How do I create a virtual directory within IIS?

The following article explains how to create a virtual directory within IIS 5.0 and IIS 6.0. A virtual directory provides web access to a folder that is located outside of the home directory. Use caution when creating a virtual directory, since it provides access to resources outside of a domain name.

To create a virtual directory in IIS, please follow these steps:

1. Log into your server through Terminal Services or Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Click Start, select Programs, and then click Administrative Tools.
   • For IIS 5.0 click Internet Services Manager.
   • For IIS 6.0 click Internet Information Services.
3. In the left column you will see the Server Name.
   • In IIS 5.0, expand the Server Name to find the domain name.
   • In IIS 6.0, expand the Server Name and then Web Sites to find the domain name.
4. Right-click on the domain name and select New and then Virtual Directory.
5. Click Next to begin the Wizard.
6. Enter the virtual directory name as the Alias.
7. Enter the path to the directory you are linking to.
8. Set the permissions for the virtual directory:
   • Read: allows the virtual directory to be visible through a web browser
   • Run Scripts: allows scripts such as ASP and ASP.Net to be run
   • Execute: allows .exe and .dll files to be run (we recommend not checking this option)
   • Write: allows certain browsers to write to files in your website (we recommend not checking this option)
   • Browse: if there is no index page, this option will display a listing of all the pages in your folder (we recommend not checking this option)
   
9. Click Finish.