One of the many questions we see here is how to install IIS onto your Microsoft Windows based server. I am pleased to say, the installation process is very easy! Microsoft Windows Server 2003 What you will need:

• A server/workstation running Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• The Server 2003 installation disk OR a copy of the I386 folder

Now onto the fun and easy stuff!

1. You will first need to navigate to the "Add/Remove Windows Components" – You will locate this here: Control Panel –> Add or Remove Programs –> Add/Remove Windows Components
2. Once you have the "Add/Remove Windows Components" window open, you will see a series of options:
3. You will need to place a check mark next to "Application Server"
   • If you double-click on "Application Server" you will have additional options. You will need to be sure you have the following checked off:
     • Application Server Console
     • ASP.NET
     • Enable network COM+ access
     • Internet Information Services (IIS)
   • Now double-clicking on "Internet Information Services (IIS)" you will be presented with additional options. There are many options however for the security of your server I would start with only having the following selected:
     • Common Files
     • Internet Information Services Manager
     • World Wide Web Services
   • After choosing the above options, you will need only to select "Ok" on the additional windows.
4. Now that you have the above options selected, you can choose "Next" on the "Windows Components Wizard"
5. Your server will begin to install IIS, during the install you will be prompted for the CD (Usually 2 times).
6. When you are prompted you will need to do one of two things:
   • Have the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 install CD/DVD in your CD/DVD drive.
   • Point the installer to a copy of the "I386″ folder on the server. NOTE: The I386 folder is located on the CD/DVD that you installed your copy of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 from. If you are renting a dedicated server, there is most likely a copy of this folder on your server's hard drive, if you not your host should be able to provide it.
7. Once the wizard completes you are all done!

After running through the above 7 steps you should be able to install IIS to your machine and have it fully operational. Once installed you will need to configure and that is where the real fun begins. We will have a guide shortly for confguring IIS, however until then our forums is the place to ask any questions.