The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted

When you try to join a Windows-based computer to an existing domain, you may get an error prompt with the error message The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted. This post identifies the most likely culprits, as well as provides the most suitable solutions to fix the error. The error prompt appears after entering the username and the associated password.

The error commonly occurs due to invalid DNS settings on the workstation, because Active Directory requires the use of domain DNS (and not router’s address) to work properly. The error can also occur due to IPv6 (if configured) is not working.

The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted

Assuming that your Active Directory Domain Controller (and DNS Server) is a Windows Server machine and is responsible for the local domain and has the IP Address of 123.123.123.123. At this example, the IP and the Preferred DNS address on the Primary Domain Controller must be the same, otherwise, you may encounter the issue in view.

So, if you have encountered The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted issue on a Windows 11/10 client machine you’re trying to join to a domain, you can try our recommended solution below to resolve the issue on the system.

Set the Preferred DNS IP to match the Domain Controller’s IP on Client Workstation
Specify the WINS Server’s IP address on Client machine
Modify SysVolReady registry key value on Domain Controller

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

Before you try the solutions below, if you have IPv6 configured, you can disable the protocol and then release TCP/IP, Flush DNS, Reset Winsock, Reset Proxy which can potentially resolve DNS issue on Windows 11/10. Afterwards, try the client PC domain join again and see if the procedure completes without the error in hand.

1] Set the Preferred DNS IP to match the Domain Controller’s IP on Client Workstation

This solution to resolve The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted issue on a Windows 11/10 client machine you’re trying to join to a domain, is to set the Preferred DNS IP to point to Primary Domain Controller’s IP address on each client workstation that you want to join in the domain.

Do the following:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter to open Network and Sharing Center (if unable, see Network and Sharing Center not opening).
Right-click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
Next, double-click on Internet Protocol TCP/IPv4.
Now, change the Preferred DNS server address to match the Primary Domain Controller’s IP address (run IPConfig to see the exact IP for your setup).
Check the Validate settings upon exit option.
Click OK all through to close all windows.

Now, you can go ahead and join the workstation to the Domain without the issue in view reoccurring.

2] Specify the WINS Server’s IP address on Client machine

You can apply this solution if your Active Directory Domain Controller acts also as a WINS server – set the WINS IP address to point to the WINS Server’s (Primary Domain Controller’s IP address) on the client machine that you want to join to the Domain.

Note: This method works even when the Primary Domain Controller does not act as a WINS Server.

Do the following:

Open Network and Sharing Center.
Right-click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
Next, double-click on Internet Protocol TCP/IPv4.
Click the Advanced button.
Click WINS tab.
Click Add button.
In the WINS server field, type in the IP address of the WINS server.
Click Add.
Click OK all through to apply changes and close all windows.

You should now be able to join the workstation to the Domain without the issue in view reoccurring.

3] Modify SysVolReady registry key value on Domain Controller

SysVolReady indicates the replication status of the system volume on a domain controller. This entry appears only in the registry of a domain controller, and is set by DcPromo, Backup, and File Replication service (FRS) to indicate the replication state of the SYSVOL share. During replication, the system volume is not shared and the domain controller does not respond to DSGetDcName calls, which seek a domain controller in the domain.

This entry notifies the system that replication of the SYSVOL is complete. If a problem with the FRS prevents it from resetting this value automatically after replication, you can change the value of this entry to 1 via Registry Editor.

Since this is a registry operation, it is recommended that you back up the registry or create a system restore point as necessary precautionary measures. Once done, you can proceed as follows:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters

At the location, on the right pane, double-click the SysVolReady entry to edit its properties.
Input 1 in the Value data field.

The value 1 means the system volume is not being replicated – the volume is shared. The value 0 means the system volume is being replicated or receiving replication updates and is not shared.

Click OK or hit Enter to save the change.
Exit Registry Editor.
You may have to reboot the Domain Controller.

After the DC restarts, you can now successfully join the client machine to the domain.

That’s it!

How do I fix Domain not available?

To fix the We can’t sign you with this credential because your domain isn’t available error, you can try the following suggestions:

Reboot the system with no network connectivity.
Remove the user from the protected user group.
Using Security policy snap-in.
Change the DNS server address.

What does domain does not exist mean?

If you are getting the domain does not exist error message, then it simply means the HTTP client will not be able to connect to any HTTP server, and thus you will not get any HTTP response at all, because the lower layer protocols cannot connect to provide the conduit for the higher-level HTTP connection.

How do I log into a computer without a domain?

You can log into a computer without a domain by simply logging in to Windows with Local Account without specifying the Computer Name. In the username field simply enter .\. – the domain below will disappear and switch to your local computer name without typing it. Then specify your local username after the .\. to use the local account with that username. Alternatively, type the computer name followed by a backslash and the username to achieve the same effect.

How do you use DCDiag?

The DCDiag utility is built into Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008. The tool analyzes the state of domain controllers in a forest or enterprise and reports any problems to help in troubleshooting. To use dcdiag, you must run the dcdiag command from an elevated command prompt. Dcdiag is available if you have the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) or Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) server role installed. It is also available if you install the AD DS Tools that are part of the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT).