What does Windows error code 8218 (ERROR_SHARED_POLICY) mean?

 
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ERROR_DS_GC_NOT_AVAILABLE ERROR_POLICY_OBJECT_NOT_FOUND

ERROR_SHARED_POLICY

The policy object is shared and can only be modified at the root.

ERROR_SHARED_POLICY is Win32 error 8218 (0x0000201A).

What to verify

Verify whether the modification targets the authoritative root of the shared policy rather than an inherited or linked representation. Check policy object DN and object class, root/owner reference, and link and inheritance data.

Likely causes

  • the caller edits a child or projection of shared policy.
  • a policy link is mistaken for the owning object.
  • the API targets a replicated copy instead of the root.
  • the operation attempts to change data intended to be centrally managed.

Troubleshooting steps

  1. Collect policy object DN and object class.
  2. Record root/owner reference.

Handling, retry, and recovery

Locate and modify the policy root through the supported policy interface, preserving shared references and replication semantics.

Related errors

ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS means the requested information must be obtained from directory storage; this code means the located policy is shared and must be changed at its root

Example

A management tool edits a linked policy object beneath a site. Resolving the owner reference and applying the change to the root updates all consumers consistently.

References


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