ERROR_DS_COULDNT_LOCK_TREE_FOR_DELETE 0x80072136

Error code 8502 · HRESULT 0x80072136

WINDOWS

The directory service failed to lock a tree in preparation for a tree deletion because the tree was in use.

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

ERROR_DS_COULDNT_LOCK_TREE_FOR_DELETE is a Windows error code (system error 8502, returned as HRESULT 0x80072136) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “The directory service failed to lock a tree in preparation for a tree deletion because the tree was in use.”

How to fix ERROR_DS_COULDNT_LOCK_TREE_FOR_DELETE

  1. Reboot once — many one-off system codes disappear with a clean restart
  2. Repair system files: 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  3. Find the source in Event Viewer → System: filter for this exact code and open its provider link

Related errors

ERROR_DS_COULDNT_IDENTIFY_OBJECTS_FOR_TREE_DELETEERROR_DS_COULDNT_UPDATE_SPNSERROR_DS_COULDNT_CONTACT_FSMOERROR_DS_NO_TREE_DELETE_ABOVE_NCERROR_DS_INVALID_SEARCH_FLAGERROR_DS_SAM_INIT_FAILUREERROR_DS_CANT_MOVE_RESOURCE_GROUP

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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