Windows cannot delete object LDAP://... because: A referral was returned from the server.

This post describes how to fix the error:

Windows cannot delete object LDAP://... because: A referral was returned from the server.


Cause

This error occurred when I was trying to delete a domain controller using Active Directory Sites and Services.  The domain controller was part of a child domain which I had demoted.


Resolution

I force deleted the server using ADSIEdit:

1. Open ADSI Edit.

2. Right click the ADSI Edit root node in the tree view on the left then select Connect to...

3. In Connection Settings, change the Naming Context to Configuration then press OK

Screenshot showing ADSI Edit Connection Settings with Naming Context set to Configuration


4. Navigate down to CN=Servers then right click the server you want to delete and select Delete

Screenshot showing ADSI Edit CN=Servers right click menu with Delete highlighted


Related Posts

- The time between replications with this source has exceeded the tombstone lifetime

- The operation failed because spn value provided for addition/modification is not unique forest-wide

- Error 0x2015(The directory service can perform the requested operation only on a leaf object.)

- Group Policy Audit & Reporting Tool

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

LG TV This app will now restart to free up more memory

LG TV Clear All Browsing History Data

Excel Import CSV not using "Use First Row as Headers"