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MS-Windows Troubleshooting

Server Error in '/' Application

Symptom:

When trying to run a .NET web-application the following error is generated in the browser:

Server Error in '/' Application
Runtime Error
.
.
<!-- Web.Config Configuration File -->
.
.

Cause

This error has been observed when a new .NET web application has been copied to a server or renamed on the server.

Remedy:

  1. Run "Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager" (this may be called simply "Internet Services Manager" on a workstation), this can be found under Control Panel > Administrative Tools.
  2. Find the project in the list of projects. (Open up your computer in the list, and look under "Web Sites" - or  "Default Web Site" if running on a workstation).
  3. Bring up its properties (Right click > Properties).
  4. If the 'application name' (under "Application Settings" on the "Directory" tab) is greyed out then click '[Create]' and then '[OK]'.

These notes have been tested with .Net 1.1 applications on Windows 2003 server, and may apply to other versions as well.

About the author: is a dedicated software developer and webmaster. For his day job he develops websites and desktop applications as well as providing IT services. He moonlights as a technical author and consultant.