SystemRootSystem32inetsrvconfig

SystemRoot\System32\inetsrv\config refers to the directory within Windows where the Internet Information Services (IIS) server stores its global configuration files. On a typical system, this resolves to C:\Windows\System32\inetsrv\config. The primary file in this directory is applicationHost.config, which defines IIS-wide settings such as the list of sites and bindings, application pools, global modules, and handler mappings. Together with per-site web.config files located in each site's directory, this folder helps form the overall IIS configuration.

The configuration in this location is read by the IIS worker processes when the web server starts and during runtime as settings change. Editing these files directly is possible but should be done with caution because malformed XML or incorrect settings can disrupt or disable the web server. Best practices include using official management tools such as IIS Manager, AppCmd, or the WebAdministration PowerShell module to export, modify, and re-import configurations, and creating backups before making changes.

Permissions and safety considerations are important: the directory is protected by Windows NTFS permissions, and write access is typically limited to administrators and the SYSTEM account. Changes should be performed on a running, properly backed-up system, and after edits, the IIS service may need to be restarted or recycled to ensure changes take effect.

Related concepts include the central role of applicationHost.config in controlling sites, applications, and modules, and the presence of site-level configuration files like web.config that provide localized overrides. Understanding this path helps in troubleshooting IIS startup issues and performing server-wide configuration management.