Troubleshooting: Custom Application Pool Shows Configuration Error - Format of the Initialization String Does Not Conform to Specification

Version Affected: All
 
 

Overview

Users see a server error when using a realm hosted in a custom IIS application pool. The error reads:

Server Error in '/<realm>' Application.
Configuration Error
Description: An error occurred during the processing of a configuration file required to service this request. Please review the specific error details below and modify your configuration file appropriately.
Parser Error Message: Format of the initialization string does not conform to specification starting at index 0.

Cause

The custom application pool's Identity is configured incorrectly. 

Resolution:

In IIS Manager, right-click the custom application pool and select Advanced Settings. Under Process Model, confirm the Identity is set to the built-in NetworkService account.

Special Considerations

If more than one server uses this custom application pool, or if other realms are experiencing the same error, this Identity setting needs to be corrected on each server and each affected realm.


 

SecureAuth Knowledge Base Articles provide information based on specific use cases and may not apply to all appliances or configurations. Be advised that these instructions could cause harm to the environment if not followed correctly or if they do not apply to the current use case.

Customers are responsible for their own due diligence prior to utilizing this information and agree that SecureAuth is not liable for any issues caused by misconfiguration directly or indirectly related to SecureAuth products.