Cannot Start Directory Service Manager for NetWare (DSMN) (154702)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q154702

SYMPTOMS

Windows NT Server fails to start Directory Service Manager for NetWare (DSMN) services.

CAUSE

This is by design.

RESOLUTION

You can install DSMN on the primary domain controller (PDC) and backup domain controller (BDC). However, you can only run DSMN on servers functioning as the primary domain controller. In cases where the PDC is not available, you must promote the BDC to a PDC before the DSMN service can be started.

MORE INFORMATION

If the PDC fails and you do not have DSMN installed on any BDC, you must promote one of the BDCs to be a PDC before installing DSMN on this server. Failure to do this will result in an error message stating that the domain controller is not found.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/8/2001
Keywords:kbnetwork KB154702
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