ERROR_NON_ACCOUNT_SID - 1257 (0x4E9)
The security identifier provided is not from an account domain.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_NON_ACCOUNT_SID error code indicates that a security identifier (SID) provided to an operation is not valid for the context in which it was used. This typically means that the SID does not correspond to an account within the expected domain.
Error Details
This error can occur when attempting to perform operations related to user or group accounts, such as adding users to a security descriptor or modifying permissions on resources. The specific operation may involve functions like SetSecurityInfo or GetSecurityInfo, which require valid SIDs for proper execution.
Usage Context
The context in which this error might be encountered includes scenarios where the application is attempting to manage user accounts, group memberships, or access control lists (ACLs) on Windows systems. The operation may fail if the provided SID does not match any known account within the system's domain structure.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should ensure that SIDs used in their applications are valid and correspond to existing accounts within the relevant domain. This includes verifying the domain membership of the SIDs before performing operations that require them. Failure to do so can result in errors such as ERROR_NON_ACCOUNT_SID, which may prevent successful execution of security-related functions.
Related Errors
- ERROR_INVALID_SID (1302, 0x516): Occurs when an invalid SID is provided, but the issue might not be related to domain membership.
- ERROR_NO_SUCH_USER (1347, 0x54B): Indicates that a user account does not exist, which could lead to
ERROR_NON_ACCOUNT_SIDif used inappropriately.
FAQ
Q: What causes the ERROR_NON_ACCOUNT_SID error?
A: The error occurs when an invalid or non-existent SID is provided for operations related to user accounts or security descriptors. Ensure that all SIDs are valid and correspond to existing accounts within the correct domain.
Q: How can I resolve this issue in my application?
A: Verify the validity of the SIDs used in your application by checking their domain membership and existence before performing security-related operations.
Summary
The ERROR_NON_ACCOUNT_SID error code is a specific indication that an invalid or non-existent SID was provided for an operation. Developers should ensure proper validation and verification of SIDs to avoid this error and maintain the integrity of security configurations in Windows environments.