Resolving Could Not Obtain Information About Windows NT Group/User Errors in SQL Server

Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve "could not obtain information about windows nt group/user" errors when working with SQL Server.
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Resolving Could Not Obtain Information About Windows NT Group/User Errors in SQL Server

SQL Server administrators and developers occasionally encounter the error messages like "could not obtain information about windows nt group/user" or "could not obtain information about windows nt group/user 0x534." These errors typically arise during various operations involving Windows accounts, such as using the xp_logininfo stored procedure. This guide aims to explain the possible causes of these messages and provide solutions to resolve them.

Understanding the Error Messages

Could not obtain information about windows nt group/user

This error often occurs when the SQL Server service account, or the SQL login being used, lacks sufficient permissions to query Windows group or user information.

Could not obtain information about windows nt group/user 0x534

The error code 0x534 signifies that the specified account does not exist or that the SQL Server instance cannot communicate with Active Directory to retrieve the required information. This can be due to network issues, misconfigured settings, or account deletions.

Could not obtain information about windows nt group/user sql server

When this message specifically mentions "SQL Server," it often means you are attempting operations involving SQL Server services or specific SQL logins tied to Windows accounts that the system cannot locate or authenticate.

xp_logininfo could not obtain information about windows nt group/user

The xp_logininfo stored procedure is used to retrieve information about a Windows user or group. If SQL Server cannot obtain the needed details, it may return this error, potentially due to insufficient permissions or connectivity problems to the domain controller.

Solutions and Troubleshooting Steps

Verify SQL Server Service Account Permissions

Ensure that the SQL Server service account has the necessary permissions to query AD objects:

Open the Active Directory Users and Computers tool.

Locate your SQL Server service account.

Confirm that it has read permissions on the organizational units where the users and groups are situated.

Test Network and Domain Connectivity

Ensure that the SQL Server instance can communicate with Active Directory:

Verify network connectivity to the domain controller.

Use tools like ping to test basic connectivity.

Use nltest /dsgetdc:<domain_name> to verify domain controller discovery.

Service Account Configuration

Ensure the proper configuration of the service accounts:

Recheck the credentials specifying in the SQL Server Configuration Manager.

Update or correct service account details if necessary.

Check Group Membership

Ensure the user or group exists in Active Directory:

Ensure the group or user specified in your query still exists.

Use Active Directory Users and Computers to verify group or user presence and membership.

Run SQL Server with Elevated Privileges

Ensure the user performing the operation has adequate privileges:

Log in to SQL Server with an account that has administrative rights.

Execute the required command or stored procedure.

In conclusion, errors related to "could not obtain information about windows nt group/user" can generally be traced back to permissions or connectivity issues. By ensuring proper configurations, permissions, and connectivity, most issues can be swiftly resolved.

[Sri.lyricalsongs]

Msg 15404, Level 16, State 4, Procedure xp_logininfo, Line 43 [Batch Start Line 0]
Could not obtain information about Windows NT group/user error code 0x2147