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ERROR_DS_SINGLE_USER_MODE_FAILED
The Directory Service failed to enter single user mode.
ERROR_DS_SINGLE_USER_MODE_FAILED is a domain-specific Windows result.
Likely impact: Database repair or metadata operations must not proceed while exclusive access is uncertain.
Typical causes
- another component still holds the database.
- service transition prerequisites are unmet.
- the boot or service mode is wrong.
- database initialization fails before exclusive mode.
Troubleshooting steps
- Verify that the directory service can transition to the exclusive maintenance state required by the operation.
- Collect boot mode and service state and open handles to NTDS database.
Useful evidence
- Collect maintenance command and requested mode.
- Collect ESE and storage diagnostics.
Recovery and retry
Enter the documented maintenance environment, stop dependent services, and resolve the first database or service transition error before retrying.
Related errors
ERROR_DS_DATABASE_ERROR can occur inside startup; this code reports failure to establish the requested exclusive operating mode
Example
An offline maintenance task is started during a normal boot. Rebooting into the supported restore mode and confirming NTDS is not active allows the operation.
References
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