How to fix the error “[HttpException (0x80004005): Theme ‘Default’ cannot be found in the application or global theme directories.]” on ASPDotNetStoreFront

This error occurs when the App_Themes folder is missing from your “wwwroot” directory (or Virtual Directory / Application) and prevents you from logging into your Admin Area.

It can be caused by creating a new application under your ASPDNSF root folder, or by turning the “admin” folder into an application.

Here’s the partial error message (the one that is common to everyone):
[HttpException (0x80004005): Theme ‘Default’ cannot be found in the application or global theme directories.]

If you run into this issue on ASPDotNetStoreFront, please follow the steps below:

1. Download a copy of the App_Themes folder by clicking here.
2. Unzip the file and upload the whole “App_Themes” folder into your ASPDNSF’s root directory.
3. Reset your application pool.
   
   TIP: You can force a reset by renaming your web.config file to web.config2 and then renaming it back to web.config – this will force ASP.NET to reload your configuration file.

This operation should make your ASPDotNetStoreFront accessible again.