ASP Returns Invalid Application Name Error Message (172217)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Information Server 3.0
This article was previously published under Q172217
We strongly recommend that all users upgrade to Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) version 6.0 running on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. IIS 6.0 significantly increases Web infrastructure security. For more information about IIS security-related topics, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/IIS.mspx

SYMPTOMS

If you have more than 1000 WWW virtual directories, you may get the following error message when an Active Server Page (ASP) is accessed:
Invalid Application Name

CAUSE

You may have supplied a wrong path.

ASP can only support up to 1000 WWW virtual directories.

NOTE: This is hard coded in the ASP code.

RESOLUTION

Microsoft has produced a fix which allows the 1000 virtual directory upper limit to be changed via a registry entry.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Internet Information Server version 3.0.

A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

MORE INFORMATION

The hotfix for ASP now has a new registry entry to ASP that allows you to change the upper limit that how many WWW virtual directories ASP can support.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Microsoft Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

To change the upper limit, do the following steps:
  1. Run Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  2. Go to the following key in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W3SVC\ASP\Parameters
  3. Click Add Value on the Edit menu. Use the following entry:
    Value Name: MaxVroots
Data Type:  REG_DWORD
Value:      a number which is larger than the number of WWW
virtual directories (default 1000).
  4. Exit the Registry Editor and restart the IIS for the change to take effect.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/23/2005
Keywords:kbbug kberrmsg kbnetwork KB172217
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