"Operation Failed" Error Message When You Use DCPROMO to Create Replica Domain Controller (285804)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
This article was previously published under Q285804

SYMPTOMS

When you use DCPROMO to create a replica domain controller, you may receive the following error message:

The operation failed because: The directory service failed to replicate off changes made locally. The DSA operation is unable to proceed because of a DNS lookup failure.

The new replica domain controller is pointing to your internal network's Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, based Domain Naming System (DNS) server for the preferred DNS server.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when DNS on the preferred DNS server is not configured properly.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, make sure that your local DNS server allows dynamic updates and supports Service Location (SRV) resource records.

MORE INFORMATION

In most situations, you should configure your own internal DNS servers, allowing you to administer DNS for your local network. After DNS is configured properly, you can set up DNS forwarders to point to an Internet service provider's (ISP) DNS servers for Internet name resolution.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/19/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB285804
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