Message 3 explains it:

http://p2p.wrox.com/archive/aspdotne...2002-05/13.asp

You need to build the project - that's what puts the .dll files in the bin folder.

Have you tried going through a beginner book on ASP.NET? You probably need more experience with the basics before working on this web site.

Your right.There are no DLL files.This is despite the fact that I have tried to build it from the IDE(several tmes!).The log said that the builds were successful.Doing a search for *.dll causes windows explorer to hang.I suspect that there's something catastrophically wrong with my XP pro installation(or my .NET installation!).
I probably do need more experience with the basics.Can't afford training/books though.Will persevere.
Thanks to everyone who helped me on this.

Hi,
When I tried to open the project using VS.NET 2003, I got the same problem:
Unable to get the project file from the web server. Unable to open Web project 'xxx'. The web 'xxx' located on the server 'http://localhost' does not exist.

I was able to open the project, after i reinstall the project, I got this problem.


I did create the virtual dir. xxx on my localserver. and the application does come up when i type in my broswer: http://localhost/xxx

but i can't open it using VS.NET2003

any ideas what's going on ?

VS 2003 wants to open the site using Front Page Server extensions. Maybe you don't have them installed?

Under File..Open there are 2 options:
Project
Project From Web

Try both of these. But I think both will fail if you don't have the FP extensions loaded.