IIS site starts but application pool stops under load

Minimal guidance for messy support realities.

Scenario

A web app loads initially, but the application pool crashes or recycles once user traffic rises.

Recommended Resolution Path

  1. Inspect event logs and app pool settings for crash or rapid-fail details.
  2. Check memory limits, identity permissions, and recent runtime updates.
  3. Compare the behavior against a staging or lower-load environment if available.
  4. If one code path triggers the stop, capture that request pattern before restarting endlessly.

Technician Notes

Confirm the result, document the root cause, and record any preventative action worth standardizing.