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MS-Windows Troubleshooting
Error while trying to run project: Unable to start debugging on the web server. The project is not configured to be debugged.
Symptom:
After copying a .NET web-application the following error is encountered when trying to debug it using Visual Studio .NET:
Error while trying to run project: Unable to start debugging on the web server. The project is not configured to be debugged.
Cause
This error has only been observed after a .NET web application was copied to a different machine (but may apply if it is manually renamed or moved).
Remedy:
- Run "Internet Services Manager" (under Control Panel > Administrative Tools). If you are running on a server rather than a workstation then this will instead be called "Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager".
- Find the project/application in the list of web sites. (Open up your computer in the list, and look under "Default Web Site" - or "Web Sites" if on a server).
- Bring up its properties (Right click > Properties).
- If the 'application name' (under "Application Settings" on the "Directory" tab) is grayed out then click '[Create]' and then '[OK]'.
These notes have been tested within Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 running under Windows 2000, and may apply to other versions as well.
About the author: Brian Cryer 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.