I'm seeing this same error, although I haven't tried logging into the portal (another can of worms entirely). Here is the post I have in the Benefactors forum (sorry for the duplicate post core team.... just trying to get noticed):
I'm having trouble adding a portal using a template from another DNN install.
DNN_L: a local install of 4.3.5; runs fine
DNN_H: a hosted install of 4.3.5; runs fine (has a production site already)
1. Export DNN_L with content
2. FTP two appropriate files to hosted site
3. Login to DNN_H, Add portal choosing the DNN_L template
--I can create a portal based on one of the standard DNN templates
--I cannot delete any of the portals that are 'partialy' created
--unable to add portal on another 4.3.5 install (3rd unique host) based on this template
--unable to add portal on localhost (DNN_L) based on this template
--no exceptions found in the log
--tried exporting again; 2nd export fails to load the same as the first
--tried exporting w/out content; loads fine in all scenarios
I think the problem originates with the exporting of the template or maybe even file/database synchronization. On further investigation I renamed the portal.template.resources file to portal.template.resources.zip and opened it with winzip. I noticed right away that several folders were missing, and confirmed via ftp that they were not created on the target host (DNN_H). Then I logged into DNN_L (localhost) and went to Admin/File Manager. Sure enough the folders missing from my exported resources file didn't show up. I tried a recursive sync from the root. No luck. I manually synched each folder, and they started showing up. While manually synchronizing all the folders I also noticed several folders that didn’t exist on the file system, but were showing up in DNN. When I tried to manually remove them I received a “folder already removed” error message. If I recreated the folder (and subfolders) on the file system, then retried the delete, that worked. Lot’s of work here before I try another export. I’ll edit this post again after I’m done. OK, one thing I noticed although I’m not sure if it’s related. My IE began to respond slower and slower and I finally had to close and open a fresh browser session to get things moving again. ... Well, so much for that theory. I manually ensured all folders and files are in sync, and still the same error message. I did notice that the portal export function doesn’t include folders if they are empty (which is bad). I added a placeholder.txt file to correct that issue. Still no luck.
I’m stumped. Any ideas? Any suggestions I might try? Any troubleshooting tips?
Error Message:
Error parsing Portal TemplateObject reference not set to an instance of an object. at DotNetNuke.Services.FileSystem.FolderController.UpdateFolder(FolderInfo objFolderInfo) at DotNetNuke.Services.FileSystem.FolderController.UpdateParentFolder(Int32 PortalID, String FolderPath) at DotNetNuke.Services.FileSystem.FolderController.AddFolder(Int32 PortalID, String FolderPath, Int32 StorageLocation, Boolean IsProtected, Boolean IsCached) at DotNetNuke.Entities.Portals.PortalController.ParseFolders(XmlNode nodeFolders, Int32 PortalId) at DotNetNuke.Entities.Portals.PortalController.ParseTemplate(Int32 PortalId, String TemplatePath, String TemplateFile, Int32 AdministratorId, PortalTemplateModuleAction mergeTabs, Boolean IsNewPortal) at DotNetNuke.Entities.Portals.PortalController.CreatePortal(String PortalName, String FirstName, String LastName, String Username, String Password, String Email, String Description, String KeyWords, String TemplatePath, String TemplateFile, String HomeDirectory, String PortalAlias, String ServerPath, String ChildPath, Boolean IsChildPortal)