings again.
>>
When in doubt, check out the rights set to C:\inetpub\wwwroot and use that as a point to get started.
Usually the user is IIS_USRS, and the minimum rights looks like read+execute, but in fact is excute+read-data+read-attributes+read-extended-attributes.
–jeroen
The Wiert Corner - irregular stream of stuff 
Rob Schoenaker said
Another option would be to download NGINX, make it listen on port 80 and then use it as a proxy to Cassini. This basically allows for ‘testing from the outside’. Installing and starting NGINX is a bliss.
jpluimers said
Thanks!