ERROR_DS_BAD_INSTANCE_TYPE - 8313 (0x2079)
The specified instance type is not valid.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_DS_BAD_INSTANCE_TYPE indicates that a specified instance type is not valid within the context of an operation. This error typically arises when attempting to perform an operation on an object where the provided or expected instance type does not match the actual type.
Error Details
This specific error is related to directory service (DS) operations, particularly those involving schema and attribute types in Active Directory. The error suggests that the system encountered a situation where the type of the instance being manipulated did not conform to the expected or allowed types for the operation.
Usage Context
The context in which this error might occur includes scenarios such as modifying attributes within an object, creating new objects, or performing operations on existing entries. The error is indicative that the system was unable to process the request due to a mismatch between the instance type and the required or expected types.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as a signal that the operation being attempted requires a specific type of instance, which does not match the actual type provided. This could be due to incorrect parameter values, invalid object types, or misuse of the API in terms of the expected input types.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_ATTRIBUTE_TYPE_MISMATCH(1967) - Indicates that an attribute value is not valid for a given attribute.ERROR_DS_DRA_BAD_NAME_SYNTAX(3254) - Occurs when the name syntax used in a directory replication operation is invalid.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_DS_BAD_INSTANCE_TYPE mean?
A: It indicates that an instance type specified for an operation is not valid, leading to the failure of the operation. This error typically arises from incorrect parameter values or mismatched object types.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the parameters and objects used in your operations are correctly typed according to the expected schema and attribute definitions.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_BAD_INSTANCE_TYPE is a specific error code indicating an invalid instance type within directory service operations. Developers should validate their inputs and ensure they match the required types for successful operation execution.