Mac user gets "Unknown error connecting to server" when changing password

  • Document ID:7008555
  • Creation Date:31-May-2012
  • Modified Date:31-May-2012
    • Micro Focus Products:
      Kanaka for Mac
      Open Enterprise Server

Environment

Novell Open Enterprise Server 11 (OES 11) Linux
Novell Open Enterprise Server 2 (OES 2) Linux Support Pack 2
Novell Open Enterprise Server 2 (OES 2) Linux Support Pack 3
Novell Kanaka for Mac 2.6

Situation

User is trying to change their password with the Novell Kanaka for Mac installed.  The only information they see is "Unknown error connecting to server".

In looking at the Kanaka Console (https://ip_or_dns:3089) -> Access Requests, the following is observed:
Change password USERID.MyOU.MyORG Unknown Directory Services error has occurred. Failed to change password for CN 'USERID.MyOU.MyORG'; Result = 48.

Resolution

Have the user change to a different password -- one that they have not used before.

Cause

User was trying to re-use a previously used password.

Additional Information

In most cases, eDirectory is configured to remember some number of the previously used passwords, for each user.  If a user tries to reuse one of these passwords, they will not be allowed and the above errors are seen.