Unable to create domain in Plesk: Error: ProtDir_IIS::update() failed: Add Protected Directory failed

Symptoms

Unable to add a domain in Plesk:

PLESK_ERROR: Error: ProtDir_IIS::update() failed: Add Protected Directory failed: Filename: ?C:Inetpubvhostsexample.comhttpdocsweb.config Error: The configuration section ‘system.webServer/pleskProtectedUrls’ cannot be read because it is missing a section declaration In module

Cause

Missing registries In applicationHost.config file due to incorrect plesk-urlprotection package installation:

C:>”%plesk_cli%repair.exe” –synchronize-protected-directories-storage
The system cannot find the path specified.
C:>cd %plesk_cli%
The system cannot find the path specified.

Resolution

1. Connect to the server via RDP.

2. Open the C:WindowsSystem32inetsrvConfigapplicationHost.config file and add the missing lines (in bold) into respective sections:

   
   <system.webServer>
   ...
   <globalModules>
   ...
   <add name="PleskUrlProtectionModule" image="%windir%System32inetsrvpleskurlprotection.dll" />
   ...
   </globalModules>
   ...
   </system.webServer>
   ...
   <configuration>
   <configSections>
   ...
   <sectionGroup name="system.webServer">
   ...
   <section name="pleskProtectedUrls" overrideModeDefault="Deny" />
   ...
   </sectionGroup>
   ...
   </configSections>
   ...
   </configuration>

3. Reinstall Plesk microupdates.