ERROR_HOST_NODE_NOT_GROUP_OWNER - 5016 (0x1398)
The operation failed because either the specified cluster node is not the owner of the group, or the node is not a possible owner of the group.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_HOST_NODE_NOT_GROUP_OWNER with the numeric value 5016 and hexadecimal representation 0x1398 indicates that a cluster operation failed due to the specified node not being the owner of the group or not being a possible owner.
Error Details
This error typically occurs in a Windows Failover Cluster environment where a specific node is expected to be the owner of a particular group. The operation will fail if the node does not meet this requirement, either because it is not currently the owner or because it is not eligible to become an owner under the current configuration.
Usage Context
This error code is relevant in scenarios involving cluster management and operations such as resource group ownership transfers, failover events, or manual group management tasks. It is particularly pertinent when a node attempts to perform actions that require it to be the owner of a specific group.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the current state of the cluster does not allow the specified operation due to ownership constraints. This could mean that the node in question needs to become the owner, or another eligible node must take over the role before the operation can proceed successfully.
Related Errors
ERROR_NODE_NOT_OWNER(5014 - 0x1396): Indicates a similar failure but may be more specific to certain operations.ERROR_GROUP_NOT_FOUND(2687 - 0xA6B): May occur if the group being referenced does not exist, which could indirectly lead to this error if the node is trying to manage an invalid group.
FAQ
Q: What causes this error?
A: The operation fails because the specified cluster node is either not the current owner of the group or not a possible owner under the current configuration.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the node attempting to perform the operation is the correct owner of the group. If necessary, use cluster management tools to transfer ownership to an eligible node before retrying the operation.
Summary
The ERROR_HOST_NODE_NOT_GROUP_OWNER error code indicates a failure in a Windows Failover Cluster operation due to incorrect ownership status. Developers should focus on ensuring that nodes are correctly configured as owners of groups before performing critical operations, and use appropriate cluster management tools for reconfiguration if needed.