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  4. Can I make 301 redirects on a Windows server (without access to IIS)?

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Can I make 301 redirects on a Windows server (without access to IIS)?

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  • BrianAlpert78
    BrianAlpert78 last edited by Feb 26, 2013, 12:16 PM

    Hey everyone,

    I've been trying to figure out a way to set up some 301 redirects to handle the broken links left behind after a site restructuring, but I can only ever find information on 2 methods that I can't use (as far as I can tell). The first method is to do some stuff with an htaccess file, but that looks like it only works on Linux-based servers. The method described for Windows servers is generally to install this IIS rewrite/redirect module and run that, but I don't think our web hosting company allows users to log directly into the server, so I wouldn't be able to use the IIS thing.

    Is there any other way to get a 301 redirect set up? And is this uncommon for a web hosting company to do, or do you all just run your sites on Linux-based servers or your own Windows machines?

    Thanks!

    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
    • ThompsonPaul
      ThompsonPaul last edited by Mar 5, 2013, 1:01 PM Mar 4, 2013, 8:53 PM

      This is a really common problem on shared Windows IIS-based hosting, Brian.

      In addition to the web.config method Oleg mentions, there's another method if it's only for a few specific pages.

      This method involves actually having a "placeholder" page on the server at the old URL. You then add a script to provide the 301 redirect. (Or just replace the content of the origianl page, if it's still on the server.)

      For example:

      On ASP.net you would create the page oldpagename.aspx and its content would be:

      On ASP you'd create the placeholder oldpagename.asp and its content would be:

      <%@ Language=VBScript %>
      <%
      Response.Status="301 Moved Permanently"
      Response.AddHeader "Location", "www.mydomain.com/newpagename.aspx"
      %>

      Obviously this method doesn't scale as easily as the web.config method, but it's generally easier if you're just dealing with a few pages every once in a while.

      Paul

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
      • BrianAlpert78
        BrianAlpert78 last edited by Feb 26, 2013, 4:42 PM Feb 26, 2013, 4:42 PM

        Can I create a web.config file, or is that something that needs to be set up by the hosting company (or at least whoever has access to IIS)? I suppose I could just call the hosting company (as Irving recommended).

        Thanks, guys!

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • OlegKorneitchouk
          OlegKorneitchouk last edited by Feb 26, 2013, 4:37 PM Feb 26, 2013, 1:58 PM

          Try this. It uses the web.config file which is accessible via FTP.

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
          • irvingw
            irvingw last edited by Feb 26, 2013, 4:37 PM Feb 26, 2013, 1:47 PM

            Have you called the hosting company? They may say that you need to switch to a Linux box, and they migrate everything over for you. Or maybe they can help you get your redirects in place on their end.

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
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