IT Dojo: Install IIS 7.0 on Windows Server 2008 with a Package Manager script

Bill Detwiler: Many products, like SQL Server, require the IIS Web engine as a prerequisite. You could install IIS on Windows Server 2008 using the GUI, but there is an easier way -- especially when dealing with multiple servers.

I'm Bill Detwiler, and during this IT Dojo video, I'll show you how to install IIS 7.0 on Windows Server 2008 using a Package Manager script.

By default, IIS 7.0 is not installed on Windows Server 2008. If you need to add IIS, you could use the GUI-based Add Roles Wizard in Server Manager. This works well for single machines. But if you're installing IIS on multiple machines and want to maintain and consistent configuration across those servers, using a Package Manager script is a better option.

Package Manager is a command-line tool available in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 that lets you install, remove, and update Windows packages and Windows Optional Features.

To install a basic IIS configuration, run the script you see here.

The command provides little interaction and, by default, does not provide feedback of any type if an incorrect parameter is passed after the /iu parameter. So make sure you have everything entered correctly.

Now don't worry, I'll provide the text of the script in the IT Dojo blog so you don't have to freeze the video and try to copy it.

The scripted task should finish running in a few minutes. After it does, and Server Manager performs its next refresh, the Web server should be running and listed as a role.

Here you can see an updated Server Manager with this basic IIS role.

Besides IIS, the Package Manager can automate the installation of other Windows features and can also uninstall packages, which may be helpful for temporarily enabling a feature for a specified amount of time and for removing the feature from a scheduled task to ensure its decommissioning.

For more information on the Package Manager, read the TechNet article, Package Manager Command-Line Options.

And as always, for more teachings on your path to becoming an IT Ninja, visit itdojo.techrepublic.com. And please let us know if this tip was helpful.

You can also submit your favorite IT Ninja tips by e-mailing them to us at itdojo@techrepublic.com. If we use them for an episode of IT Dojo, we'll send you a TechRepublic coffee mug.

I'm Bill Detwiler. Thanks for visiting TechRepublic's IT Dojo.