Best of the ISP-Lists

Moving IIS Not Easy

Members of the ISP-NT list discuss moving files and web pages from one server to another.

[November 17, 2000]

On the ISP-NT list in November, AU asked,

"I am trying to migrate an IIS Server from one machine to another and don't really know how to proceed. I've tried restoring all the web pages from backup tape, and I've tried restoring the metabase file from backup tape. No luck so far-any advice?"

A number of respondents noted that there really is no easy answer:

[GB urged] "Just bite the bullet and reconfigure. At the same time, I would recommend a move to Server 2000 for ease of administration."

[JC observed] "Restoring the metabase won't work; there are also entries in the registry that IIS needs. When you create a domain in IIS, entries are created in the metabase and the registry."

[JM inquired] "What about restoring from a backup, or upgrading a server? There's got to be a simpler way. If not, then NT has no business touting itself as an enterprise class web server. I run NT web hosts, but luckily have never been through this. I don't relish the thought of reconfiguring hundreds of virtual servers by hand, I can assure you." TSR suggested that an application to take care of this would be a wonderful thing:

"I have moved servers with over a hundred domains more than once, and had to do it all by hand. I've just learned to build a solid, stable server that I would not have to mess with for a while. I still have to change out hardware at least once a year, though. Software's never really done the trick before, but I am sure it is better by now. If not, someone could make a bundle of cash-I would probably buy it if the price was right."

A couple of respondents had just the solution TSR was looking for:

[BK advised] "Try http://www.serverautomationtools.com. DomainReportItPro worked for us."

[AP suggested] "Try IIS Export Utility

It's a shareware utility that worked for us. We just moved 200 web sites-it does not bring over FrontPage extensions, but the sites themselves went very smoothly. We had to manually add the FrontPage extensions, which was a small bummer, but otherwise it was great."

—End