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ERROR_DS_NO_CROSSREF_FOR_NC
The naming context is missing its crossRef metadata
In AD, a crossRef object in the Partitions container of the configuration naming context describes a naming context and its operational properties. The NC data tree and the forest-wide partition metadata are related but distinct. This error means the directory cannot locate the cross-reference needed to represent the specified NC.
Do not reduce this to “object not found.” A domain or application partition can have residual data or stale references while its Partitions-container metadata is missing, disabled, or not yet replicated to the DC handling the request. That distinction is critical during failed domain creation, domain removal, application-partition changes, and metadata cleanup.
What to inspect
- Identify the NC DN, then inspect
CN=Partitionsin the configuration NC for a matchingcrossRef. - Compare the configuration NC on multiple DCs and review replication for that NC before manually creating directory objects.
- If a DC or domain was forcibly removed, follow supported metadata-cleanup procedures instead of reconstructing crossRef objects by hand.
References
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