Inetpub

Inetpub is the directory for Internet Information Services or IIS, a default Windows component. It provides an interface for letting administrators manage and publish websites and Web applications. Users that don't have an urgent need for IIS or who prefer alternatives can delete Inetpub safely without any side effects if they so desire.

Microsoft's Home for Web Management

Windows users with any aspirations towards running websites of their own should be familiar with Inetpub and its associated program, the IIS (Internet Information Services, or Internet Information Server). IIS is built-in, but not active necessarily, in most builds of the Windows OS, since Windows NT 4.0. Users wondering about the Inetpub directory's purpose can solve the riddle quickly: it's a secure repository for IIS website and Web application files.

The IIS program is a Web administration GUI that's preferable for static websites and ASP.NET Web applications. In addition to storing website and Web application content, the Inetpub folder also holds text log files. However, most versions of Windows have IIS inactive by default and users often will not see an Inetpub folder.

The Inetpub also includes other sub-folders besides its 'logs' one:

• iisamples (demonstrative samples of Web applications)
• adminscripts (for automated website-administrative tasks)
• scripts (for Web applications improving the served site's functionality)
• wwwroot (for all Web page content)
• mailroot (an SMTP e-mail-processing folder)

Note that Inetpub doesn't take up significant space unless users are adding content to it for website creation or publication purposes actively.

In most cases, users can ignore Inetpub without harm.

Tidying Up Unneeded Web Publication Tools

Not every homeowner needs the same closet kind, and not every Windows user needs all of Windows's features or services. For users without any interest in Web application development or website admin duties, there's no benefit to Inetpub or the IIS software. There also are some security issues related to IIS, such as HTTP protocol stack, buffer overflow and privilege escalation or elevation attacks. Users can, if desirable for tidiness or safety, delete the folder.

Since Inetpub is part of Windows, deleting it requires extra steps that aren't typical for most programs or folders. Access the 'Turn Windows features on or off' window from the search bar. Uncheck 'Internet Information Services' and click 'OK.' This should allow deleting the Inetpub directory, like any other folder.

Although few will use the disguise of IIS or the Inetpub folder, some threats will imitate Windows components. However, users should be aware that Inetpub should be in the base 'C' drive and adhere to the sub-folder organization as per the above details. Most cyber-security products should flag and delete false versions of Inetpub that fake being part of Windows.

Users aware of Windows's strengths and limitations for serving websites can make excellent use of both Inetpub and the rest of the IIS package. Those who have less need for it may sweep it away as irrelevant chaff while cleaning unwanted extras out of their system.