This article will explain how to set a static machine key on our Public Cloud platform.
In many cases, the ASP.Net machine key will need to be set as a static key, due to the Public Cloud platform being a webfarm, and containing many web servers. Below, are two ways to set a static machine key.
Setting a Static Machine Key through IIS Remote Manager (Easy)
- You will need your IIS Manager User credentials from the Unity Control Panel. (https://unity.serverintellect.com)
- Once logged in, go to "My Services > Hosted Services".
- Click on the "Web" icon.
- Click "IIS/FTP User Manager".
- Click the proper user.
- Click the "IIS Remote User Permissions" tab, to get the server name. (manage.si-cloud.com)
- Log in with IIS Manager.
- In the left pane, click on your domain.
- In the center pane, under ASP.NET, double click the "Machine Key" icon.
- Uncheck "Automatically generate at runtime". (this will need to be done for both the validation key, and decryption key sections)
- In the right pane, click "Generate Keys".
- You should see keys generated in the center pane now.
- Click "Apply" on the right pane.
- This should generate a static machine key in your web.config file.
- Recycle your application pool, and browse to your site.
Setting a Static Machine Key via programming (Advanced)
- This requires manual editing of your web.config file. (It is recommended to only attempt this, if you are well versed in ASP.Net programming)
- First, you will need to find a way to generate a static machine key, for ASP.Net. (I recommend the following web site; http://aspnetresources.com/tools/machineKey)
- Once you have generated the key, you will need to add the code generated, into the "<system.web>" section of your web.config file.
- Recycle your application pool, and browse to your site.
Article ID: 679, Created On: 12/28/2011, Modified: 2/13/2012