Host a website in IIS (for ESXi scripted install)

Simple steps to host a website in IIS. This can be used to host ks.cfg file for ESXi scripted installation.

Requirements:

1 x Server 2012

DNS

Steps:

1. (Server 2012) Server Manager –> Add Roles and Features –> Select Web Server (IIS) –> Select Optional features such as FTP server, IIS hostable web core etc., –> Install.
2. Create folder inside C:\inetpub\wwwroot\ and name it kickstart. The folder structure is automatically created while installing the IIS role. Place the finalized ks.cfg file inside kickstart folder.
3. Open IIS manager. Right click the Default web site –> Add virtual directory. Specify physical path as C:\inetpub\wwwroot\kickstart
4. Select Default web site –> Bindings from actions pane –> Choose appropriate IP and host name for the website. Optionally add A record in DNS for this name and IP.
5. Double-click the MIME Types feature icon. In the Actions pane, click Add. Fill the “File Name Extension” box with * and the MIME Type box with “application/octet-stream” (without quotes).
6. Test the access by browsing the file http://<ipaddr or URL>/kickstart/ks.cfg and file should be accessible.