LDAP error code 32

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and troubleshooting LDAP error code 32, a common issue IT administrators face when managing Active Directory (AD).

What does error code 32 mean?

When an LDAP operation to search for, modify, compare, or delete AD objects fails because the target object specified in the request does not exist in the directory, the system returns the following error:

LDAP: error code 32 - No Such Object

Where does it occur?

This error can occur in AD:

• During LDAP search operations when the requested object or distinguished name (DN) does not exist.
• When trying to bind with a DN that is not present in the directory.
• When attempting to modify or delete a directory object.

Common causes of LDAP error code 32

The root causes for this error can vary, but they generally fall into these categories:

• An incorrect base DN: If the base DN is wrong, the server won't be able to locate any objects within that branch of the directory tree.
• A non-existent object: The user, group, or organizational unit has been deleted or moved from AD.
• Typographical errors: A simple typo in the DN or any of its components will lead to this error.
• Replication issues: In a multi-server environment, replication delays could mean that a recently created object is not yet available on all servers.

Resolution

Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve LDAP error code 32:

Step 1: Verify the DN

1. Carefully examine the full DN and check for any typos or extra spaces.
2. Use an LDAP client or a tool like ADSI Edit to browse for and confirm the exact, correct DN of the target object.

Step 2: Confirm the object's existence and location

If the DN appears correct, verify the object actually exists where you expect it to.

1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers.
2. Use the search function to find the object by its name.
3. If you find the object, right-click it, select Properties, and go to the Attribute Editor tab to find its correct distinguishedName attribute. If the object has been moved, obtain the new DN. If it has been deleted, you may need to restore it from a backup or update the application to remove the reference.

Step 3: Confirm the base DN

1. In AD, verify that the base DN is set correctly. This should be the top-level entry in the directory tree where the application should start its search for users and groups.

Step 4: Check for replication issues

If the object was recently created or moved, the error might be temporary.

1. If you have multiple domain controllers (DCs), connect directly to each DC and check for the object's existence.
2. If the object exists on some DCs but not others, either wait for replication to complete or manually force it.

Validation and testing

Once you have applied a potential fix, validate the resolution by performing the following actions:

1. Use an LDAP client: Perform a simple search for the exact DN using a tool like ldapsearch. A successful query will return the object's attributes, while a failed query will reproduce the LDAP error. This isolates the problem to the DN itself.
2. Rerun the task: After correcting the DN, rerun the script to confirm the error is gone.

Streamline AD management with ADManager Plus

When managing objects in bulk or through complex scripts, manually typing and verifying DNs can be tedious and prone to error, often leading to issues like LDAP error code 32.

ADManager Plus offers a user-friendly interface that eliminates the need to manually handle DNs for routine tasks. It helps you prevent this error by:

• Providing a GUI for all actions: Search for, modify, and delete AD objects through an intuitive console without ever needing to type a DN.
• Offering predefined AD reports: Use powerful search features and reports to locate the exact objects you need, ensuring your operations always target the correct user, group, or computer.
• Automating AD management: Automate tasks like user provisioning and deprovisioning, ensuring that operations are performed on objects in a consistent, error-free manner.

With ADManager Plus, you can manage your AD environment more efficiently and significantly reduce the risk of manual errors that are often associated with native AD tools.

It's important to differentiate this error from a similar issue. While this error means the object cannot be found at the specified path, you may also encounter an LDAP: error code 34. This means the path itself is formatted incorrectly. Always check your DN syntax first before concluding the object doesn't exist.

However, if you face authentication failures, see our article on LDAP: error code 49.