Creating a Web Application (Virtual Directory) in IIS 7

One of the first things that you will need to do is to create a web application (for more information, see the section on web applications and pools).

Before you start

A note about security

It is highly recommended that any IIS configuration should only be performed by company staff / persons who have experienced administration skills with MS Windows Windows Administration. IIS is a complex enterprise system that has many settings that may indirectly affect the operation of the HelpMaster Web Module. Furthermore, the configuration of any internet based IIS application has serious network security issues that need to be understood and correctly implemented.

An incorrect configuration of a web server may expose your network and data to hackers or other malicious activity.

A note about pre-requisite installations

At this stage, it is assumed that you already have installed both Microsoft IIS, the Microsoft .NET Framework and the HelpMaster Web Module.

Location Options

The HelpMaster Web Module needs to be installed as a web application under the Default Web Site or a new Web Site with a different binding and/or Host name to the Default Web Site. Installing the HelpMaster Web Module as the Default Web Site is only recommended when a dedicated domain is being used, e.g. http://helpmaster.mydomain.com. When this configuration is used a duplicate web Application needs to reside under the Web Site pointing to the same physical path or the application will not appear in the HelpMaster Web Configuration Manager. In the majority of cases the HelpMaster Web Module should be installed as an IIS Virtual Directory e.g. http://mydomain.com/helpmaster/.

Creating a new virtual directory / application

Open the IIS Manager by selecting Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager
"Right click" on the Default Web Site node/branch and select Add application... from the pop-up menu

The properties for a new application will be displayed.
The "Add Application" screen contains several settings that need to be configured. After each of the settings below have been configured, click OK to create the web application.

Alias : This is the name of your HelpMaster web application. This should be one word without any spaces. This name will be the web page that you will need to access to use the HelpMaster Module. eg. www.machinename.com/virtualdirectoryalias

Application pool : Select the application pool that the HelpMaster web interface will operate in. Choose the Classic.Net AppPool or select / create another Classic application pool. For further information about Application pools, refer to Web applications and pools.

Physical path : Click the "..." button to browse to where you installed HelpMaster. It is vital that you select the "web_structure" folder. If you selected default settings during the setup, this location may be "C:/inetpub/wwwroot/HelpMaster Web Interface" or similar. Note: If you moved this folder at any time, or wish to re-locate this folder, please read this first.

Connect as... : Select the connection method. The default setting is "Application user (pass-through authentication)"