Every time I try to run my application on the built in ASP.NET server IE fails to connect and returns this error:

 Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage

 I have tried reinstalling Visual Web Developer 2008 Express using the repair setting with no change. The ASP.NET server loads and is running when I attempt to run my application. The local port number matches between the IE address and the server.

 Can anybody help?

Dave K.

Can't say for sure that this is the problem, but try right clicking on your "main" aspx file, and select "Set as Start Page".

Try commenting out this line in your Hosts file:

::1             localhost

Dave,

You don't mention your OS. If it is Vista, an automatic update or certain virus protection apps may have made a change to your 'hosts' file.

Your "hosts" file is what tells your computer that "localhost" should map to "127.0.0.1" so here is where your file is:

    C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

Close Visual Web Developer and any browser that open.

Locate the 'hosts' file using Windows Explorer

Open that file in Notepad under a 'computer administrator account'. The following entry should be present. If it is not, or does not look like the following, add or edit the entry:

    127.0.0.1       localhost

Save the file and reboot your machine.

Try to open the page(s) that were giving you the 404 error.

-Preston

 Thanks Preston.

The hosts file had an entry: 

::1         localhost

I made the change you suggested and the built in server is now able load my applications in IE. Reboot was not needed. By the way, I'm running Vista Home.

 Dave K.

Dave,

I'm glad this worked for you!

Please mark my reply as "Answer". This helps others who may have the same issue.

-Preston