Can I set up Windows Authentication in WebMatrix Beta 2?

Question

I have an ASP.NET site where authentication mode="Windows". Just downloaded WebMatrix beta 2 yesterday, trying to debug my app.

In WebMatrix, I'm getting 401 errors after pressing F5 in Visual Studio. Also in VS, getting "Unable to start debugging on the web server. An authentication error occurred while communication with the web server." When I click the help button, MSDN tells me I need to enable Windows authentication.

I don't see an option for authentication in WebMatrix. This question is similar, but doesn't seem to apply for me (and no answer).

More info (not sure if this applies). I've enabled SSL in WebMatrix. VS is set up to use a custom web server with the URL of https://localhost:44300/routing/development.aspx. In WebMatrix, the URL in the request view is https://localhost:44300/routing/development.aspx/debugattach.aspx (not sure where debugattach.aspx is coming from).

Answer 1

I have the same issue and am also looking for a solution.

Frankly saying, I wouldn't even imagine that this should work (especially after seeing Scott Guthrie link to article that tells to use macros for attaching to iisexpress process: http://www.intrepidstudios.com/blog/2010/7/11/debug-your-net-web-project-with-iis-express-t.aspx), but this used to work properly for me in Beta 1. So, one solution for you could be to go back to Beta 1.

Answer 2

I think I found the answer. Looks like Beta 2 (I haven't used Beta 1) has a lot of options that are not accessible via the UI.

In %My Documents%\IISExpress\config\applicationhost.config, at line 349 is

<windowsAuthentication enabled="false">

Changing "false" to "true" works for me.