In IIS 6.0 unable to get an .exe command to execute

hi,

i have just hit the brick wall of the limits of my knowledge.

i have a windows server 2003 running IIS 6.0 with several websites on it. a client wants to have a windows desktop program (pc miler) accessed from their website so their employees can use the web to access this resource and view it on a client machine in their web browser.

the program is loaded on the server in a directory within the website. i think i properly configured a new application extension (.exe) and linked it to the .exe command in the program's folder. using my html editor (dreamweaver) i have used an image to link to the execute command (pcmwin32.exe) in the program's folder.

the problem:

first this link returned a 404.2 error, i went online and researched the daylights out of that issue. then went to the web ui for the server and enabled execute permissions. i also reviewed access permissions.

now the page comes back with: CGI Timeout
The specified CGI application exceeded the allowed time for processing. The server has deleted the process.

i think i made some progress, not sure. anyways, in researching the manual from server 2003 class (exam 70-290) and all the online info i have found, i seem to have the server configured as others say to do. yet the proof is in the pudding isn't it. i have a switch, or some check box not properly configured, for i can use internet explorer on the server and manually go to file, open, browse, etc. and hit the pcmwin32.exe command and the program starts instantly. i can also do this on another machine through a mapped drive to the server to start the program in internet explorer.

help!!! the saving grace is that rollout for this new site feature is several months away.