ASP.NET configuration data is stored in XML text files, each named Web.config. Web.config files can appear in multiple directories in ASP.NET applications. This section contains information about ASP.NET configuration files, their format, and the inheritance hierarchy.

For information about .NET Framework client application configuration files (named Exe.config), see Configuration File Schema for the .NET Framework.

For information about the IIS configuration file, see Working with the IIS Metabase and the IIS Metabase Property Reference.

In This Section

ASP.NET Configuration File Structure (Sections and Section Handlers)

Describes the structure of ASP.NET configuration files and defines section handlers.

Editing ASP.NET Configuration Files

Describes the options for editing ASP.NET configuration files.

ASP.NET Configuration File Hierarchy and Inheritance

Describes how ASP.NET configuration files in different physical locations are computed to create a collection of configuration data for every URL.

ASP.NET Configuration Scenarios

Provides examples of how ASP.NET configuration hierarchy is resolved at run time.

Configuring Specific Files and Subdirectories

Describes how to configure specific ASP.NET resources that are not in the same directory as the configuration file.

Locking Configuration Settings

Describes how to prevent child configuration files from overriding configuration settings. This is useful in an ISP scenario.

Related Sections

ASP.NET Configuration Settings

Provides reference documentation for each of the configuration settings for ASP.NET applications.

General Configuration Settings (ASP.NET)

Provides reference documentation for general .NET Framework configuration. settings that also apply to ASP.NET applications.

Securing ASP.NET Configuration

Provides information about securing ASP.NET configuration files.

ASP.NET and IIS Configuration

Provides how-to information for IIS administrative tasks that are common in ASP.NET application development.