ERROR_DS_LOCAL_MEMBER_OF_LOCAL_ONLY - 8548 (0x2164)

Technical Meaning

This error indicates that a local group is attempting to be a member of another local group, but such an operation is not allowed in the context of Active Directory. Specifically, it means that a local group cannot be a member of a group that exists only within the same domain.

Error Details

The error code ERROR_DS_LOCAL_MEMBER_OF_LOCAL_ONLY (8548 or 0x2164) is returned when an operation involving group membership in Active Directory fails due to this restriction. This error typically occurs during operations such as adding a local group to another group, where the target group is also local and not part of any domain.

Usage Context

This error can be encountered in various scenarios within an Active Directory environment, particularly when managing group memberships or performing administrative tasks related to group configuration. It is important to ensure that all groups involved in such operations are properly defined and exist within the appropriate context (local vs. domain).

Developer Interpretation

When encountering this error, developers should understand that it is a limitation enforced by Active Directory's design. Specifically, local groups cannot be members of other local groups unless those groups are part of the same domain. This restriction ensures proper management and avoids potential circular references or misconfigurations.

Related Errors

• ERROR_DS_GROUP_EXISTS (0x2091): Indicates that a group with the specified name already exists in the directory.
• ERROR_DS_NO_SUCH_OBJECT (0x208D): Indicates that an object does not exist in the directory, which could be relevant if trying to add a non-existent local group.

FAQ

Q: What causes this error?

A: This error occurs when attempting to add a local group as a member of another local group where both groups are within the same domain. It is not allowed for local groups to have such relationships in Active Directory.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Ensure that all groups involved in the operation are properly defined and exist in the correct context (local or domain). If a local group needs to be part of another group, ensure that both groups are appropriately configured within the same domain.

Summary

The ERROR_DS_LOCAL_MEMBER_OF_LOCAL_ONLY error is a specific limitation enforced by Active Directory. It indicates that an operation involving local group membership in the same domain has failed due to this restriction. Developers should be aware of this limitation and ensure proper configuration when managing group memberships within an Active Directory environment.