So how do you programmatically determine if a provider is getting its configuration from the default (machine.config) file or from an application-specific (web.config) file?

This is one of those "..note to self" blogs to document for future reference the meaning of the exception message:
Format of the initialization string does not conform to specification starting at index 0

The Asp.net membership provider was designed to allow for self-service password management but through an understanding of the configuration options as well as a combined use certain provider methods, web site administrators can effectively manage member passwords.

Implement the Provider Model in your own applications for cleaner implementations, increased revenues and increased customer satisfaction

Random thoughts from a guy that (abandoned/leveraged) a decade of programming experience to move on to .Net. ...Best thing I ever did!

My first experience with Atlas: Creating a pop-up data entry window for collecting user information and updating other controls on the page - without a postback and -No Java Script- (at least, none that I had to write)

How to dynamically change the master page based on browser type

Is it possible to use a shared Asp.Net membership system with CommunityServer and your own system?

Creating Pocket PC friendly web sites by programmatically changing the masterpage for an Asp.Net web form.

Removing the content tag from selected web forms allows default content from the master page to be rendered.