My setup -->

• Server 2003 SP2
• .Net 3.5 is installed and patched
• This is a brand new server (VM) with nothing else installed - built strictly for DNN
• Completely new DNN installation using the Install zip file.
• The DNN folder is E:\somefolder\DNN as opposed to the c:\inetpub\wwwroot folder
• I gave NETWORK SERVICE, the local ASP.net Machine account full control over the folder (I have even replaced the permissions on the sub folders & files to ensure that every folder / file had the correct permissions)
• Using a SQL 2008 Server with SQL authentication  (I could not get integrated to work. . .) - This SQL server is running other things and is working properly with those applications

I start the Installation wizard, the folder permission test passes, then I setup the DB and the check connectivity comes back successfully.  I then setup my host account and go through installing modules (I have tried selecting none, all, and random ones), then Languages, then I get to Install Providers.  Once I click "Next" on the "Install Providers" page the page waits for about 2 minutes and then displays "Internet Explorer cannot display the page".

 Needless to say since the install didnt finish I can't access the DNN site (I get the cryptic "Object reference not set to an instance of an object" error)

 I have tried this install about 15 times with the same result - everytime before I try I delete the database and re-create it, and delete all the files in the directory and un-zip from the download again.  I am completely stuck, I think I must be missing something but I can't figure out what.

I have searched through the posts here an on the Internet for 3 days trying to figure this out and I am completely stumped!  Any help would be appreciated! 

Thanks in advance -

Jason