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ERROR_DS_COULDNT_LOCK_TREE_FOR_DELETE
The directory service failed to lock a tree in preparation for a tree deletion because the tree was in use.
ERROR_DS_COULDNT_LOCK_TREE_FOR_DELETE is Win32 error 8502 (0x00002136).
What to verify
Verify whether the target subtree can be exclusively stabilized so membership does not change during deletion. Check root DN and tree size, concurrent modifications, and server and transaction identifiers.
Likely causes
- another operation is modifying the tree.
- active references or locks keep objects in use.
- replication or background maintenance holds the subtree.
- the caller retries while an earlier deletion is active.
Troubleshooting steps
- Collect root DN and tree size.
- Record concurrent modifications.
Handling, retry, and recovery
Stop conflicting changes, allow current directory work to finish, re-enumerate the subtree, and retry the supported tree-delete operation with bounded coordination.
Related errors
ERROR_DS_COULDNT_IDENTIFY_OBJECTS_FOR_TREE_DELETE occurs after or during enumeration of deletion candidates; this code fails to stabilize the tree first
Example
A provisioning system modifies child objects while cleanup tries to delete the container. Pausing provisioning lets the directory lock and remove a stable tree.
References
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