Enabling VS2005 to talk to IIS7

After much time and investigation I have managed to get VS2005 to “talk” to IIS7 on Vista RC1. The trick? Well, the problem is that VS2005 unfortunately, does not know the new lingo and thus you must configure IIS7 to provide this ability or backwards compatibility. I do believe that SP1 for VS2005 will correct this problem.

Right, within “Windows Features“ or Turn Windows Features on or off dialog ( see below screen shot )

Expand IIS, Web Management Tools and select IIS6 Management Capability. This will now allow VS2005 to talk with IIS.

Debugging using IIS7 and Vista RC1

Upon trying to debug my project I was faced with this common error. Now in the world of IIS 6 this was a trivial task to sort out. Open inetmgr and tick the checkbox for windows authentication. Press F5 in VS and away you went – happy and suitable chuffed with ones self.

However, with Vista it is a little more work. Please note I do assume here that you have a working website under IIS7.0. Within inetmgr and authentication do check if you have an entry for “Windows Authentication”

If you do not see Windows Authentication – then you will need to install this “feature“… this is a clue as to where you need to go! If you go to “Turn Windows Features Dialog” – which can be found under Programs and Features

Expand IIS, and then WWWS, Securty -> there is a check box for Windows Authentication. Check and click okay.

Return to inetmgr and Enable the Windows Authentication. You should now have no problem debugging your application. However I do warn you that you may face further problems if you have UAC still turned on.