The Security Database on the Server Does Not Have a Computer Account for This Workstation Trust Fix

Encountering the error “The security database on the server does not have a computer account for this workstation trust fix” can be both frustrating and confusing, especially for users unfamiliar with network or server configurations. This problem typically arises in environments using Active Directory (AD) and domain-joined computers. Let’s dive into what causes this issue, how it affects users, and how to fix it.

What Is the Problem?

The error indicates a failure in the trust relationship between a workstation (client computer) and the domain controller. When this trust breaks, the computer is unable to communicate properly with the server. As a result, users attempting to log in to their domain accounts might be blocked and met with this error message.

Causes of the Issue

Understanding the potential causes of this error helps streamline the troubleshooting process. Here are some common reasons:

1. Out-of-Sync Computer Account: The computer’s account in the Active Directory might have become out-of-sync with the domain controller, often due to changes in hardware, password updates, or server configurations.
2. DNS or Network Configuration Issues: Improper DNS settings or network misconfigurations can prevent the workstation from communicating with the domain controller.
3. Expired Machine Password: Every computer in a domain has a password (separate from the user password) that gets renewed periodically. If this password is not updated, the trust relationship may fail.
4. Improper Removal from the Domain: If a computer was removed from the domain incorrectly and then re-added, it might fail to re-establish trust with the server.

Real-World Examples of the Error

Many users on tech forums, such as Spiceworks and Microsoft’s own TechNet, report this issue after reimaging computers, performing system restores, or updating hardware. For instance, one user described how they reimaged multiple workstations, only to find that their connection to the domain was broken. Another reported the error following a simple power outage, which caused DNS misconfigurations. These examples show that the problem can emerge in various environments and scenarios, making it important to have a robust fix.

How the Issue Manifests for Users

When users encounter this problem, it usually happens after restarting or logging into their workstation. Symptoms include:

• Inability to log into a domain account (receiving the trust error).
• Access to network resources, such as shared drives or printers, may be restricted.
• Occasional DNS resolution failures when attempting to access other domain-related services.

Troubleshooting and Fixes

Now that we’ve covered the nature and causes of the problem, let’s discuss how to resolve the error. Here are several methods, depending on the exact cause.

Method 1: Rejoin the Computer to the Domain

The most straightforward solution to this problem is to rejoin the workstation to the domain.

1. Login as a Local Administrator: Since domain login is not possible, you’ll need to access the system using a local account.
2. Remove the Computer from the Domain: Go to Settings > System > About > Rename this PC or Change Domain/Workgroup. Choose Workgroup, then reboot the computer.
3. Rejoin the Domain: After rebooting, follow the same steps, but this time select Domain and input the necessary credentials.
4. Reboot Again: Once the process is complete, reboot the system to finalize the changes.

This method effectively re-establishes the trust between the computer and the domain controller, resolving the error.

Method 2: Reset the Computer Account in Active Directory

Sometimes, the computer’s account in the AD becomes corrupted or out of sync. To resolve this:

1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers on the domain controller.
2. Find the Computer Account: Locate the computer that is having issues in the Computers organizational unit (OU).
3. Right-Click and Reset: Right-click the computer account and choose Reset. This will reset the account but won’t delete any associated objects.
4. Rejoin the Domain: Similar to the first method, you will need to remove the computer from the domain and then rejoin it.

Note: Ensure that the DNS settings on the workstation and the domain controller are correct, as improper DNS can lead to continued trust issues even after the reset.

Method 3: Manually Reset the Computer’s Machine Password

If the issue is caused by an expired or mismatched machine password, resetting it can solve the problem.

1. Open PowerShell as an Administrator on the workstation.
2. Run the Following Command: Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Repair -Credential (Get-Credential)
3. Reboot the Computer: After the command runs successfully, reboot the computer to apply the fix.

This method resets the secure channel between the workstation and the domain, without requiring the machine to be removed from or rejoined to the domain.

Method 4: Check DNS Settings

Incorrect DNS settings can lead to the workstation failing to resolve the domain controller. To fix this:

1. Check the DNS Configuration: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your network adapter, choose Properties, and then open the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) settings.
2. Set the Preferred DNS Server: Make sure that the preferred DNS server is the IP address of the domain controller.
3. Clear DNS Cache: Run the following command in Command Prompt to clear any DNS cache issues: ipconfig /flushdns

Reboot your computer and see if the trust relationship has been restored.

Preventing Future Issues

Once the issue is resolved, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again:

1. Regularly Update Computer Accounts: Ensure that your AD policies allow for regular updates to machine passwords. You can automate password changes or monitor machine account statuses using scripts or third-party tools.
2. Monitor Network Changes: Be vigilant about DNS and network configurations, as many trust issues stem from improper DNS settings. Keeping your network in sync with your domain controller will minimize errors.
3. Backup Configurations: Always have recent backups of workstation and server configurations. If a domain trust relationship breaks due to a system restore or reimage, having a backup allows for quick recovery without major reconfigurations.

By taking these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering the “the security database on the server does not have a computer account for this workstation trust fix” error in the future.