Q. How can I create a Web service or an FTP service in a Windows Server 2003 cluster virtual server?

A. Windows 2000 Server had resource types for the Microsoft IIS components that existed under the cluster resource types, but these no longer exist in Windows 2003. Instead, Windows 2003 provides scripts that are used in conjunction with the Generic Script resource type. Before these scripts will work, all nodes must have the relevant IIS components installed (e.g., Web or FTP components). If the relevant IIS components aren't installed, the required scripts will be missing from the server. To configure a Web or FTP service, perform these steps:

You need to ensure that the IIS configuration is the same on all nodes in a cluster. To do so, use the IIScnfg.vbs script to copy the configuration from the configured node, by running the command

C:WINDOWSsystem32>cscript iiscnfg.vbs /copy /ts destsrv2 /tudomainuser /tp Pa55word 

where destsrv2 is the server that you're copying the configuration to, domainuser is the user who has permission on the destination box, and Pa55word is the user's password. When you run the command, you'll see the following output on screen as a metadata copy is being performed:

Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.6Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation 1996-2001. All rights reserved.Backing up server 127.0.0.1Backup complete.Mapping local drive I: to admin share on server 127.0.0.1Mapping local drive J: to admin share on server destsrv2Copying backup files...cmd /c copy /Y I:system32inetsrvmetabackiisreplback.*J:system32inetsrvmetabackUnmapping local drive I:Restoring on server destsrv2Restore complete.Unmapping local drive J:Copy operation complete.

Please remember, however, that for most situations, a Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster is a better solution than clustering for a Web service. In my example, I required the Web-based printing for a file and print cluster only. You can find more information about the clustering procedure at Microsoft's Web site.