TF900547: The directory containing the assemblies for the Visual Studio Test Runner is not valid but can't see MSTest.exe

Question

I'm getting the following error on a TFS2013 build:

TF900547: The directory containing the assemblies for the Visual Studio Test Runner is not valid ''.

Looking here, it would seem that the answer to this is to change the test runner from VS test runner to MSTest. However, when I try to edit the Test Run in the build definition, the test runner option is set to Visual Studio Test Runner and greyed out. What determined what is shown in this box, and how can I add MSTest?

I have installed VS2012 agents for handling tests on the server.

Answer 1

I fixed this by installing VS2013 on the build agent

Answer 2

We had the same problem as the OP but, because the TFS server is considered a production box (other departments use it for other things), we were not permitted to install VS2013 on the server. The same applied to any third party tools needed for builds, they were a pain to integrate into the build.

I eventually worked round this by using another dev box to act as a build server for TFS. By installing the Build Server component of TFS on the dev box and setting up a controller and build agents on that box, TFS could pass the responsibility for the actual build to the dev box, on which we could install anything, without compromising the TFS server itself.

While it is not perfect - an extra box and VS2013 license needed - it is by far the easiest way to avoid poluting a production TFS box. Alternatively, nominate a developer's own box and install the build agent there - the environment is ready built, it will simply slow down a little during a build.

Answer 3

Look at section Define Multiple Test Runs of this article. It is very informative and explains different configuration in dept. Hope this helps !!!