The trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed.

SYMPTOMS
When you try to access a computer running Windows NT Server or Workstation that is a member of your domain with one of the following methods, it fails with one of the messages listed below.
• At a command prompt, type either of the following commands:

Net Use //<ComputerName>/<Share>

-or-

Net View //<ComputerName>

You receive the following message:
System Error 1789 has occurred. The trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed.
• You are in Server Manager and try to view the computer's properties. You receive the following message:
The trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed.
• You are in User Manager and try to add a user account from the Member Server or Workstation's database. You receive the following error message:
The trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed.
• In Event Viewer on the Member Server or Workstation, you receive Event ID 5722:
The session setup to the Windows NT Domain Controller <Unknown> for the domain <DomainName> failed because the Windows NT Domain Controller does not have an account for the computer <ComputerName>.
• When you attempt to log on to the console, you receive the message:
System can not log you on to the domain because the systems computer account in its primary domain is missing or the password on that account is incorrect.

Back to the top

CAUSE
The computer's machine account has the incorrect role or its password has become mismatched with that of the domain database.
Back to the top

RESOLUTION
Log on locally as a local administrator. In the Network tool of Control Panel, select Change and enter a Workgroup name, leaving the domain. Restart the computer and log on locally as a local administrator.

There are two methods to rejoin the domain:
• You can join the domain from the client if at the same time you can provide an administrator username and password on the domain.

-or-  
• You can delete the existing computer account in Server Manager, recreate the computer account, synchronize the domain, and then on the client rejoin the domain.