Error message: Unable to enumerate Web sites because the following error occurred: Object already exists (246459)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Information Services 5.0
This article was previously published under Q246459

SYMPTOMS

When you open the MMC containing the IIS snap-in, a dialog box appears with the following error message.
Unable to enumerate web sites because the following error occurred:

Object already exists
This may also occur when attempting to access the Administration Web site. You may receive the following error message:
Unable to connect to the Active Directory Service Object. Please contact your system administrator. Error:-2146893809
No Web sites or services are enumerated in the MMC.

CAUSE

The permissions to the keys located in the \Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\Machinekeys directory have been changed.

RESOLUTION

Change the permissions to the Machinekeys directory and the keys to allow the Administrators group and System account to have full control. To do this, perform the following steps:
  1. In Windows Explorer, right-click on the \Documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\Machinekeys directory.

    Note These are hidden files. To view these folder and files, select the Show hidden files and folders radio button.
  2. Click the Security tab.
  3. Click the Add button.
  4. In the Look In: dialog box, select the local machine.
  5. Add the Administrators group with Full Control.
  6. Click Advanced, and then click Add.
  7. Select the correct group, and then click OK.
  8. Make sure the following check boxes are selected:

    List Folder / Read Data
    Read Attributes
    Read Extended Attributes
    Create Files / Write Data
    Create Folders / Append Data
    Write Attributes
    Write Extended Attributes
    Read Permissions

    Note These are the default settings.
  9. Click OK.
  10. Select the Reset Permissions on all Child objects and enable propagation of inheritable permissions check box.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:2/23/2006
Keywords:kbpending kbprb KB246459
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