Unable to select or configure the first task added to the Task Manager in Visual Studio 2008

Description

When using the ArcGIS Server 9.3 .NET Web ADF with Visual Studio 2008, the following situation may be encountered: the first task added to the Task Manager cannot be selected or fully configured by opening the Smart Tag menu.

The following image displays an example of successfully selecting and opening the Smart Tag menu.

Cause

This is a known issue.

Workaround

1. In Visual Studio 2008, select Tools > Options.
2. Navigate to HTML Designer > CSS Styling.
3. Uncheck 'Change positioning to absolute for controls added using Toolbox, paste or drag and drop'.
   
4. Click OK.
   
5. Placing a new task onto the Task Manager now allows it to be selected and configured using the Smart Tag.
   

   Note:
   Another workaround is to temporarily add a second task to the Task Manager. This allows the first task to be selected and configured. Once complete, the unnecessary task can be deleted.