Error Message When Opening or Editing a Domain Group Policy Object

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This article was previously published under Q257435

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to open or edit a domain Group Policy Object (GPO) on a computer running Windows 2000 Server, you may receive the following error message:

The domain controller for Group Policy operations is not available. You may cancel this operation for this session or retry using one of the following domain controller choices:

The one with the Operations Master token for the PDC emulator

The one used by the Active Directory Snap-ins

Use any available domain controller

If you choose any of these options, you may receive the following error message:

Failed to find a domain controller. There may be a policy that prevents you from selecting another domain controller.

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CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:

File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not enabled on the domain controller.
The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service is disabled.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use one of the following methods.

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Enable File and Printer Sharing

Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then click Select Network and Dial-up Connections.
Right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Properties.
Click File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK.

NOTE: If File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not listed, click Install, and then click Service. Click Add, and then click File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.