Event ID 5718: The UAS Built-in Database Synchronization...

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

When attempting to replicate the User Accounts Database (UAS), the following message appears in the Event Log (use the Event Viewer to view the Event Log):

   Event ID: 5718
   Description: The UAS Built-in database synchronization failed.

CAUSE

This binary data translates to the Windows NT status code of "STATUS_SPECIAL_ACCOUNT." This indicates an illegal operation has been attempted on a reserved (built-in) Security Accounts Manager (SAM) account. For an example, you attempted to delete the Administrator User, Guest User, or a local group such as Administrators.

Under normal circumstances, this is not the problem because a user typically is not deleted during a full synchronization procedure. You cannot make the administrator account a non-administrator by removing it from the administrator's local group. You cannot disable the administrator account by selecting the "Disable account" check box in User Manager. You cannot set the administrator account to expire. These are all the reasons the SAM might return the C0000124 STATUS_SPECIAL_ACCOUNT.

WORKAROUND

One method to determine the nature of problem is to inspect the SAM on the Primary Domain Controller (PDC) to see if any of the above conditions have occurred and correct them.

If you cannot correct the issue via User Manager you may need to reinstall the Backup Domain Controller (BDC) if that is where the issue is manifested. Then allow the PDC to do a full synchronization.