DNS Err Msg: The Handle is Invalid

 Last reviewed: February 17, 1998
Article ID: Q171649
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0.

SYMPTOMS

Your Windows NT Domain Name Service (DNS) server fails to start when Windows NT starts. When you attempt to start the Microsoft DNS Service through the Control Panel Services tool, you may receive an error similar to the following: 

   The handle is invalid.

CAUSE

The symptom above may be caused by another manufacturer's DNS service running on your computer running Windows NT Server.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, stop any third-party DNS services using one of the following methods:

  • Stop the specific service using the Control Panel Services tool.

-or-
  • Open a command prompt and carry out the "net stop <servicename>" (without the quotes) where <servicename> is the third-party DNS service.

MORE INFORMATION

It may also be necessary to remove the third-party DNS service completely to get the Microsoft DNS Service working properly. Please consult the manufacturer of the third-party DNS service for removal instructions.

Additional query words: BIND tcpip
Keywords : ntnetserv NTSrv nttcp kb3rdparty kbnetwork
Version : WinNT:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb

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Last reviewed: February 17, 1998
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