ERROR_DS_SRC_AND_DST_NC_IDENTICAL - 8485 (0x2125)
Source and destination for the cross-domain move operation are identical. Caller should use local move operation instead of cross-domain move operation.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
This error code indicates that a cross-domain move operation was attempted where the source and destination are identical. This scenario is logically invalid because moving an object to the same location does not change its state or position.
Error Details
The ERROR_DS_SRC_AND_DST_NC_IDENTICAL error is returned when a function or API call intended for performing a cross-domain move operation encounters a situation where the source and destination are the same. This can occur in scenarios involving Active Directory operations, particularly those related to moving objects across different domains within a forest.
Usage Context
This error typically arises during administrative tasks that involve managing objects in an Active Directory environment. For example, it might be encountered when attempting to move an object from one domain to another using the Move-ADObject cmdlet or similar functions in PowerShell scripts or custom applications.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as a logical inconsistency in the operation being performed. The source and destination are identical, making the operation unnecessary and thus invalidating it. To resolve such an issue, developers should ensure that the source and destination parameters are distinct when performing cross-domain move operations.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_SRC_AND_DST_NC_MISMATCH(0x2124): Indicates a mismatch between the source and destination domains in a cross-domain move operation.ERROR_DS_CANT_MOVE_OBJECT(0x2126): Occurs when an object cannot be moved due to constraints or limitations within the Active Directory schema.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_DS_SRC_AND_DST_NC_IDENTICAL mean?
A: It means that a cross-domain move operation was attempted with identical source and destination parameters, making the operation invalid.
Q: How can I avoid this error?
A: Ensure that when performing cross-domain move operations, the source and destination are distinct. Verify parameter values before executing such operations.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_SRC_AND_DST_NC_IDENTICAL error signifies a logical inconsistency in attempting to perform a cross-domain move operation where the source and destination are identical. Developers should validate parameters to avoid this error and ensure that cross-domain moves involve different domains.