How can I back up the Microsoft IIS metabase in Windows 2000 and later?

John Savill

November 23, 2003

1 Min Read
ITPro Today logo in a gray background | ITPro Today

A. IIS configuration information resides in a metabase that consists of an XML document. If you're hosting several Web sites that have separate configurations, backing up the metabase is vital. To back up the IIS metabase, perform the following steps:

  1. Start the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager snap-in (go to Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, then click Internet Information Services Manager).

  2. Right-click the name of the machine that hosts the IIS services, then select Backup/Restore Configuration from the All Tasks menu.

  3. Click Create Backup.

  4. Enter a name for the backup as this figure shows.

  5. Optionally select the "Encrypt backup using password" check box and enter a password to protect the backup.

  6. Click OK.

  7. Click Close on the main Backup/Restore Configuration window.

The OS will create a metabase backup in the %windir%system32inetsrvmetaback folder. The backup consists of two files: .MDx and .SCx. You should ensure that you back up this folder as part of your routine system backups. The .MDx file contains the actual metabase information, and the .SCx file contains the schema. In both cases, "x" is the version of the backup.

About the Author

Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.

You May Also Like