I adapted a TypeScript Express application, tested it locally with `npm run dev`, and it also includes an `npm run prod` command. I have IIS Manager available on a Windows machine and tried placing the project under `wwwroot`, creating a website, and configuring an HTTP binding on port 80 for `192.168.5.36` with the hostname `www.MyExpressApp.com`. Visiting the server IP still shows the default IIS page, while visiting `http://192.168.5.36/MyFirstPath` returns a 404. I'm unsure whether the hostname binding is affecting the request, how the Express process should be started, and where `npm run prod` fits into the IIS setup.
2 Answers
Also check the IIS binding while testing. A binding with the hostname `www.MyExpressApp.com` only matches requests that include that host name; browsing directly to the IP may select the default IIS site instead. Add the hostname to your hosts/DNS configuration or test with the correct host header. However, fixing the binding alone will not start the Express app—you still need Node running and IIS configured to proxy requests to its listening port.
IIS Manager does not run an Express application by itself. Node.js and the application need to be installed on the server, and the production command must be run there—usually after installing dependencies and building the TypeScript code. Keep the Node process listening on a local port such as 3000, then configure IIS as a reverse proxy in front of it using URL Rewrite and Application Request Routing. IIS receives requests on port 80 and forwards them to the Express server. Simply copying the project into `wwwroot` makes IIS treat it like a static website, so Express routes such as `/MyFirstPath` will return 404.
That means the server administrator would need to install Node.js, deploy the application, and arrange for the production process to stay running, for example with a Windows service or a process manager. Updates would also need to be deployed by someone with access to that server; IIS itself does not push application source changes.