ERROR_DS_POLICY_NOT_KNOWN - 8618 (0x21AA)
At this time, it cannot be determined if the branch replication policy is available on the hub domain controller. Please retry at a later time to account for replication latencies.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_DS_POLICY_NOT_KNOWN (8618, 0x21AA) is returned when the system attempts to determine if a branch replication policy is available on the hub domain controller but cannot find it. This typically occurs in an Active Directory environment where policies are managed and enforced across multiple domain controllers.
Error Details
This error indicates that the necessary information for a specific replication policy is not currently accessible or known by the system. The policy might be temporarily unavailable due to network latency, replication delays, or other transient issues.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various scenarios where Active Directory policies are being queried or enforced, such as during replication operations between domain controllers or when checking for specific policy settings on a domain controller.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the required policy information is not currently available. This does not necessarily imply a permanent failure but rather suggests that the system should retry the operation at a later time to account for potential replication delays or transient issues.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_POLICY_NOT_APPLICABLE(8619, 0x21AB)ERROR_DS_NO_ATTRIBUTE_OR_VALUE(1735, 0x6D3)
FAQ
Q: What does the error code ERROR_DS_POLICY_NOT_KNOWN mean?
A: It indicates that the branch replication policy is not available on the hub domain controller at this time.
Q: How can I handle this error in my application?
A: The system should retry the operation after a reasonable period to account for potential replication delays or transient issues.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_POLICY_NOT_KNOWN (8618, 0x21AA) error is an indication that the required policy information for branch replication is not currently available on the hub domain controller. Developers should interpret this as a temporary condition and retry the operation at a later time.