ERROR_DS_INVALID_SEARCH_FLAG_TUPLE - 8627 (0x21B3)
The search flags for the attribute are invalid. The tuple index bit is valid only on attributes of Unicode strings.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
This error code indicates that the search flags used for a particular attribute in an LDAP or Active Directory operation are invalid. Specifically, it suggests that the tuple index bit is being incorrectly applied to attributes of types other than Unicode strings.
Error Details
The error ERROR_DS_INVALID_SEARCH_FLAG_TUPLE (0x21B3) is returned when attempting to perform a search operation with improperly configured flags. The tuple index bit, which is valid only for attributes of Unicode string type, has been incorrectly used in the context of another attribute type.
Usage Context
This error typically occurs during directory service operations, such as LDAP searches or Active Directory queries, where specific search flags are expected to be set according to the attribute types involved. The error highlights a misconfiguration or misuse of these flags, leading to an invalid operation.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should ensure that all search flags used in directory service operations are correctly configured and compatible with the attributes being queried. Specifically, the tuple index bit must be applied only to attributes of Unicode string type as per the error message.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_NO_ATTRIBUTE_OR_VALUE(0x2091)ERROR_DS_INVALID_DN_SYNTAX(0x208C)ERROR_DS_NAME_NOT_UNIQUE(0x20A6)
FAQ
Q: What does the error ERROR_DS_INVALID_SEARCH_FLAG_TUPLE mean?
A: This error indicates that an invalid search flag was used for a particular attribute in an LDAP or Active Directory operation, specifically when the tuple index bit is incorrectly applied to non-Unicode string attributes.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that all search flags are correctly configured and compatible with the attribute types being queried. Verify that the tuple index bit is only used for Unicode string attributes as required by the error message.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_INVALID_SEARCH_FLAG_TUPLE error code highlights a misconfiguration in the use of search flags during directory service operations, particularly when the tuple index bit is incorrectly applied to non-Unicode string attributes. Developers should ensure proper flag usage and attribute type compatibility to avoid this issue.