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This document describes the basic steps required to setup and run a MiniPortal Web (and FTP) server.
We will assume you are starting from scratch; you can skip over any of the steps below that do not apply or which are already done.
You will need a machine running Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003.
The machine may be shared with other servers and/or applications or it may be dedicated.
You will need an internet connection capable of supporting a web server. The connection must be an 'always-on' broadband connection with either a static IP address (recommended) or a dynamic IP address.
Also, the connection must be able to run servers (i.e. servers must be permitted by your ISP and port 80 must not be blocked).
A domain name (or at least a subdomain name) is required to run a web server. If you do not have a domain name, you can purchase one from one of hundreds of domain name Registrars or Resellers over the internet. A search on 'domain name registration' will display many choices (e.g. register.com, godaddy.com).
You can (re-)use an existing domain name provided you can set the DNS 'A' record for the domain (see Step 3).
Once you have a domain name, you will need DNS service for it. DNS service for the domain is what allows others to lookup the IP address of your server machine given your domain name. The DNS is the 'telephone directory of the internet' allowing server IP addresses to be found using domain names.
There are two types of DNS services available: static (for static IP addresses), and dynamic (for dynamic IP addresses). The type of your IP address is controlled entirely by your ISP and depends on your internet service agreement. Most low-cost ISP connections use dynamic IP addresses, although switching to a static IP has recently become much more affordable.
Although, it is possible to run a web server using a dynamic IP address (and we will describe how to do so), we highly recommend getting a static IP because it simplifies server management and offers much better overall performance.
Static IP:
If you have a static IP, you may already have DNS service from your domain name Registrar or Reseller. To check this, login to your domain name account at the Registrar or Reseller and check to see if you can set your domain's IP address (also known as the DNS 'A' or 'address' record). You must be able to set the actual IP address and not just the 'name servers' for the domain. (Note that some of the very low cost Resellers only allow you to set the 'name servers').
If you can set the IP and know what value to enter, do so at this time. Then, proceed to the next step.
If you can set the IP but do not know what value to enter, go to the machine where you plan to run the mail server, open a web browser, and run the MiniPortal Basic Access Test. This will display the IP address that you should enter (ignore all other results of the Test at this time). Then, proceed to the next step.
If you can not set the IP, you will need to get static DNS service. You can purchase static DNS service from many vendors. Search the internet for 'static DNS service'. Once you have DNS service, you will need to set the 'name servers' for your domain on the domain Registrar or Reseller site to the 'name servers' provided by the DNS service. Then, in your DNS service account, set the IP as described above.
Note that it may take 24-72 hours for your new 'name servers' to take effect.
Dynamic IP:
If you have a dynamic IP (and do not wish to change to a static IP at this time), you will need a dynamic DNS service. Search the internet for 'dynamic DNS service'.
Once you have dynamic DNS service, you will need to set the 'name servers' for your domain on the domain Registrar or Reseller site to the 'name servers' of the DNS service. You will also need to download and run the 'dynamic DNS client' on your server machine as per the instructions from the dynamic DNS service.
Note that it may take 24-72 hours for your new 'name servers' to take effect.
Installation:
Now that the domain name and DNS are setup, download and install a copy of MiniPortal. Use the default value for the program installation path.
Configuration:
Once the server is installed, setup the domain name, which is needed to run the web and FTP servers. To setup the domain name:
Next, it is time to test that internet users can access your web site through your router, firewall, and ISP internet connection.
From the web server machine, run the MiniPortal Basic Access Test.
The test will display the server (external) IP address, and indicate whether the web and FTP servers are accessible from the internet.
If the test passes, proceed to the next step.
If the test fails for any reason, you will need to determine the cause of the failure and then fix it. The most common failure causes are:
Router Problems:
Since problems with a router are by far the most common, we will start there. Nearly all routers have web-based configuration interfaces. Check your router's documentation or visit the router vendor's web site to find out how to access it (it is usually something like this: 'http://192.168.1.100').
In the router configuration screens, you will need to forward port 20, 21, and 80 to the server machine. These settings are usually located on a 'Port Forwarding' or 'Advanced' page. The router vendor's web site may have documentation or a FAQ which identifies this page. Once you have located the settings page, you will need to forward ports 20, 21, and 80 to the local IP address of the server (the local IP address of the server is displayed when your roll the mouse over the green MiniPortal icon in the system tray). Usually, the local IP address looks like this: '192.168.xx.xx'.
Next, save the configuration changes, and reboot the router if the configuration change indicates to do so. Then, re-run the MiniPortal Basic Access Test. If the Test passes, proceed to the next step.
Firewall Problems:
The next most common problem is that firewall software is blocking access to one or more of ports 20, 21, or 80.
If you are running a firewall program, check that ports 20, 21 and 80 are open.
Also, if you are running Windows XP, disable ICF or enable ICF for a web (and FTP) server.
Then re-run the MiniPortal Basic Access Test. If the Test passes, proceed to the next step.
Other Web Server:
If the Basic Access Test indicates another web (or FTP) server is running, you will need to disable it. If you wish to use another FTP server, just stop the MiniPortal FTP server.
If the other web (or FTP) server is running as an application, there should be an icon in the system tray which can be used to stop the application.
If the other web (or FTP) server is running as a Windows Service, you will may need to disable it from the Windows Services menus. See: Start->Settings->Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Computer Management and the Internet Information Services submenu to check if a web server is running and to disable it.
Then re-run the MiniPortal Basic Access Test. If the Test passes, proceed to the next step.
Now that the network configuration is working, it is time to check the domain and DNS configuration.
Copy and paste the following URL, modify it for your domain name, and hit 'enter': http://instantservers.com/ur_perl/bat.pl?domain=mydomain.com
The Basic Access Test will report if your domain was found and has the proper DNS records.
.If the Test indicates a configuration problem, follow the links at the bottom of the page to resolve the problem.
To publish a web site, either:
The web site can now be accessed.
Now that the basic web server is running, you can add additional accounts and set other configuration options using the MiniPortal Administrator.
You can also add plugins to extend and enhance your MiniPortal web server.
For additional information, visit the MiniPortal product Support area.