ERROR_DS_SRC_OBJ_NOT_GROUP_OR_USER 0x8007215A

Error code 8538 · HRESULT 0x8007215A

WINDOWS

The source object must be a group or user.

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_SRC_OBJ_NOT_GROUP_OR_USER is a Windows error code (system error 8538, returned as HRESULT 0x8007215A) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “The source object must be a group or user.”

How to fix ERROR_DS_SRC_OBJ_NOT_GROUP_OR_USER

  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_SRC_SID_EXISTS_IN_FORESTERROR_DS_SRC_AND_DST_OBJECT_CLASS_MISMATCHERROR_DS_SRC_DC_MUST_BE_SP4_OR_GREATERERROR_DS_SRC_GUID_MISMATCHERROR_DS_CANT_FIND_DC_FOR_SRC_DOMAINERROR_DS_DESTINATION_AUDITING_NOT_ENABLEDERROR_DS_DESTINATION_DOMAIN_NOT_IN_FOREST

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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