IIS, Localhost, WordPress setup error (Skip to content)

Hi all,

I’m currently having an issue trying to install WordPress using IIS and Server Manager on a Windows machine.

* Disclaimer *
To be honest, if I didn’t have to do this for work, I would conclude that this is the most painful process I’ve ever gone through in my life and it is totally not worth the effort. If you’re reading this and thinking – how do I set up a localhost WordPress environment using IIS – DONT DO IT. Use Xampp. Use anything but this.

Anway, putting the rant aside, I’ve installed PHP, WordPress and gone through the process of setting everything up through IIS. Now, when I try and load my site, I get an almost-blank screen with two things in the top left corner. I can see a “Skip to content” link, and a “X – Theme build” text (it’s the theme image that’s failed to load). Skipping to content shows content below this. It’s as if the site is being loaded by a screen-reader. I can navigate to localhost/wp-login.php, but can’t login to view the WP Dashboard as I get redirected away from localhost when I try and enter any form of username / password.

I’ve been googling this issue for about a day now and have come up empty. What’s next? Delete WordPress, and try again from the start? Give up on life? Run away and join a circus? Any help appreciated.