Basic Authentication in IIS 6.0

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1

The Basic authentication method is a widely used, industry-standard method for collecting user name and password information. Basic authentication transmits user names and passwords across the network in an unencrypted form. You can use your Web server's encryption features, in combination with Basic authentication, to secure user account information transmitted across the network. For easier administration, add each user to a group that has access to the necessary files.

Important

Enabling Basic authentication does not automatically configure your Web server to authenticate users. You must also create Windows user accounts and set appropriate NTFS permissions. For more information about setting NTFS permissions, see Setting NTFS Permissions for Directories or Files.

This section includes the following information: