Code  8007203A - The server is not operational

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VBScript Training Video on CD

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Troubleshooting Code 8007203A - The server is not operational.

Introduction to error Code 8007203A  

This error, code 8007203A usually occurs when you execute a VBScript.  My suggestion is that there is a typo in the LDAP reference in your script.  Error messages beginning 8007xxxx mean there is a problem with Windows rather than VBScript itself.

The Symptoms you get 8007203A  

When you execute the script you get a message box like this (See diagram).  The VBScript does execute as you hoped.  One possibility is that you are using an LDAP variable has been misspelled.

The Cause of Code Error 8007203A

Your VBScript contains an illegal LDAP reference, probably a typing mistake, maybe an extra letter.  Check the spelling of your objects in the script.  The source is (null) could mean that it could not find an object near the beginning of the script.

As we will see in Solutions 2, it could be that the server really is not 'operational' and cannot respond for a number of reasons.

Solution 1

Check the spelling of your variables and methods.  Look for clues particularly the Line: number (4). In this case it Char: 1 is not to blame.  When none of the line can execute, the error gets charged to the first character.

In the case of runtime errors you can use this work around.  Add this line: On Error Resume Next.

Example of Script

The problem is a typo on line 4.  Observe the famous rootDSE; a phantom 'X' has appeared.  This is the  error: rootDxSE

Correction: It should be plain: rootDSE

Solution 2 - Kindly sent by Ed Crowley

Error 8007203A, can be caused by hitting a domain controller too hard. For example, I've written a script that makes a query that returns a lot of entries (hundreds of thousands).  The problem occurs when the script goes into a loop doing GetObject(LDAP://CN=name,DC=domain,DC=com) calls to examine and/or perform an action on each object returned by the query.

After running thousands of loops the DC times-out and starts throwing this error repeatedly. The solution I've found is to put a 100ms delay in the loop. That delay period is arbitrary. 

I have also found that this problem doesn't occur if my script does a write (SetInfo) on the object on every pass; that slow down the loop enough so that 8007203A error doesn't occur.

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Guy Thomas recommends Computer Training Software. 

Their topics and material are ideal for getting you started with VBScript.  The videos are easy to follow and you can control the pace.  Try their free demo material and then see if you want to buy the full package. See more about VB Script Training CD.

Do you need extra help?

For interpreting the WSH messages check Diagnose 800 errors.

For general advice try my 7 Troubleshooting techniques

Give something back?

Would you like to help others?  If you have a good example of this error, then please email me, I will publish it with a credit to you:

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