How To Create Additional NNTP Virtual Servers in Windows 2000

This step-by-step guide describes how to create additional News Network Transfer Protocol (NNTP) virtual servers.

You can create more than one NNTP virtual server on a single Windows 2000 Server-based computer. To users, each virtual NNTP server appears as a separate server with a unique address and set of newsgroups. An Internet service provider (ISP) can host separate NNTP virtual servers for multiple customers without the expense of a separate computer for each NNTP virtual server.

You can create as many NNTP virtual servers as you need. Each virtual server should have a unique IP address and TCP port combination. Although it is possible to have multiple NNTP virtual servers on a single IP address by using a different TCP port for each one, this method is not recommended because the client software must be specially configured to use the non-standard TCP port.

When you create an NNTP virtual server, you are prompted to type two paths. One is a path for internal files; the other is a path for newsgroup files. If possible, use paths on different partitions because the internal files can be corrupted if the partition runs out of disk space. Keeping them on a separate partitions reduces the chance that the partition can run out of disk space.

Creating Additional NNTP Virtual Servers with Internet Services Manager

1. Add the IP address for the NNTP virtual server by following these steps:
   1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Network and Dial-up Connections.
   2. Right-click the connection you want to configure, and then click Properties.
   3. On the General tab or Networking tab, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
   4. Click Advanced.
   5. On the IP Settings tab, click Add in the IP addresses section.
   6. Type an IP address and a subnet mask under the IP address and Subnet mask headings, and then click Add.
   7. Repeat step 1 for each IP address that you want to add, and then click OK.
   See your Windows 2000 documentation for additional information about Network and Dial-Up Connections.
   
   
2. Using Internet Services Manager, click an existing NNTP virtual server. On the Action menu, point to New, and then click Virtual Server.
3. Follow the instructions in the New NNTP Virtual Server Wizard. Make sure to select an IP address that is not being used by another NNTP virtual server.
4. The new NNTP virtual server starts automatically. If it does not start, you may have assigned the virtual server an IP/TCP port combination that is already in use. Reconfigure the virtual server to use an IP/TCP port combination that is not in use.
5. Configure the new NNTP virtual server.

Configuring an NNTP Virtual Server

The configuration process for the new NNTP virtual server is the same as for the existing servers. You can configure security, create newsgroups, set newsgroup limits, and so on. Most of the configuration options are assigned default values when you create a new NNTP virtual server.

Each NNTP virtual server is listed separately in Internet Service Manager. Each has its own properties, expiration policies, and virtual folders. Make sure to select the correct NNTP virtual server before you change any properties.

You must create the newsgroups for the new NNTP virtual server and verify or change the following options. There are other options that you might also want to change, but the following options are required:

• The IP address setting on the General tab
• The Password Authentication Method setting on the Access tab
• The Log access and Index news content setting in the Virtual Directory dialog box