DOCUMENT:Q245070 10-AUG-2001 [winnt] TITLE :Primary Domain Controller Cannot Validate Account. PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows NT PROD/VER:winnt:4.0 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPTOMS ======== When you attempt to log on to the network from a backup domain controller (BDC), you may receive the following error message: The session setup to the NT domain controller PDCName for the domain DomainName failed because the NT domain controller does not have an account for the computer ComputerName CAUSE ===== The cause of this behavior is unknown. RESOLUTION ========== To resolve this issue: 1. At the primary domain controller (PDC), remove the computer account for the BDC from the domain: a. In the Server Manager list, click the BDC. b. On the Computer menu, click Remove From Domain. c. To confirm the removal, click Yes, and then click OK. 2. At the PDC, synchronize the entire domain: a. In the Server Manager list, click the PDC. b. On the Computer menu, click Synchronize Entire Domain, and then click Yes. 3. At the PDC, add the computer account for the BDC back into the domain: a. In Server Manager, click Add To Domain on the Computer menu. b. Click Windows NT Backup Domain Controller. c. In the appropriate box, type the computer name, click Add, and then click Close. 4. At the PDC, synchronize the domain again. 5. At the PDC, synchronize the BDC with the PDC: a. In the Server Manager list, click the BDC. b. On the Computer menu, click Synchronize With Primary Domain Controller, and then click Yes. Additional query words: session setup controller ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 Version : winnt:4.0 Issue type : kbprb ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2001.