ERROR_DS_IS_LEAF - 8243 (0x2033)
The object is a leaf object.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
This error code indicates that the object being queried or operated on is a leaf node in a directory structure. In the context of Active Directory and LDAP, a leaf object typically refers to an object that does not have any child objects.
Error Details
The ERROR_DS_IS_LEAF error is returned when an operation is attempted on an object that cannot be further decomposed or expanded into sub-objects. This can occur in various scenarios where the directory structure is being traversed, such as during a search operation or when attempting to modify a leaf node.
Usage Context
This error code is commonly encountered in operations involving Active Directory and LDAP queries. It may be returned by functions like ldap_search or DirectoryEntry.GetChildren, indicating that the object in question does not have any sub-objects.
Developer Interpretation
When this error is encountered, it suggests that the operation being performed on a leaf node cannot proceed as expected. Developers should ensure that their operations are correctly scoped and that they handle such cases appropriately to avoid unexpected behavior or errors.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_NO_MORE_DATA(8250): Indicates that there are no more objects in the directory structure to process.ERROR_DS_OBJECT_IS_GROUP(8316): Indicates that the object is a group, which may not have children.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_DS_IS_LEAF mean?
A: It indicates that the queried object is a leaf node in the directory structure and cannot be further decomposed.
Q: How should I handle this error in my code?
A: Ensure that your operations are correctly scoped and handle cases where an object is a leaf node to avoid unexpected behavior.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_IS_LEAF error indicates that the operation was attempted on a leaf node, which does not have any sub-objects. This error is commonly encountered in directory traversal or modification operations within Active Directory and LDAP environments.