The server returned an invalid or unrecognized response.

Error Message

When trying to create a ASP.Net Web Application from Visual Studio.Net, the following error may be returned:

The web server reported the following error when attempting to create or open the Web project located at the following URL: 'http://localhost......'. 'The server returned an invalid or unrecognized response.'

Cause

Visual Studio.Net may have been installed before IIS (Internet Information Systems). The correct order of installation should be:

Solution or Workaround

1. Start the Visual Studio Command Prompt by navigating to Start > Microsoft Visual Studio .Net 2003 > Visual Studio .Net tools > Visual Studio 2003 Command Prompt.
2. At the command prompt, type 'aspnet_regiis -i' and then press return to run this command. It may take a few minutes to complete.