ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_RESPONDER_LIFETIME_NOTIFY - 13879 (0x3637)

The lifetime value received in the Responder Lifetime Notify is below the Windows 2000 configured minimum value. Please fix the policy on the peer machine.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_RESPONDER_LIFETIME_NOTIFY error code is associated with the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) protocol, specifically within the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) phase 2 negotiation process. This error indicates that a received message from the peer during the IKE negotiation contains an invalid lifetime value for the security association (SA). The minimum acceptable lifetime value has been exceeded, leading to this error.

Error Details

The numeric code 13879 corresponds to the hexadecimal value 0x3637. This error is generated when the responder's notification of a security association's lifetime is below the configured minimum threshold on the local system. The specific context here involves IPsec and IKE, where the negotiation process for establishing secure communication channels requires strict adherence to predefined parameters.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: The peer has sent an invalid or unsupported lifetime value in its notification message.
  • Incorrect Configuration: The minimum acceptable lifetime value is incorrectly configured on the local system.
  • Unsupported Operations: The operation being performed does not support the specified lifetime value.

Real-World Context

In a typical IPsec setup, security associations are established to ensure secure communication between two endpoints. The IKE protocol negotiates these associations and includes parameters such as the lifetime of the SA. If the responder sends a notification with a lifetime that is too short, this error will be triggered.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the specific context in which it occurs. While it does not directly impact system stability or integrity, it can prevent successful establishment of IPsec security associations, leading to potential communication failures between trusted parties.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that all operations are being performed within the correct context and that no unexpected conditions exist.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the configuration settings on both the local system and the peer for any discrepancies in the minimum acceptable lifetime values.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the security associations being negotiated are of the expected type and that they support the specified parameters.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters, including the minimum acceptable lifetime value, are correctly configured on both systems involved in the negotiation.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If necessary, adjust the operation context or reconfigure the security policies to ensure compatibility with the negotiated parameters.

Developer Notes

When dealing with IPsec and IKE, it is crucial to adhere strictly to the protocol specifications regarding SA lifetime values. Developers should carefully configure these settings to avoid such errors during negotiation processes.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NEGOTIATION_FAILED (0x80351024): A more general failure in the IKE negotiation process.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_KEY_USAGE_MISMATCH (0x80351027): An error related to key usage mismatches during IPsec negotiations.

FAQ

Q: What does this error mean?

A: This error indicates that a received message from the peer contains an invalid lifetime value for the security association, which is below the configured minimum threshold on the local system.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Ensure that all parameters are correctly configured and that both systems involved in the negotiation adhere to the protocol specifications regarding SA lifetime values.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_INVALID_RESPONDER_LIFETIME_NOTIFY error is a specific technical issue related to IPsec negotiations, where an invalid lifetime value received from the peer triggers this error. By carefully configuring and validating parameters, developers can prevent such issues and ensure successful establishment of secure communication channels.