DOCUMENT:Q275601 04-FEB-2002 [iis] TITLE :Virtual Directory Names with Executable Extensions Are Not Used PRODUCT :Internet Information Server PROD/VER::3.0,4.0,5.0 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Internet Information Services version 5.0 - Microsoft Internet Information Server versions 3.0, 4.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPTOMS ======== When a virtual directory name ends with an executable extension (such as .com, .exe, .dll or .sh), the files in this virtual directory cannot be viewed with a Web browser. If the execution rights are not set in this virtual directory, the following error message occurs: 403.1 - Forbidden: Execute Access Forbidden If the execution rights are set, then the following error message occurs: 404 - File not found Under some circumstances the source code of an Active Server Pages (ASP) page may be returned to the client if it is placed in a virtual directory with an executable extension. CAUSE ===== IIS interprets the virtual directory with an executable extension as an executable file and tries to run this file. The rest of the URL is passed in the Path_Info variable. Tools such as the FrontPage Server Extensions make use of this functionality. Additional query words: kbDotCom ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbiisSearch kbiis500 kbiis400 kbiis300 Version : :3.0,4.0,5.0 Issue type : kbprb Solution Type : kbpending ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2002.