windows update - now no ISS

I had a local version of my website working grand on my own pc. The asp pages interacted with my database that I'd set up. Now since running a windows patch from windows update, I can now no longer test my website on my computer.

The IIS does not seem to work any more. I have saved a test page to check this and saved it in Inetpub\wwwroot folder - but the browser comes back with page can not be dispalyed.

Have tried opening IIS shortcut icon, but it will not open.

Have gone to add and remove programmes - under window components - the tick box for IIS is shaded - does this mean that is now only partially installed?

Also when trying to close down I get message about mmc.exe ?microsoft management console file (.msc)

Have things gone horribly wrong on my computer?

Is this an issue with doing windows updates - any tip on what could be causing this and how to fix it, getting my IIS working happily again would be very gladly accepted.

(ps I am using windows xp)

Cheers

I assume you're using XP Pro.

If you are running ZoneAlarm or some other firewalls, you may need to try stopping the WWW service and set it to a manual startup, reboot, then restart the WWW service after the computer is booted up.

Open your Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Services and locate the World Wide Web Publishing Service. Stop that service and set it's startup to manual.

If you are using the IIS SMTP service do the same for it.

Reboot your computer. When it is fully rebooted, go back to the Services applet and reset the startup to Automatic for the WWW and SMTP services, and restart them.

ZoneAlarm will popup a message asking if you want to allow these services, say yes.


The IIS checkbox being shaded just means you haven't installed every possible IIS component. This is normal.

You're a star!! Thank you ever so much. It is fixed. The fact that I'd installed a firewall was the vital piece of the jigsaw that I'd overlooked. I'd started using a personal firewall at the same time as doing a windows update, and wrongly suspected the update for being the reason why my IIS was no longer working.

I have now checked my settings in Norton and discovered the Program control settings found under the Personal Firwall section, had listed Microsoft IIS for a Block All. I switched this to Permit All.

Now I could open my IIS settings - next to the directoy of sites held here, was the word: "stopped". I clicked the Action tab and clicked "Start".

Not too sure though whether switching my Firewall to Permit All Microsoft ISS has any security issues. Anyone know?

So pleased it's all working again - thanks for your help.

If you are on a full-time connection to the internet (dsl, cable) exposing IIS can be a risk if you neglect it. I have a lan behind a dsl router and I don't allow outside access to my test IIS servers.

If you want to open your IIS to the world you should regularly check the logfiles and make sure you keep all security updates current as soon as they come out. There are gazillions of infected drone servers scanning the net for vulnerable servers, and they will try to assimilate your server if possible. Think Nimda and Code Red