How to get a Web Service to use a Fixed Port Number When Using the Visual Studio Development Server?

Question

I have an asp.net website and a windows form application.

My Webservice's Location is : http://localhost:12312/MyWebSiteFolder/WSFile.asmx

Problem is : the port number keeps changing, if I reopen the solution, its going to change to something else:

http://localhost:11122/MyWebSiteFolder/WSFile.asmx

Is there a way so I won't have to update the location of the file in my windows form application everytime I reopen the website's solution?

Answer 1

(assuming Visual Studio 2010)

Under the Web tab of the properties for the project, change the "Auto-assign Port" option to "Specific port" and enter the port you want to always use.

Alternately, if possible, you can choose the option to use your local IIS server.

Update:

If you're using a "Web Site" project instead of "Web Application," the setting is located in the properties window of the project instead of the properties dialog. Note the "Use dynamic ports" option here: