What is 0xC00002E3

STATUS_SAM_INIT_FAILURE

STATUS_SAM_INIT_FAILURE (0xC00002E3) occur if the Active Directory directory service contains duplicate cross-reference objects, and these objects represent domains that are in the Partitions container. If there are duplicate cross-reference objects, Windows Server 2003 cannot initialize the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) and Active Directory cannot start. Examples of how you might create a duplicate cross-reference object include the following:

• You seize the domain naming operations master role while Active Directory is broken for a long period.
• You seize the domain naming operations master role. Next, you perform an authoritative restore of Active Directory from a backup that was made before you seized the domain naming master role.

Note Microsoft Windows 2000 domain controllers do not verify all the cross-references. Therefore, Windows 2000 domain controllers do not experience this problem.

Resolution

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.