visual-studioiisvisual-studio-2017iis-express

Unable to launch IIS Express Web Server - Failed to Register URL - Cannot create a file when that file already exists | VS Community 2017

In VS Community 2017 (v15.9.26) I am unable to debug as IIS Express Web Server Produces the following error.

Output for IIS Express: Failed to register URL "localhost:xxxxx/" for site. Error description: Cannot create a file when that file already exists. (0x800700b7)

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Steps to try to resolve the issue

  1. Clean, Rebuild, Restart VS, Restart Computer
  2. Deleted the IISExpress folder and re-ran VS SA Source
  3. Deleted the .vs folder and re-ran VS
  4. Created a new virtual directory SA Source
  5. Re-cloned repo in a new directory and started from scratch
  6. Running netsh http show urlacl showed no other process using port
  7. Removed the ComponentModelCache from the VS AppData
  8. Re-installed VS Community 2017
  9. Implemented a confirmed working applicationhost.config with updated references to my paths, still same port issue.
  10. Re-installed IIS 10.0 Express
  11. Turned off anti-virus

I should note that I have three startup projects running. Two of the projects (with different ports) run fine so I can rule out firewall or SSL issues. The third startup application only produces this error.

After trying all 7 steps and resting my computer multiple times I am stuck. Any further solutions/fixes to try would be greatly appreciated!

Solution

  • I found two temporary workarounds in order to bypass the VS error.

    1. Assign a different port number to the application
    2. Comment out the specific binding protocol in the .vs\config\applicationhost.config

    I am still looking for a more sustainable solution.