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Error 0x00000709 when you use a CNAME record for a print server in Windows Server 2008 R2: Operation could not be completed

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This article helps fix the error 0x00000709 (Operation could not be completed). The error occurs when you use a CNAME record for a print server.

Applies to:   Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   2546625

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You have printers that are hosted on a system that is running Windows Server 2008 R2.
  • You provide an alternative UNC path for the print server. And you decide to do so by using a CNAME (alias) resource record in DNS.
  • Clients try to connect to the printers by using the CNAME record in the UNC path.

In this scenario, clients can't connect to the printers if they use the CNAME record in the UNC path. Besides, attempts to connect to the shared printers fail with the following error:

Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000709). Double check the printer name and make sure that the printer is connected to the network.

Note

Cause

This issue may occur if certain non-Microsoft DNS solutions are providing name resolution for the network.

Resolution

To work around this issue, follow these steps on the print server, and then restart the Print Spooler service:

  1. Implement the DnsOnWire registry value that's described in the following article:

    Error message when you try to connect to a printer by using an alias (CNAME) resource record: "Windows couldn't connect to the printer"

  2. Edit the local Hosts file to include the CNAME record for the server.

    Note

    The Hosts file entry must be entered as a NetBIOS name instead of as an FQDN.

The following example is for illustration only. Use names and IP addresses that are valid for your network.

Use NetBIOS name: 192.168.0.10 CNAME

Don't use FQDN: 192.168.0.10 CNAME.CONTOSO.COM

More information

The issue that is described in the Symptoms section may occur if the non-Microsoft DNS solution provides QRecord responses of type ALL.

Data collection

If you need assistance from Microsoft support, we recommend you collect the information by following the steps mentioned in Gather information by using TSS for User Experience issues.