web.config allowDefinition=MachineToApplication error

Question

Under the root directory I have the following structure

..
..
..
web.config
Report Folder
- Login.aspx
- Web.config
  |
  |-> ViewReport
       |       
          


        

Answer 1

I deleted my bin and obj folder for the project and then rebuilt the solution and everything was working fine...not a technically savvy answer but it works.

Answer 2

This error seems to occur if you try to open an asp.net WEBSITE and run it while it was originally encapsulated by a SOLUTION. Do this: Close the website, find the related solution (.sln-file) further up in the file system and open this in stead. Inside the solution you will now be able to use your website without getting this error.

It would be nice if Microsoft could guide people in the right direction when they get lost in asp.net like this. The present error message about allowDefinition=MachineToApplication is not understandable for normal humans like me.

Answer 3

I opened the web site from IIS instead of file system and it worked.