The build directory of the test run either does not exist or access permission is required.

Question

i am trying to run automated tests
i follow the steps in the web but when i have 2 issues that does not solve
1. i created console project and add build definition without drop folder and queue builds that success.
2. i created C# unit test and add build definition and run it from VS and it worked and done what i want to do.
3. i built lab with 1 machine and define the controller on this pc ( the machine in the lab is another pc)
4. i created test suite with test cases and from vs 2013 i associated automation nethod that i created in 2.
5. when i try to associate the builds for the test plan i have a PROBLEM(1):
this happened every new build that i try to assign - all the builds appears after refresh and when i press assign to plan button
a pop up shown with error : " The build that you selected for this plan no longer exist " but he chose it in build in use but there no work item under it - the list is empty even that there are 2 tests under this test suite.
and than when i try to run the automated tests i have this PROBLEM(2):
The build directory of the test run either does not exist or access permission is required. and the test failed.
Please Help
Roey

Answer 1

Hi Rory,
Thank you for posting in MSDN forum.
According to the error message:
(1) a pop up shown with error : " The build that you selected for this plan no longer exist "
I tried to create a build definition without the drop folder location for unit test solution from the VS IDE, and then I try to select the Build in use option to add the Available builds, then click this Assign to plan. I found that I get same error message
with yours like the following screen shot.
However, when we try to create a build definition with drop folder location for this same unit test solution and then build successfully in the VS IDE.
After you add the Available builds and then click this Assign to plan in the MTM, it work fine.
Therefore, I assume that the issue is related to that you did not specify a build directory for automated test case. MTM need to know where is the drop location of the build building your tests.
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/20033217/couldnt-run-my-test-using-microsoft-test-manager
In addition, I did some research about the problem 2:"The build directory of the test run either does not exist or access permission is required. and the test failed."
I know that the error message occur in either of the following conditions:
1. The account under which test controller is running does not have read permission on the build directory. (The build directory is same as the drop location of build associated with this test run.) 
2. The build directory itself does not exist.
So please refer the following blog to check this issue:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/aseemb/archive/2009/11/25/error-starting-the-test-run-build-directory-of-the-test-run-is-not-specified-or-does-not-exist.aspx
Therefore, I suggest you can try to specify a drop location for build when you run the automated test from the MTM and then check this issue.
Best Regards,
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