How to Set a Domain Name to IIS (Internet Information Services) on Windows Server?

Setting a custom domain name for your website hosted on Internet Information Services (IIS) in Windows Server allows users to access your site through a friendly URL (e.g., www.yourdomain.com). This process involves creating a DNS record for the domain, configuring the website in IIS, and setting up appropriate bindings for the domain. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Prerequisites

• A Windows Server with IIS installed.

• Administrator access to the server.

• Access to the domain's DNS settings.

Step 1: Configure the DNS Record for the Domain

First, ensure that the domain name points to your server's IP address.

1. Log in to your DNS management tool: This is usually provided by your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider.

2. Create an A Record:

• Set the name of the A record (e.g., www or @ for the root domain).

• Enter your server's public IP address as the value for the A record.

• Save the changes. It may take some time (up to 24 hours) for DNS propagation.

Step 2: Add a New Website in IIS

With the DNS pointing to your server, you can now configure IIS to respond to requests for your domain.

1. Open IIS Manager:

• On your Windows Server, open the Server Manager, then go to Tools and select Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.

2. Add a New Website:

• In the Connections pane, right-click on Sites and select Add Website.

• Enter a Site Name (for identification purposes).

• Set the Physical Path to the folder where your website files are stored.

3. Configure Site Bindings:

• In the Bindings section, click Add.

• Set the Type to http (or https if you have an SSL certificate).

• In the Host name field, enter your domain name (e.g., www.yourdomain.com).

• If you have multiple IP addresses assigned to your server, select the appropriate IP address.

• Click OK and then Close.

4. Start the Website:

• After creating the site, select it in the Connections pane and click Start to make it live.

Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings

Make sure your Windows Server firewall allows incoming traffic on port 80 (HTTP) and, if using HTTPS, port 443.

1. Open Windows Firewall:

• Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings.

2. Add Inbound Rules:

• In the left panel, click on Inbound Rules, then select New Rule.

• Choose Port as the type of rule, and then specify the port number (80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS).

• Set the action to Allow the connection.

• Complete the wizard and save the rule.

Step 4: Test the Domain Configuration

After completing the setup, you should verify that the domain name correctly points to the IIS website.

1. Open a Web Browser: On any device, open a web browser and enter your domain name (e.g., www.yourdomain.com).

2. Check Connectivity: If everything is configured correctly, you should see your website load in the browser.

3. Clear Cache: If you recently set up DNS, you may need to clear your DNS cache on the client device using the following command:
   
   

Troubleshooting Tips

• DNS Propagation: DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate. Check using tools like dnschecker.org to confirm your domain points to the correct IP.

• Binding Issues: Ensure that your binding configuration matches the domain name exactly, including any subdomain (e.g., www).

• Firewall Blocked Ports: If your site doesn't load, double-check that ports 80 and 443 are open on both your server's firewall and any external firewall between your server and the internet.

This setup allows users to access your website via your domain name using IIS on a Windows Server. Properly configuring bindings and DNS ensures a seamless connection between your domain and the website hosted on your server.

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