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ASP files generates "404 - File or directory not found"

(Kristofer Gafvert, January 1, 2005)

IIS 6.0 is locked down by default. This means that dynamic content such as ASP files will not be executed until you (the administrator) have explicity allowed it. Only static content will be served by default. If you have not allowed the ASP Web Service Extension, and try to browse an ASP file, you will face this error message (or similar):

HTTP Error 404- File or Directory not found

Furthermore, if you look in the IIS Log File (located in %systemRoot%\system32\LogFiles\W3CNN, where NN is the identification number), you will see that the complete error code (including substatus code) is 404.2.

To allow ASP files, follow this:

  • Click Start->Programs->Administrative Tools->Internet Information Services Manager
  • Expand <servername> and click Web Service Extensions
  • In the right pane, right click Active Server Pages and select Allow

Applies to [?]

IIS 6.0

Resources

KB 315122, "HTTP Error 404 - File or Directory not found" error message when you request dynamic content with IIS 6.0