Hi,
This is applicable to change for the version of sharepoints used,
'
1.     Ensure that the web.config contains the
appropriate configuration information when compared to the web applications
settings.
2.     Check the web application settings:
o   
Navigate to Central
Administration - Application Management - Manage web applications.
o   
Select the web
application in question
o   
Click on the
'Authentication Providers' link from the ribbon
o   
Choose the appropriate
zone for the web application
o   
The dialog box will
display the type of membership provider (Windows or Claims-Based
Authentication).
o   
Record the name of
membership provider for the specific zone in the 'Authentication Provider'
dialog box.
3.     Locate the web.config file for the web
application:
4.     Typically the web.config file is stored
at C:\inetpub\wwwroot\wss\VirtualDirectories\Port_Number
5.     Verify the following section in the web.config
file
6.  <configuration>
7.      <system.web>
8.        <authentication
mode="" />
9.     </system.web>
</configuration>
10.   If the membership provider name is Windows,
then authentication mode should be set to "Windows".
11.   If the membership provider is Claims-based
authentication, then the authentication mode should be set to
"Forms".
Regards,