Occasionally, Internet Information Services (IIS) will need to be reset for such reasons such as resetting the web server, clearing all current connections, and applying web site changes. This can be done either directly through IIS, or from the Command Prompt. This article will outline both methods. We will start with executing the command directly through IIS.

Performing an IIS reset will not cause the loss of any of your site data, but merely refresh the Windows Service which enables it to be viewed over the Internet.

Step 1: Navigate to Start à Administrative Tools à Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.

Step 2: Once open, click on the Local Computer, then from the menu bar at the top click on Actions à All Tasks à Restart IIS.

Step 3: By default, the option will be set to Restart Internet Services on (Computer Name). Leave this option as-is, and click OK.

You should now see dialog box confirming that IIS is restarting. All sites hosted on the server will be non-functional during the time IIS is restarting. Depending on the number of sites hosted on the server, it can take anywhere from 60 seconds (for 5-10 sites) to 30 minutes (50-100 sites).

Now we will examine how to perform an IIS reset from the Command Prompt.

Step 1: Navigate to Start à Run. Next to the field which says Run, type in CMD and click OK.

Step 2: Once open, type ‘iisreset’, and press Enter.

You should receive a message that IIS has successfully stopped and started.