A. M. Software Services, Inc. - Knowledge Base

IIS Status Codes

SUMMARY

When users try to access content on a server that is running Internet Information Services (IIS) through HTTP or File Transfer Protocol (FTP), IIS returns a numeric code that indicates the status of the request. This status code is recorded in the IIS log, and it may also be displayed in the Web browser or FTP client. The status code can indicate whether a particular request is successful or unsuccessful and can also reveal the exact reason why a request is unsuccessful.

MORE INFORMATION

Log File Locations

By default, IIS places its log files in %WINDIR\System32\Logfiles. This directory contains separate directories for each World Wide Web (WWW) and FTP site. By default, logs are created in the directories daily and are named with the date (for example, exYYMMDD.log).

HTTP

1xx - Informational

These status codes indicate a provisional response. The client should be prepared to receive one or more 1xx responses before receiving a regular response.
2xx - Success

This class of status codes indicates that the server successfully accepted the client request.
3xx - Redirection

The client browser must take more action to fulfill the request. For example, the browser may have to request a different page on the server or repeat the request by using a proxy server.
4xx - Client Error

An error occurs, and the client appears to be at fault. For example, the client may request a page that does not exist, or the client may not provide valid authentication information.
5xx - Server Error

The server cannot complete the request because it encounters an error.

Common HTTP Status Codes and Their Causes

FTP

1xx - Positive Preliminary Reply

These status codes indicate that an action has started successfully, but the client expects another reply before it continues with a new command.
2xx - Positive Completion Reply

An action has successfully completed. The client can execute a new command.
3xx - Positive Intermediate Reply

The command was successful, but the server needs additional information from the client to complete processing the request.
4xx - Transient Negative Completion Reply

The command was not successful, but the error is temporary. If the client retries the command, it may succeed.
5xx - Permanent Negative Completion Reply

The command was not successful, and the error is permanent. If the client retries the command, it receives the same error.

Common FTP Status Codes and Their Causes

REFERENCES

For more information about HTTP status code definitions, visit the following World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web site:

Status Code Definitions
http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc2616/rfc2616-sec10.html#sec10

For more information about FTP status code definitions, view section 4.2 ("FTP Replies") at the following W3C Web site:

File Transfer Functions
http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc959/4_FileTransfer.html

 
AMSS COMMUNITY HUB
James K. Murray (MCSA, MCSD)
President
A. M. Software Services, Inc.
347.247.6680
JamesMurray@AMSoftwareServices.com
http://www.amsoftwareservices.net