The "NetlocalgroupAddMembers" function cannot add cross-domain objects to local groups on a Windows Server 2003-based domain controller that has hotfix 923354 installed

Consider the following scenario:

• On a Windows Server 2003-based domain controller, you install hotfix 923354 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.
  
  Note Hotfix 923354 is included in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.
• This domain controller does not host the global catalog (GC) role.
• You try to add a cross-domain object to a local group by using the NetlocalgroupAddMembers function.

In this scenario, the NetlocalgroupAddMembers function fails and returns the following error code:This problem occurs in any application that tries to add cross-domain objects to groups on a non-GC domain controller. For example, the installation of Data Protection Manager (DPM) is unsuccessful because of the problem that is described in this article.

Notes

• This problem does not occur on the servers that host the GC role.
• The problem does not occur in Windows Server 2008.

Hotfix 923354 introduces an unnecessary check for cross-domain group membership.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, the domain controller must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 installed.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x64-based versions

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Make sure that the domain controller that has hotfix 923354 installed hosts the GC role.

Method 2

Run the operation on a Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1-based GC or non-GC server that does not have hotfix 923354 installed.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

In Windows Server 2003, the Net.exe process also uses the NetLocalGroupAddMembers function. Therefore, the net localgroup localgroup CrossDomaingroup /ADD command also fails and returns the following error code: In this case, the same workarounds and hotfix can be applied.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: