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WebModel + web server

Access-protected call of documents on a file server via a web server (IIS)

Applies to: viflow (supscription | 9 | 8 ) | Article: 1342723 | Updated on 05.04.2024

Description of the problem

The WebModel is on a web server and is accessed via HTTP(s) link. Linked files should be called from the file system. All common browsers block this call. The files should neither be copied to the web server nor moved to it. A DMS (document management system) is not available and already defined permissions on the file structure should continue to be valid (connection to the Active Directory).

Despite these technical constraints, it is possible to access the file system from a web server. In this article you will learn how to create a virtual directory for this on an IIS-based web server and link documents or folders in the file system.

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Attention – web server required

The instructions only explain how to create a virtual directory under Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS), as we recommend these from viflow 8 onwards. If you haven't set up IIS before, read the following articles on installation and setup first:

  • ››› Deploying the viflow WebModel with IIS (Internet Information Services)
  • ››› Installation of IIS (Internet Information Services) for viflow WebModels

Step 1 – Create a virtual directory on "Internet Information Services (IIS)"

Create a virtual directory on "Internet Information Services (IIS)"

  1. Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager {{1}}.
  2. In the inetpub\ wwwroot directory, create a new folder {{2}} to be used as a virtual folder (here: FOLDERNAME).
  3. Under Connections, right-click Sites – Default Website {{3}} and select Add Virtual Directory … {{4}}.
  4. Alias the virtual folder {{5}}.
    Click […] {{6}}, select the physical path to the actual directory and confirm with OK {{7}}.
  5. Under Default Website – FOLDER NAME open Browse directory … {{8}} with a double click and click on Activate {{9}} under Actions. 
  6. Under Default Website – FOLDER NAME open Authentication … {{10}} with a double click and click on Activate {{11}} under Actions.
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Step 2 – Allow web server access to file servers in "Active Directory (AD)"

Allow web server access to file servers in "Active Directory (AD)"

  1. Open the Active Directory (AD) and select the machine account of the web server.
  2. Open the account's properties and navigate to the Delegation tab.
  3. Select the BI option and the Use any protocol authentication sub-item.
  4. Now click on Add, search for the file server to which the physical path leads (both servers must be in the same domain!) and select the service type cifs.
  5. Confirm with OK.
  6. Finally, restart the server.
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Strep 3 – Calling up documents and integrating them into viflow

Calling up documents and integration into viflow

Accessing documents

The documents can now be accessed via http://SERVERNAME/FOLDERNAME/DOKUMENTNAME.

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Example of document call

Here the document readme.pdf can be reached via the path http://servername/foldername/readme.pdf {{1}}:

Integration into viflow

This path (http://SERVERNAME/FOLDERNAME/DOKUMENTNAME) is stored with the corresponding information {{2}} in viflow in the global properties in the Hyperlink {{3}} field.

Linking to folders in the virtual directory

You do not necessarily have to link to a document or file, it is also possible to open a folder in the virtual directory:

  1. Call up the virtual directory in your browser (here: http://servername/docs/).
  2. Find the folder you want to link to (here: TestFolder).
  3. Right-click to open the context menu and select Copy link address {{4}} 
    (note: the name of the menu item may differ depending on the browser used).
  4. Check the link by opening a new tab/window and pasting the copied address {{5}}.
  5. Now store the (previously checked!) link in the properties (field Hyperlink) {{6}} of the object in viflow.
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Calling documents without access protection

How to allow web server access to the file server without access protection or connection to the Active Directory (AD), you will learn in the following article:

››› Calling documents on a file server via a web server (IIS).

All articles in WebModel + web server

  • Web server – basics and terms
  • Internet Explorer will be discontinued – Notes on the viflow WebModel
  • Access-protected call of documents on a file server via a web server (IIS)
  • Linking to documents in Microsoft SharePoint
  • Open local/external documents from the WebModel
  • Calling up documents on a file server via a web server (IIS)
  • Enable compatibility mode in WebModel – .NET 6.0
  • Export as WebModel takes an unusually long time
  • Turn off the login dialog when opening the WebModel
  • Use of the hosting service viflow cloud for your web model
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