The operation could not be completed. Invalid FORMATETC structure

Issue

When you drag and drop a control from IDE toolbox to Design view, the above error message pops up.

The reason for receiving this error message is that the control is not being referenced correctly. It mostly is generated by composite, third party, or MS Ajax controls.

Solution

In order to fix the problem:

• Close all Visual Studio applications that are running.
• Open up Visual Studio.
• Remove the control completely.
• Close Visual Studio.
• Open it again.
• Reference to the control.
• Now, try to drag and drop it to the page.

To remove a control follow these instructions:

• Right click toolbox.
• Click on Choose Items.
• Select .Net Framework Components tab.
• Find your control name on the grid.
• Clear the check mark.
• Click OK.

 

To reference a control follow these instructions:

• Right click toolbox.
• Click on Choose Items.
• Select .Net Framework Components tab.
• Click browse.
• Locate your control.
• Click on open.