Recently my hosting provider Platinum-Hosting moved to a Windows based server environment. They did this for a variety of reasons, including cost and marketability (Smaller market but more specialized), but inevitably their current clients (ie. Me) ran into issues with .htaccess.
Rather then moving to a new host, because I’m a partner in Platinum-Hosting and get free service, I needed to find a way to make redirects or “pretty URLS” work.
Backtalk has some ideas using ISAPI_Rewrite, but it still requires a bit more work them I’m interested in doing. I’d prefer something that just simply used the existing htaccess file rather then installing and configuring something new each install.
Another interesting and more simplified solution.
And a third 404 redirect based option.
I haven’t tried these yet, because I’m still looking for a better solution, but if you have tried these, or know of something better, then let me know.
Honestly, I'm kind of confused as to why they aren't continuing to offer both Windows and Unix packages. Most hosting companies do. I don't know how strong your ties are, but I think it might be time to cut them rather than go through all this.
Focus is key to business.