Knowledge

ERROR_DS_CANT_DEREF_ALIAS - 8337 (0x2091)

The alias cannot be dereferenced.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_DS_CANT_DEREF_ALIAS error code is specific to the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) component of Windows. It indicates that a process attempted to dereference an alias, but the operation failed due to an inability to resolve or access the target object.

Error Details

This error typically occurs when a request to dereference an alias in AD DS is made, and the system cannot find or access the target object associated with the alias. Dereferencing involves resolving a symbolic link or alias to its actual target within the directory service.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Alias: The alias provided does not exist or is malformed.
  • Target Object Not Found: The target object of the alias has been deleted, moved, or renamed.
  • Access Issues: Insufficient permissions to access the target object or the alias itself.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in various scenarios where AD DS aliases are used, such as when resolving user principal names (UPNs) or distinguished names (DNs). For example, if a script attempts to dereference an alias pointing to a non-existent user account, this error will be returned.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the operation is part of a critical process, such as authentication or authorization, then the error could have significant implications. However, for non-critical operations, it may simply indicate that a particular alias cannot be resolved.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the correct alias and target object are being used.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check if the parameters passed to the dereferencing operation are valid and correctly formatted.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the alias is of a type that can be dereferenced, such as an AD DS alias.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters used in the dereferencing operation are correct and up-to-date.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If the target object has been moved or deleted, update the alias or recreate it with a valid target.
  3. Restore Data: If necessary, restore any corrupted data or reconfigure the alias to point to an existing target.

Developer Notes

When working with AD DS aliases, ensure that all operations are performed within the context of proper permissions and that the aliases are correctly configured. Regularly validate and update aliases to prevent such errors from occurring.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_DS_NO_SUCH_OBJECT: The object specified does not exist.
  • ERROR_DS_ALIAS_POINTS_TO_SELF: The alias points to itself, creating a loop.

FAQ

Q: What causes the ERROR_DS_CANT_DEREF_ALIAS error?

A: This error occurs when an attempt is made to dereference an alias that either does not exist or cannot be resolved due to missing target objects or insufficient permissions.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that all aliases are correctly configured and regularly validated. Check for any changes in the directory structure that might affect the resolution of the alias.

Summary

The ERROR_DS_CANT_DEREF_ALIAS error indicates a failure to dereference an AD DS alias due to various potential issues, such as invalid parameters or missing target objects. Understanding this error and its causes is crucial for developers working with Active Directory services in Windows environments.