Configuring MIME Types

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 with SP1

IIS serves only the static files with extensions that are registered in the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) types list. IIS is preconfigured to recognize a default set of global MIME types, which are recognized by all configured Web sites. MIME types can also be defined at the Web site and directory levels, independent of one another or the types defined globally. IIS also allows you to change, remove, or configure additional MIME types. For any static content file extensions used by the Web sites and applications hosted by IIS that are not defined in the MIME types list, you must create a corresponding MIME type entry.

Configure the MIME types after upgrade by completing the following steps:

  1. Remove the entry .* application/octet-stream, which enables all MIME types. Removing this entry allows you to restrict the static content served by IIS.

    For information about how to remove a MIME type from the list, see Configure MIME Types.

  2. For each static file type that is used by your applications, ensure that an entry exists in the MIME types list.

    When your application uses the standard MIME types included in IIS, no new MIME type entry is required. For information about how to add a MIME type, see Configure MIME Types.

  3. Use a Web browser on a client computer to verify that the Web sites and applications run on the server.