[iis] "Cannot verify access to path (C:\inetpub\wwwroot)", when adding a virtual directory

I had the same problem and couldn't figure it out for almost a day. I added IUSR and NetworkService to the folder permissions, I made sure it was running as NetworkService. I tried impersonation and even running as administrator (DO NOT DO THIS). Then someone recommended that I try running the page from inside the Windows 2008 R2 server and it pointed me to the Handler Mappings, which were all disabled.

I got it to work with this:

  • Open the Feature View of your website.
  • Go to Handler Mappings.
  • Find the path for .cshtml
  • Right Click and Click Edit Feature Permissions
  • Select Execute
  • Hit OK.

Now try refreshing your website.