No access to IIS from another computer

Hello.

I'm very new to setting up/maintaining a server computer. (I've always had my hosting done by a vendor.) I'd like to begin to serve some basic html (or maybe asp) pages. However, I'm having problems getting setup.

I have Windows XP Pro at home and at work. I installed IIS (control panel>add/remove programs) on both computers (based upon my reading, it must mean that I have IIS 5.1 - I assume this to be correct.)

I put a basic html file (basically a 'hello world' .html file called index.htm) in my c:\Inetpub\wwwroot directory and I can open it fine. I can also open a new IE browser and type 'localhost' and this html document shows up just fine.

The problem I'm having is that when I go to another computer, open IE, and attempt to access the index.htm file, I get an error saying, "Cannot find server or DNS Error".

I attempt to access the 'other' computer by typing the IP address into the browser address field. To find out what my IP address is, I am going to a command prompt and I'm typing "ipconfig". I'm then writing down the IP Address. (I also see a Subnet mask and a default gateway.) At work I am part of a network, of which I know very little. At home, I am using a DSL modem and two routers (one hardwired and one wireless). I think my problem lies with me using a router (and thus behind a firewall?) Maybe it has to do with permissions?

[This problem is with both computers (work and home) and basically I'm putting an index.htm file in the c:\Inetpub\wwwroot directory and then trying to access the other computer (access the home computer from work and vice versa).]

What do I need to do? What am I missing? What am I doing wrong?

Again, I am very new to this and I am very grateful for any help you can offer. Thanks in advance!
-Jeff
cntlimmi AT Hotmail DOT COM

Your problem is likely a firewall that is blocking port 80 access.

If you enabled the XP firewall it will block outside access to your IIS unless you specifically allow port 80 through. If your other computer is not on the same LAN and you are accessing via the Internet you probably have a firewall in your router or somewhere blocking port 80. If you are using cable internet your internet provider may be blocking port 80.

I doubt your problem is an IIS problem per se

This worked perfectly - thanks!

Go into Control Panel/Security Center/Windows Firewall, go to the Advanced tab, select the Network Connection that your other computer will use to connect to your computer in the top pick list, and press the Settings button.

Check the Web Server (HTTP) box, and optionally the Secure Web Server (HTTPS) box.

Oops, there was no security center until SP2, which came out some months after when this question was asked