I have been attempting to install 4.0.2 source with IIS 6.0, W2K3 Server and SQL2K Server.  I am able to get it so the database is indeed creating tables, since it creates a dnn_version table (dnn_ is my object qualifier) whenever I attempt to run the http://localhost/DNN4/ virtual directory.

From the very first, I followed the directions as well as could be expected, considering they only discuss SQLExpress and not SQL2K or SQL2K5.  I also gave COMPLETE CONTROL for NETWORKSERVICE to the root Virtual Directory (c:\websites\DNN4Net\) folder and ALL CHILD FOLDERS AND FILES.

Just to make sure, I also gave complete control for NETWORKSERVICE to the c:\inetpub\wwwroot folder and all subfolders and files--though I certainly doubt this is necessary...just wanted to make perfectly clear that all folders have permissions for the NETWORKSERVICE to do whatever it wants.

I run the install, and I do not get the normal, 'Object reference...yada. and then a source dump.  Instead I get the message below.

My question is, if the Virtual root and all subfolders have given full-control to NETWORK SERVICE, why is it telling me it has not?  I've never had a problem loading DNN 3.x, nor have I had a problem installing the starter kit with SQLExpress.  However, something is causing me to have permissions problems and I cannot understand what is doing it.  If someone could please help point me in a direction to look (other than my folder permissions--I'd be happy to send a gif file of the Security tab of my Virtual Director and a picture of my IIS 6, to show that I allow 'Scripts and Executables', use ASP 2.0...and yet, I cannot get past the below screen.  I've tried this install on all 3 servers I have, and still cannot get past this same error page below.  I would truly owe a big one to anyone that could point me in the right direction....

DotNetNuke Configuration Error

Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

DotNetNuke has extensive file upload capabilities for content, modules, and skins. These features require custom security settings so that the application is able to create and remove files in your website.

Using Windows Explorer, browse to the root folder of the website ( C:\DotNetNuke by default ). Right-click the folder and select Sharing and Security from the popup menu ( please note that if you are using Windows XP you may need to Enable Simple File Sharing before these options are displayed ). Select the Security tab. Add the appropriate User Account and set the Permissions.

If using Windows 2000 - IIS5
- the {Server}\ASPNET User Account must have Read, Write, and Change Control of the virtual root of your website

If using Windows 2003 - IIS6
- the NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE User Account must have Read, Write, and Change Control of the virtual root of your website