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STATUS_DS_INIT_FAILURE
Directory Services initialization failed
This status appears when AD DS could not initialize during domain-controller startup. The text normally includes another error status, and that embedded status is the key to the failing layer.
Treat it as a boot-critical domain controller event. Random repair attempts against individual objects are not useful until the database, logs, registry configuration and storage path have been checked.
What to inspect
- Record the embedded status value and all Directory Service startup events.
- Check whether the DC was restored, cloned, snapshotted or moved between storage systems.
- Decide whether normal boot, DSRM or forest recovery guidance applies before making changes.
References
- Microsoft: AD forest recovery guide
- Microsoft: AD DS overview
- Microsoft Open Specifications: NTSTATUS values
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