ERROR_MUTUAL_AUTH_FAILED - 1397 (0x575)
Mutual Authentication failed. The server's password is out of date at the domain controller.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Background
The ERROR_MUTUAL_AUTH_FAILED error (1397, 0x575) indicates a failure in mutual authentication during a network operation. Mutual authentication is a security mechanism where both the client and server verify each other's identities before proceeding with the transaction.
Error Details
This error specifically occurs when the server's password has expired or is out of date at the domain controller. This can lead to a failure in establishing secure communication between the client and the server, as mutual authentication requires up-to-date credentials on both sides.
Common Causes
- Outdated server password at the domain controller
- Misconfiguration of security settings
- Network connectivity issues affecting authentication
Real-World Context
This error is commonly encountered in scenarios where a client attempts to access resources protected by a domain controller, such as network shares or services requiring domain-level authentication.
Is This Error Critical?
The criticality of this error depends on the context. If mutual authentication is required for accessing sensitive data or performing critical operations, then this error can be considered highly critical. However, in less secure environments where mutual authentication is not strictly enforced, it may have a lower impact.
How to Diagnose
- Review Operation Context: Ensure that the client and server are configured correctly for mutual authentication.
- Validate Parameters: Check if any parameters related to authentication or security settings are incorrect or outdated.
- Confirm Object Types: Verify that the operation is being performed on the correct type of object (e.g., file, directory).
- Verify Input Data: Ensure that all input data, including passwords and credentials, are up-to-date and correctly formatted.
How to Resolve
- Correct Parameter Usage: Update any outdated parameters or settings related to authentication.
- Adjust Operation Context: Modify the operation context if necessary to ensure compatibility with mutual authentication requirements.
- Restore Data: If the server's password has expired, update it at the domain controller.
- Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt the operation again after ensuring all inputs are valid and up-to-date.
Developer Notes
Developers should be aware that mutual authentication is a security mechanism and should handle errors gracefully to avoid exposing sensitive information or disrupting critical operations.
Related Errors
- ERROR_PASSWORD_EXPIRED (1392, 0x568)
- ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE (1326, 0x532)
- ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER (1401, 0x571)
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_MUTUAL_AUTH_FAILED error mean?
A: This error indicates that mutual authentication failed due to an outdated server password at the domain controller.
Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?
A: Ensure that all passwords and credentials are up-to-date, and regularly update security settings on both clients and servers.
Q: Can this error be resolved by simply restarting the client or server?
A: Restarting may not resolve the issue if the problem lies with outdated credentials at the domain controller. Updating the password there is necessary.
Summary
The ERROR_MUTUAL_AUTH_FAILED error (1397, 0x575) is a specific technical issue related to mutual authentication in Windows environments. Understanding its causes and resolution steps can help maintain secure and reliable network operations.