How to Resolve "The Server is not operational" Error in Local Users and Groups Advanced page (Solved).
A few days ago, I encountered an error while attempting to add a domain user as a local administrator on a domain computer running Windows 10 Pro: "The advanced page cannot be opened because of the following error: The server is not operational". This issue also arose when setting permissions on a shared folder on the same domain computer. Specifically, when adding a domain user to the "Security" users list of the folder, the system reported that it could not find the domain user, and pressing "Advanced" resulted in the same error message.
How to FIX: Advanced Page Cannot be Opened "Server Not Operational" on Active Directory Domain Computer
Initially, to fix the error, I removed and re-joined the computer to the domain, but the problem persisted. I then checked other domain computers to ensure the domain settings and configuration were correct, and they were.
Upon further investigation of the TCP/IP settings on the problematic domain computer, I discovered that the IP address of my DNS server was missing from the "Preferred DNS server" field. Adding the DNS server's IP address resolved the issue, as it ensures the computer can properly resolve domain names and communicate with the domain controller.
If you encounter the "Server not operational" error when pressing the "Advanced" button in Local Users & Groups, or when setting "Sharing permissions" for a folder on a domain computer, follow these steps to resolve it:
- Open the Internet Protocol v4 (TCP/IP) settings of the Network Card.
- Enter the DNS server's address in the "Preferred DNS server" field and click OK. This step is crucial as it configures the network adapter to use the specified DNS server for name resolution, which is essential for domain operations. Example: In my case, the DNS server is my domain controller and has IP: 192.168.1.10
3. Restart the PC and then try again to open the "Advanced" page to search for users/groups in the domain. This step ensures that all network settings are applied correctly and that the system can establish a fresh connection to the domain controller.
Note: Ensure you log on to the PC with a user account that has local administrative privileges on the PC or in the Domain, such as the "Domain Administrator". This is necessary to access advanced settings and make changes to user accounts.
Additional Solutions
Beyond DNS settings, consider the following additional solutions:
- Check Domain Controller Connectivity: Ensure that the domain computer can communicate with the domain controller. Use the
pingcommand to verify connectivity. If there are issues, inspect network cables, switches, and firewall settings. - Update Network Drivers: Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause connectivity issues. Update the network adapter drivers via Device Manager or the manufacturer's website to ensure optimal performance.
- Verify Active Directory Services: Ensure that Active Directory services are running smoothly on the domain controller. Use the
dcdiagcommand to diagnose potential issues with domain services.
Summary
To resolve the "Server is not operational" error, ensure that your domain computer's network settings are correctly configured, particularly the DNS server address. Additionally, verify connectivity to the domain controller and update network drivers if necessary. These steps should help restore functionality to the Local Users and Groups Advanced page and resolve any related issues.
Did it work for you? If so, by what method?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the "Server Not Operational" error when adding a domain user as a local administrator?
This error is typically caused by incorrect DNS server settings on the computer. Specifically, the computer may not have the IP address of the DNS server specified in its "Preferred DNS server" field.
How can I fix the "Server Not Operational" error on an Active Directory domain computer?
To resolve the error, ensure that the correct DNS server's IP address is specified in the "Preferred DNS server" field of the Internet Protocol v4 TCP/IP settings on the network card. After updating this setting, restart the computer.
Why is entering the DNS server's IP address crucial in resolving domain-related errors?
Entering the DNS server's IP address is crucial because it allows the domain computer to properly identify and communicate with the domain controller. This is vital for operations such as adding domain users as local administrators or setting folder sharing permissions.
Will I need administrative privileges to apply this DNS server fix?
Yes, you will need to be logged in with a user that has local administrative privileges on the computer or the domain, such as a Domain Administrator, to make changes to the system’s DNS settings.
