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IIsAdmin.NET: Create Multiple Web Sites Under Windows XP

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16 Jun 20052 min read 354K   4.1K   123   75
Tool for creating multiple web site definitions under Windows XP.

Sample Image - IIsAdminNet.jpg

Introduction

As web developers we all know that very rarely do we only get to work on a single site at a time. Many times we find ourselves juggling between web sites. As each site becomes more complex (virtual directories, web site configuration settings, etc.), the task of switching between different sites becomes more time consuming. Now throw in the fact that you can only create a single site under Windows XP Pro, and you have frustration waiting to happen.

Initial Solution

After looking for a bit, we were able to find a solution to the problem called IIS Admin. IIS Admin allowed for multiple site definitions to be created under Windows XP (with only a single site started at a time). At first this seemed like the answer to our prayers. We can create a separate site for each project, all the configuration changes would be saved with that site, and to switch we just start a different site. However, we soon realized IIS Admin came with a few interesting “features” of its own.

Initial Solution Drawbacks

First, the program did not show up in the taskbar. This meant that if the program lost focus it could be difficult to find again with multiple windows open. Second, if you created a site and failed to start it, the next time you opened IIS it would show up as an error. These among some others, proved to become a problem of its own when it came to introducing new developers to the program.

Final Solution

After dealing with explaining the program over and over, we decided to create IIS Admin in C# (hence IIsAdmin.NET was born) and while re-creating it, correct some of the features we found less then desirable. All of the interfacing with IIS is done via the Active Directory Service Interface (ADSI). Although the IIS ADSI provides much more functionality, we decided to keep IIsAdmin.NET’s primary function to creating the web site definition and switching between the active sites. All of the site management such as virtual directory creation can be done via IIS.

Sample screenshot

We also wanted to provide the code so others could pick up where we left off. Feel free to send us any improvements you make to be incorporated into future versions. Most of all enjoy, we hope it makes the task of switching between web projects frustration free.

License

This article has no explicit license attached to it but may contain usage terms in the article text or the download files themselves. If in doubt please contact the author via the discussion board below.

A list of licenses authors might use can be found here


Written By
Software Developer (Senior)
United States United States
Senior Application Developer specializing in Windows desktop and network development.

Professional Experience
- B.S. of Computer Science (Graduated 2001 - PSU)
- Senior Application Developer (8+ yrs)
- Microsoft Certified Professional

Primary Interests
- C#, C++, HTML, Javascript
- XML, ASP.NET, Web Services, SOAP, UDDI
- Socket programming and anything network related
- Reflection, Serialization, and Plugin Frameworks
- Owner-drawn controls and GDI+ goodness

Written By
Web Developer
United States United States
.NET Software Developer

Education
- Working towards M.S. Computer Science
- B.S. Computer Science
- B.S. Computer Information Systems
- Minor Mathematics

Professional
- Microsoft Certified Application Developer
- Microsoft Certified Professional
- C# ASP.NET Developer (4 years)

Other Interests
- Flash Remoting
- Video Encoding (Windows Media and Flash Video)
- Microsoft Content Management Server

More Programming Thoughts and Tips
- http://gabewishnie.blogspot.com

Comments and Discussions

 
GeneralRe: Where's the New Version! Pin
Gabe Wishnie16-Mar-07 6:40
Gabe Wishnie16-Mar-07 6:40 
GeneralRe: Where's the New Version! Pin
Mark Belles16-Mar-07 8:49
Mark Belles16-Mar-07 8:49 
GeneralRe: Where's the New Version! Pin
stevece22-May-07 4:13
stevece22-May-07 4:13 
GeneralRe: Where's the New Version! Pin
timgaunt6-Nov-07 23:21
timgaunt6-Nov-07 23:21 
GeneralSuggestions Pin
EblingMis13-Mar-07 3:50
EblingMis13-Mar-07 3:50 
GeneralNo More HTTP Support Across LAN Pin
Clinton Gallagher10-Mar-07 4:05
professionalClinton Gallagher10-Mar-07 4:05 
GeneralProblem with debug ... Please, help. Pin
gena8511-Jan-07 12:37
gena8511-Jan-07 12:37 
GeneralGreat tool but... Pin
DavidBSmith14-Nov-06 9:51
DavidBSmith14-Nov-06 9:51 
Great tool, but what I would find usefull is when creating a new website, is the option of coping the properties from an existing site of my choice. Not a real big thing, but it would be nice not to have to select the asp.net runtime, ISAPI filters etc...
GeneralRe: Great tool but... Pin
Ilia Broudno25-Apr-07 10:17
Ilia Broudno25-Apr-07 10:17 
QuestionUpdated Source Code Pin
ChrisAdams2-Nov-06 22:47
ChrisAdams2-Nov-06 22:47 
QuestionHow to use with Visual Studio 2005 Pin
Clinton Gallagher18-May-06 13:13
professionalClinton Gallagher18-May-06 13:13 
AnswerRe: How to use with Visual Studio 2005 Pin
Gabe Wishnie18-May-06 15:21
Gabe Wishnie18-May-06 15:21 
GeneralRe: How to use with Visual Studio 2005 Pin
Clinton Gallagher19-May-06 10:37
professionalClinton Gallagher19-May-06 10:37 
GeneralBeing prompted for a password Pin
pspeth16-Mar-06 7:45
pspeth16-Mar-06 7:45 
GeneralRe: Being prompted for a password Pin
Gabe Wishnie18-May-06 15:27
Gabe Wishnie18-May-06 15:27 
JokeNice Bike Pin
v-xan5-Mar-06 2:41
professionalv-xan5-Mar-06 2:41 
QuestionHow can I retrieve the physical location of a website Pin
Luis Cabrera13-Dec-05 5:58
Luis Cabrera13-Dec-05 5:58 
AnswerRe: How can I retrieve the physical location of a website Pin
Mark Belles13-Dec-05 8:39
Mark Belles13-Dec-05 8:39 
GeneralRe: How can I retrieve the physical location of a website Pin
Luis Cabrera13-Dec-05 9:41
Luis Cabrera13-Dec-05 9:41 
AnswerRe: How can I retrieve the physical location of a website Pin
Gabe Wishnie13-Dec-05 17:09
Gabe Wishnie13-Dec-05 17:09 
GeneralRe: How can I retrieve the physical location of a website Pin
Luis Cabrera14-Dec-05 9:52
Luis Cabrera14-Dec-05 9:52 
QuestionYour Opinion Needed - Continue With Next Version of IIsAdmin.NET? Pin
Gabe Wishnie2-Oct-05 16:52
Gabe Wishnie2-Oct-05 16:52 
AnswerRe: Your Opinion Needed - Continue With Next Version of IIsAdmin.NET? Pin
Oskar Austegard16-Feb-06 5:37
Oskar Austegard16-Feb-06 5:37 
GeneralRe: Your Opinion Needed - Continue With Next Version of IIsAdmin.NET? Pin
OutOfTouch694711-Oct-06 7:11
OutOfTouch694711-Oct-06 7:11 
AnswerRe: Your Opinion Needed - Continue With Next Version of IIsAdmin.NET? Pin
Jeremy Mullinax-Hill13-Nov-06 4:42
Jeremy Mullinax-Hill13-Nov-06 4:42 

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