Setup Your Own Web Sever on Windows Xp
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

Getting a dynamic DNS for your personal web Server

Now that you have your Web Server running, let’s get a unique name for it. There are few Dynamic DNS providers out there, but my favorite is SITELUTIONS.COM

But if you don’t have your own domain name and wish to use a free service, I recommend www.no-ip.com. Visit their web site and register for the free NO-IP service and download the DUC Client for windows. Now every time your IP changes the DUC client will update the new IP at NO-IP DNS servers. So you will always be able to access your web server using yourname.no-ip.com

If you plan to use your own domain name go to www.sitelutions.com. They provide the best service that you can find for free. If you’re looking for a reliable Domain Name Registrar check out www.godaddy.com.

Once you get your own domain name, go to your domain control panel and update your DNS servers to the ones that the Dynamic DNS Provider gives you.

coma you give me toooo much info for my old brain mate
nice post

I can't wait to try this out, I'll let you know how it works.

I'm new to this, but I can't get enough of it.

It seems as though the possibilities are endless, hope I catch on quickly.

Well anyway thanks in advance, and I look forward to learning as much as possible, to eventually be able to add and help out like all of you

Thanks

good piece of info

when i go to http://localhost it asks me for a username and password. I just put my windows login and i get the following error:

error '8002801c'

Error accessing the OLE registry.

/iisHelp/common/500-100.asp, line 17

any idea of what's wrong here?

This is a awesome, I'll be giving a go soon!
Thank you much!

This is a awesome, I'll be giving a go soon!
Thank you much!

i follow your instruction and got it set up, would you include instruction for installing vbulletin forum please :)

nope sorry didnt work, that no-ip is crap, dont even activate the domain name.

thanks

If you have a decent amount of RAM and a decent processor. You can just download VMware Server, and then download the ISO for Ubuntu or CentOS or Fedora.

thanks for this guide mate...

Those having problems with no-ip.com try dyndns.com i find it better but its personal preference.

Also if you DONT forward port 80 to your internal IP then it will not work as it sounds like some of you are getting your router page

Nice guide



If you want to host a big forum then it is likely your home connection will be quite slow. VB im sure has a installer like IPB. You need to get MySQL for your database to use any of VB, Joomla, IPB or phpBB etc :)

Inside the vBulletin folder will be the Install.txt or Readme.txt.
It will tell you exactly which files to upload.
Your PC will need to be able to do MySQL and PHP to be able to use vBulletin though

Hope that helps