ERROR_DS_TREE_DELETE_NOT_FINISHED - 8397 (0x20CD)
The tree deletion is not finished. The request must be made again to continue deleting the tree.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_DS_TREE_DELETE_NOT_FINISHED with the numeric value 8397 and hexadecimal representation 0x20CD indicates that a tree deletion operation is not yet complete. This error suggests that the system needs to be informed again to continue the process of deleting the specified directory tree.
Error Details
This error typically occurs in scenarios where a directory tree within a directory service, such as Active Directory, is being deleted but the operation has not been fully completed. The deletion might have encountered some issues or dependencies that prevent it from finishing immediately.
Usage Context
The context of this error can vary depending on the specific application or service interacting with the directory service. It may be relevant in scenarios such as:
- Directory service maintenance operations
- Backup and restore processes involving directory trees
- Application-specific directory management tasks
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the current deletion request has not been fully processed by the system. To continue with the deletion, the application or service must retry the operation.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_OBJECTleanor(8392): Indicates a problem with the object being deleted.ERROR_DS_NO_TREE_DELETE(8401): Suggests that tree deletion is not supported in the current context.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_DS_TREE_DELETE_NOT_FINISHED mean?
A: It indicates that a directory tree deletion operation has not been fully completed and needs to be retried.
Q: How should I handle this error in my application?
A: You should retry the deletion request as indicated by the system. Ensure that all necessary parameters are correctly set before resubmitting the request.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_TREE_DELETE_NOT_FINISHED error code is specific to directory service operations and indicates an ongoing or incomplete tree deletion process. Developers must handle this error by retrying the operation as required.