Duplicate Microsoft Exchange System Objects container exists in Active Directory [AdInitErrorRule]

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Exchange Setup can't continue because it found a duplicate Microsoft Exchange System Objects container in Active Directory Domain Naming context. When Setup finds a duplicate Microsoft Exchange System Objects container, you need to delete the duplicate container before Setup can continue. Note that running DomainPrep again won't fix the problem. You need to find and delete the duplicate Microsoft Exchange System Objects container.

To resolve this issue, do the following steps:

  1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers. For example:

    • Press Windows key + R, enter dsc.msc, and then click OK.

    • In Administrative Tools > Active Directory Users and Computers.

  2. In the Active Directory Users and Computers, click View > Advanced Features.

  3. Locate the duplicate Microsoft Exchange System Objects container.

  4. Verify that the duplicate Microsoft Exchange System Objects container doesn't contain valid Active Directory objects.

  5. Right-click the duplicate Microsoft Exchange System Objects container, click Delete, and then click Yes in the confirmation dialog box.

Note

To immediately replicate the change, you need to manually initiate replication between domain controllers.

Having problems? Ask for help in the Exchange forums. Visit the forums at: Exchange Server.