ERROR_DS_NAME_ERROR_NOT_UNIQUE - 8471 (0x2117)

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_DS_NAME_ERROR_NOT_UNIQUE error code indicates that a name mapping operation resulted in more than one possible output. This typically occurs during directory service operations where the input name could resolve to multiple names or objects.

Error Details

This error is specific to directory services and is often encountered when performing operations such as adding, modifying, or deleting entries within an Active Directory environment. The underlying issue arises from a naming conflict where the provided name does not uniquely identify a single object in the directory service.

Usage Context

The ERROR_DS_NAME_ERROR_NOT_UNIQUE error can be observed in various scenarios involving directory services, such as:

• Adding or modifying entries that require unique names within an organizational unit (OU).
• Performing operations on objects where the name is ambiguous and could refer to multiple entities.
• Resolving names during synchronization processes between different directory service instances.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering this error, developers should ensure that the input names used in their operations are unique within the context of the directory service. This can be achieved by:

• Validating and normalizing input names to avoid ambiguity.
• Implementing additional logic to resolve naming conflicts when multiple matches are found.
• Using more specific or qualified names where possible to reduce the likelihood of name collisions.

Related Errors

• ERROR_DS_NAME_NOT_UNIQUE (0x2116): Indicates that a name is not unique in the directory service, but does not specify that it maps to multiple outputs.
• ERROR_DS_DN_SYNTAX_VIOLATION (0x2118): Occurs when a name violates the syntax rules of the directory service.

FAQ

Q: What causes this error?

A: This error typically occurs due to ambiguous or non-unique names in the context of directory services. It can be caused by multiple entries sharing the same name within an organizational structure, leading to a situation where the input name could refer to more than one object.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: To resolve this error, ensure that all names used in operations are unique and properly qualified. Implement validation logic to handle naming conflicts and use specific or fully-qualified names when possible.

Summary

The ERROR_DS_NAME_ERROR_NOT_UNIQUE error code is a generic indication of name resolution issues within directory services. Developers should focus on ensuring the uniqueness and clarity of names used in operations to avoid this error and maintain consistent behavior in their applications.