I created a Windows Server 2008 virtual box with IIS7. I have two websites configured, one is my actual development site and the second is a test site to help troubleshoot this issue.
Website 1 (WS1) - the root of this website is on a drive which is mapped to my development machine (Mac Book Pro). The mapping seems to be working and I can access all files fine (W:\www\dev.frogquest.com).
Website 2 (WS2) - is a very simple website with one ColdFusion page just to prove that everything works. It's root is a local directory on the C:\ drive of the VB (C:\sites\localtestsite.com).
I've added host file entries for both sites (127.0.0.1 ...)
WS1 - Throws a Server error when I try to access it...
HTTP Error 500.19 - Internal Server error The requested page cannot be accessed because the related configuration data for the page is invalid
Here's what I've tried so far...
Uninstalled both .NET 4.5 and URL Rewrite 2, rebooted, reinstalled .NET 4.5, rebooted, reinstalled URL Rewrite 2 Module… retried… FAIL! I took these actions because of information I found here... HTTP Error 500.19 on IIS7 "Malformed XML" in web.config
Per the same article as above, I tried deleting the web.config file. Strangely, this had no impact, even after restarting the website, restarting the virtual box instance, etc... which I've done frequently btw just to rule that out.
I tried adding IIS_IUSRS to the WS1 directory, but because it's a mapped drive I didn't get a "Security" tab. So, this was fruitless. This was per this article... IIS 7.0 Error - 500.19 Internal Server Error
I tried playing with the AppPool security, changing it from "pass-through authentication" to connecting as the administrator of the machine. When I clicked "Test Settings" I did get different results, but they didn't have any material affect in the actual server response. I have screenshots of the test setting results.
I copied the contents of WS1 into WS2 and this works! So, it has something to do with the fact that it's a mapped drive and very likely a permissioning issue in my opinion.
I am now out of ideas and in need of competent help and fresh ways of thinking about this!
UPDATE: Adding a screenshot of the actual error for more info...