Down-Level Domain Users May Receive an Error Message When Starting MMC Snap-Ins

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SYMPTOMS

When a domain user of a trusted down-level domain starts a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in, the following error message may be generated in a message box titled Active Directory:

Naming information cannot be located because:
The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted. Contact your system administrator or verify that your domain is properly configured and is currently on-line.

• Active Directory Domains and Trusts



• Active Directory Sites and Services



• Active Directory Users and Computers



• Group Policy Editor



• Adsiedit



• Domain Controller Security Policy



• Domain Security Policy



• Active Directory Schema

CAUSE

This issue occurs because MMC snap-ins are designed to connect to a domain controller for the logged on user.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, use any of the following methods:

• Use command-line options to specify the default domain controller to make a connection with.



• Use the Runas.exe tool to configure the MMC snap-in to change the context of the user.



• After you click OK following the error message, you may change the focus of the MMC snap-in to a Windows 2000-based domain controller.
  
  NOTE: This must be done during initialization each time you start the MMC snap-in.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Information about command-line switches for MMC snap-ins and about the Runas.exe tool is available by viewing the appropriate online Help topic.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kberrmsg
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb