Microsoft KB Archive/195639

= Nonexistent virtual directory returns a 403 error =

Article ID: 195639

Article Last Modified on 3/31/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Internet Information Server 4.0

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This article was previously published under Q195639



We strongly recommend that all users upgrade to Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) version 6.0 running on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. IIS 6.0 significantly increases Web infrastructure security. For more information about IIS security-related topics, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/IIS.mspx



SYMPTOMS
When you access a virtual directory, you receive a 403 error (access denied error) even though the content does not exist. The GET request should return a 404 error (not found error).



CAUSE
When you create a virtual directory by using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), you set the access properties to None, and then you delete the virtual directory from the file system itself by using Windows Explorer, you receive the 403 error when you access that URL.

The reason this occurs is because the access permissions of that virtual directory still exist in the IIS metabase. The metabase and the file system do not synchronize with each other.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, open the IIS MMC and check to see if the virtual directory still exists. If it does, delete it to resolve the problem.

NOTE: If you have restarted the computer or performed a net stop w3svc, then the directory will show a red stop sign for an icon, indicating that there is a problem.

Additional query words: IIS Metabase 403 error

Keywords: kbprb kbpending KB195639

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