ERROR_DS_NOT_ON_BACKLINK - 8362 (0x20AA)
The operation cannot be performed on a back link.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_DS_NOT_ON_BACKLINK indicates that an operation attempted on a back link is not supported. A back link in the context of directory services refers to a reference or pointer to another object within the same directory service database.
Error Details
This error typically occurs when attempting to perform operations such as modification, deletion, or retrieval that are not applicable to back links. Back links are used for cross-referencing and do not represent actual objects; they merely point to other objects in the directory service.
Usage Context
The ERROR_DS_NOT_ON_BACKLINK error is relevant primarily within the context of Active Directory (AD) or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) operations. It may be encountered when using APIs such as the Windows API for directory services, where certain operations are not defined for back links.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error code to indicate that an operation is being performed on a back link, which does not support the requested action. This can occur in scenarios where developers attempt to modify or delete a back link directly, rather than resolving it to its target object first.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_NO_SUCH_OBJECT: Indicates that the specified object does not exist.ERROR_DS_INVALID_DN_SYNTAX: Indicates an invalid distinguished name syntax was used in the operation.
FAQ
Q: What operations are not supported on back links?
A: Operations such as modification, deletion, or retrieval of attributes directly from a back link are not supported. Developers must resolve the back link to its target object before performing these operations.
Q: How can I avoid this error?
A: Ensure that you are operating on actual objects and not back links when performing operations that require direct modification or deletion. Use appropriate methods to resolve back links to their targets first.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_NOT_ON_BACKLINK error code indicates an attempt to perform unsupported operations on a back link in directory services. Developers should handle this by ensuring they are operating on the correct object types and using proper resolution mechanisms before performing such operations.