Knowledge

ERROR_DS_NO_NEST_GLOBALGROUP_IN_MIXEDDOMAIN - 8514 (0x2142)

You cannot nest global groups in a mixed domain if the group is security-enabled.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

This error code, ERROR_DS_NO_NEST_GLOBALGROUP_IN_MIXEDDOMAIN (8514 or 0x2142), is a specific Windows API error that pertains to the Active Directory domain model and group management. It indicates that certain operations involving nested global groups in mixed domains are not supported due to security constraints.

Error Details

The ERROR_DS_NO_NEST_GLOBALGROUP_IN_MIXEDDOMAIN error occurs when an attempt is made to nest a global security-enabled group within another global security-enabled group, but this operation is disallowed in the context of a mixed domain. A mixed domain refers to a domain that contains both Windows 2000 or earlier-style accounts and newer Active Directory objects.

Common Causes

  • Incorrect Group Type: The attempt involves nested global groups, which are not supported in a mixed domain environment.
  • Security Constraints: The operation is being performed on security-enabled groups, which have additional restrictions compared to non-security-enabled groups.
  • Domain Configuration: The domain configuration does not support the nesting of global groups due to its mixed nature.

Real-World Context

In a Windows domain environment, group management can be complex. Security-enabled groups are used for managing permissions and access control, while global groups are typically used for organizational purposes. Nesting security-enabled groups within each other is generally not recommended due to potential complexity in managing membership and inheritance.

Is This Error Critical?

This error is critical when attempting operations that involve nested global security-enabled groups in a mixed domain environment. It indicates that the operation cannot be completed as requested, which can impact group management and access control policies.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation is being performed within an appropriate context, such as a domain controller or a machine with sufficient permissions.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check if the groups involved are correctly identified and whether they are security-enabled global groups.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the groups are not nested in violation of the mixed domain constraints.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that the input data, such as group names or identifiers, is correct and up-to-date.

How to Resolve

To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Use appropriate parameters for operations involving groups, ensuring they are not security-enabled global groups if nesting is required.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: Perform operations in a domain environment that supports nested global groups or reconfigure the domain to support such operations.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from backups or use tools provided by Microsoft for group management and recovery.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt the operation again with valid inputs, ensuring they comply with the constraints of a mixed domain environment.

Developer Notes

Developers should be aware that operations involving nested global security-enabled groups in mixed domains are not supported due to security and administrative complexity. It is recommended to design group structures and policies that avoid such nesting where possible.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_DS_CANT_ADD_GUID_TO_SYSTEM_GROUP_IN_MIXED_DOMAIN (8513)
  • ERROR_DS_CANT_MODIFY_GUID_IN_SYSTEM_GROUP_IN_MIXED_DOMAIN (8515)

FAQ

Q: What does the error code 8514 mean?

A: The error code 8514, or ERROR_DS_NO_NEST_GLOBALGROUP_IN_MIXEDDOMAIN, indicates that global security-enabled groups cannot be nested in a mixed domain environment.

Q: How can I avoid this error?

A: Avoid nesting global security-enabled groups within each other in mixed domains. Ensure that operations are performed in environments that support such group structures.

Q: Can this error occur on all Windows versions?

A: This error is specific to certain configurations of Active Directory and domain environments, particularly those involving mixed domains with both older and newer account types.

Summary

The ERROR_DS_NO_NEST_GLOBALGROUP_IN_MIXEDDOMAIN (8514) error code indicates that nested global security-enabled groups are not supported in a mixed domain environment. Developers and administrators should be aware of this limitation when managing group structures in Active Directory domains.