Authentication Providers 'greyed out' in sharepoint 2010 (enable anonymous access)

Question

I am trying to config a sharepoint 2010 site for anonymous access. The tutorials I am following are:

1. http://live.visitmix.com/Videos
2. http://blog.drisgill.com/2009/11/sp2010-branding-tip-9-turn-on-anonymous.html
3. http://www.topsharepoint.com/enable-anonymous-access-in-sharepoint-2010

And a few youtube videos.

I am stuck fast in a certain point. When I am told in Central Admin to click "Site Actions > Site Settings > Application Management > Manage Applications > SharePoint - 80" I do this. My next step is to click "Authentication Providers".

In my system this option is 'Greyed out' and not selectable. I also try to click "Anonymous Policy". The options in this section are also not selectable.

Is there further config needed? Can anyone suggest a possible solution? or link an article with the solution? The mix videos leave this config out.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Here is the solution:

I went a different way and basically opened every option related to security / perms / anon.

I ended up from central administration clicking "Security > Specify Authentication Provider > Default"

I was then able to allow anon access. The correct options have appeared to the site collection administrator.

Answer 2

In case you're using Windows 8 ensure that the browser you're using for the update is running in admin mode.

Otherwise just open another instance by "Run as administrator".

Good luck!

Answer 3

Try using Internet Explorer.

I had the same problem when using Firefox 3.6.8, but not in IE 8.

Also don't forget to open Internet Explorer with elevated administrator privileges.

Answer 4

I logged on as the local administrator on the box and the button was enabled, but when I tried to save, it error'ed out. I created a new web application, and successfully made it anon, and was then able to make the original one anon too - no more error.