A Referral Was Returned From The Server Powershell

Finds the user 'jdoe' regardless of which child domain they reside in. #>

function Find-ADObjectGlobal { <# .SYNOPSIS Resolves Active Directory objects across trusted domains, bypassing referral errors.

: In a forest with multiple domains, standard AD cmdlets often fail to follow referrals automatically to child or sibling domains.

: The cmdlet is connected to a DC that doesn't host the specific object (e.g., user or group) you are trying to modify or query. a referral was returned from the server powershell

return $targetObject

This function automatically detects the target object's domain and connects to the correct domain controller, eliminating the "referral was returned" error for user and computer lookups.

} catch { Write-Error "Failed to retrieve object '$Identity'. Error: $_" } } Finds the user 'jdoe' regardless of which child

Write-Verbose "Object found in domain: $targetDomain. Retrieving directly..."

: A local security policy may require all elevated applications to be signed. If PowerShell tries to launch an unsigned executable or script with admin rights, Windows blocks it with this error. How to Fix "A Referral Was Returned From the Server" 1. Specify the Target Server or Global Catalog

: For forest-wide searches, use port 3268 to ensure referrals are handled. powershell : The cmdlet is connected to a DC

Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options .

# Helper to parse Domain from DN (e.g., DC=contoso,DC=com -> contoso.com) $domainParts = ($dn -split ',').Where({$_ -like 'DC=*'}) -replace 'DC=','' $targetDomain = $domainParts -join '.'