Windows XP Professional includes IIS (Internet Information Server) 5.1, which lets you configure a workstation as a Web server. IIS provides for basic Web server functionality and includes the World Wide Web, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol), and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) services. The Web server component is not available by default, but you can easily add it using the Add Or Remove Programs applet within the Control Panel.

Before you configure WinXP Pro to function as a Web server, take a look at your current hardware configuration. Because running IIS 5.1 on a workstation will result in a decrease in performance, you should ensure your computer is capable of handling the extra load. You may need to upgrade hardware before you proceed. Also keep in mind that this is not an appropriate solution for implementing a high-end Web server.