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.