Configure the App_Data folder to be on a shared file location

There are scenarios when two or more developers work on the same Sitefinity CMS project at the same time. With all configuration files and website templates held within the App_Data folder, this can be difficult, especially when using Source Control. In the following article you will find how to set up a development environment for sharing the App_Data folder.

NOTE: All users who are working on the project need Read, Write and Modify permissions to the shared location.

Set up the site

To learn how to set up IIS, see Run projects on IIS.

To set up shared location for App_Data, follow the steps below.

1. Copy the App_Data folder and paste it in your shared file location.
2. Open IIS manager.
3. Select your website, and in the right pane click View Virtual Directories.
   The Virtual Directories window appears.
4. Click Add Virtual Directory...
   
5. The Add Virtual Directory window appears.
   
6. Set the Alias to App_Data.
7. Set the Physical path to the shared file location:
   

Set up the Application Pool

1. Create an Application pool for your application.

   NOTE: You need to create a separate App Pool for this set up to work. For more information, see Create an Application Pool.

   
2. Click Advanced Settings... in the right pane.
3. Click the ... button on the right of the Identity setting.     
4. Select Custom account.
5. The custom account must be either a global account or an active directory account which have access to both locations:
   
6. Click OK and IIS will automatically test your credentials.
7. Run the website.