ERROR_DS_EPOCH_MISMATCH - 8483 (0x2123)

Source and destination of a cross-domain move do not agree on the object's epoch number. Either source or destination does not have the latest version of the object.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_DS_EPOCH_MISMATCH error indicates that the source and destination of a cross-domain move operation do not agree on the object's epoch number. This discrepancy suggests either the source or the destination does not have the latest version of the object.

Error Details

This error typically occurs during operations involving Active Directory objects, specifically when moving an object across domains within a forest. The epoch number is used to track the sequence of changes made to an object, ensuring consistency and preventing conflicts between different domain controllers or servers.

Usage Context

The ERROR_DS_EPOCH_MISMATCH error is relevant in scenarios where Active Directory objects are being moved from one domain to another within a forest. This can happen during administrative tasks such as restructuring the directory service or managing object replication.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering this error, developers should understand that it indicates an inconsistency between the source and destination regarding the version history of the object in question. The developer must ensure that both the source and destination have access to the most recent version of the object before performing the move operation.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_DS_OBJECTleanor (8479): Indicates a different type of inconsistency during an Active Directory operation.
  • ERROR_DS_NO_RID_ALLOCATION (12305): Relates to issues with RID allocation, which can sometimes be related to epoch number mismatches.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_DS_EPOCH_MISMATCH error mean?

A: It indicates a discrepancy in the version history of an object being moved between domains within Active Directory.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Ensure that both the source and destination have access to the latest version of the object before performing the move operation. This may involve updating replication or synchronizing changes across domain controllers.

Summary

The ERROR_DS_EPOCH_MISMATCH error is a specific technical issue encountered during cross-domain moves in Active Directory, indicating a mismatch in the epoch number between source and destination. Developers should ensure that both sides are synchronized before performing such operations to avoid this error.