ERROR_DS_NOT_AN_OBJECT - 8352 (0x20A0)
The name does not identify an object; the name identifies a phantom.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_DS_NOT_AN_OBJECT indicates that a name provided to an operation does not identify a valid object within the directory service. Specifically, it suggests that the name used is associated with a phantom object rather than a real, existing object.
Error Details
Phantom objects in the context of Active Directory (AD) and other directory services refer to entries or names that are recognized by the system but do not correspond to actual objects such as users, groups, or computers. These phantoms can arise due to various reasons, including orphaned references or misconfigurations.
Usage Context
This error typically occurs in scenarios where a name is expected to refer to an object within the directory service, but the system cannot find a corresponding entry that matches the provided name. Common operations that may trigger this error include attempts to modify, delete, or access objects using names that do not resolve to valid entries.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering ERROR_DS_NOT_AN_OBJECT, developers should interpret it as an indication that the operation being performed is based on a name that does not correspond to any existing object in the directory service. This could be due to several factors, such as incorrect naming conventions, orphaned references, or misconfigured entries.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_NO_SUCH_OBJECT(1932, 0x784)ERROR_DS_NAME_NOT_UNIQUE(1568, 0x620)ERROR_DS_OBJECTleanor(1936, 0x788)
FAQ
Q: What does the error code ERROR_DS_NOT_AN_OBJECT mean?
A: It indicates that a name provided to an operation does not identify a valid object within the directory service.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Verify the names and references used in your operations. Ensure they correctly correspond to existing objects in the directory service.
Summary
ERROR_DS_NOT_AN_OBJECT is a specific error code that indicates an attempt to operate on a name that does not identify a valid object within the directory service. Developers should ensure that all names and references are correctly configured and correspond to actual entries to avoid this error.