BuddyPress nor WordPress doesn’t have such files called web.config
Every file should be named as something.php. In WordPress, for example, wp-config.php
I think it’s the smtp plugin you installed, which is causing the problem. Make sure the plugin is compatible with current versions of WordPress and BuddyPress.
interesting. thank you! I will try deactivating, but not sure how to get my emails delivered then. I do have all the latest wordpressmu and buddypress editions. I was thinking maybe it’s the “welcome pack” plugin? Could this be? I will try deactivating a few of these and see what happens. I just got off work, or I would have replied sooner. Thanks for your help!
Ok. So I deleted all plugins and the web.config file. Now instead of a “500-internal server error” i get :
The page you tried to access does not exist on this server. This page may not exist due to the following reasons:
1. You are the owner of this web site and you have not uploaded (or incorrectly uploaded) your web site. For information on uploading your web site using FTP client software or web design software, click here for FTP Upload Information.
2. The URL that you have entered in your browser is incorrect. Please re-enter the URL and try again.
3. The Link that you clicked on incorrectly points to this page. Please contact the owner of this web site to inform them of this situation.
I don’t know what’s up. It was working fine until a couple member signed up and I got them their email verifications. Now 2/3 of my pages are said not to exist. I setup a wildcard host in the DNS settings “*” so pages should be recognized and were before.
Any other ideas? Anyone before I try a total reinstall? Thanks!
Iis doesn’t usually support php. Web.config is a file that’s used for an asp.net application/website. You should switch your plan to a Linux based hosting plan if you want to use buddypress and wordpress as those are usually best run on Linux plans. I’m not even sure how you got them running on IIS as you need mysql database and I wouldn’t think you could get one with a windows plan.
It sounds like @Symm2112’s advise just solves everything. 
@tomstage If you need additional response from the community, follow the questions rules you can find on the top page (or home) of forum, answer to each questions, so we know what exactly you have on your server.
@ tomstage:
If you’ve got windws hosting (most people here probably don’t) that works with both ASP and PHP you’ll have to keep the web.config-file for it to work. There’s no need to take it away. You’ll probably have to have it recreated for you if it doesn’t work.
This is a windows hosting problem and not an Buddypress issue.
Ok, well I do actually have a 5.0 mysql database setup on my hosting plan. Godaddy does offer mysql. The problem I’m having is, I only have a PC. Linux hosting is for mac correct? If these are stupid questions I appologize. I am new to this, but have read basically every “troubelshooting buddypress” article available online.
So my new question is: If I have windows hosting, a mysql database, and can’t switch to linux, is there away to make the web.config file work for me? A simple rewrite or plugin? I imagine there should be an easy fix if this is the only file that is giving me problems. I’m just not literate enough to hack it myself. Thanks for all your help guys!
@tomstage you are just going into a wrong direction…
1. You need to learn requirements to run WordPress.
2. Linux is just another OS, just like Windows or Mac.
3. Ask your web.config questions to your server provider, buddypress forum is not a place for questions regarding windows servers.
And most importantly, read and follow the instructions here.
https://buddypress.org/forums/topic/help-us-help-you
