Troubleshooting: IIS/Exchange logs and WebDAV functions

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You can collect information about client requests by enabling logging for sites and services. IIS logs are stored in %SystemRoot%\system32\Logfiles\<service_name>. If you examine the IIS/Exchange log file you will see the request for the sample application being handled by IIS - you can notice couple of jargons like GET, PUT, POST, MKCOL, LOCK, UNLOCK, PROPFIND, SEARCH, PROPATCH, SUSBCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, POLL etc.

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The three main HTTP functions used are GET, PUT and POST:

  • GET: Retrieves a document 

  • PUT: Puts an item in a folder 

  • POST: Submits an item to a folder

In addition to above, there are few more WebDAV functions that are used:

  • MKCOL: Makes a collection that is in essence the same as a Web Storage System folder. MKCOL allows you to make folders and set their properties. 

  • LOCK: Locks documents to prevent writes. 

  • UNLOCK: Allows writes and creates updates. 

  • PROPFIND: Searches for properties individually or for a whole set of folders. 

  • SEARCH: Provides filter, subquery and sort capabilities to a search. 

  • PROPPATCH: Sets arbitrary properties on an item. 

  • SUBSCRIBE: Adds a user to a list. 

  • UNSUBSCRIBE: Removes a user from a list. 

  • POLL: Checks to see if the notification is fired.

Happy troubleshooting!!