JSI Tip 8607. When you use Cluster.exe to change the Cluster service account password on Windows Server 2003, you receive 'System error 1355 has occurred (0x0000054b)'?

When you use:

cluster /cluster: /changepassword: /skipdc /verbose /force

                    OR

cluster /cluster: /changepassword:, /verbose /force

you receive:

Failed to query node of cluster .
System error 1355 has occurred (0x0000054b).
The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted.

This problem will occur if the Windows Server 2003 cluster is jointed to a Windows NT 4.0 domain, because Cluster.exe attempts to retieve the Cluster service account password from the cluster node in UPN format, @.com. In a Windows NT 4.0 domain, the Cluster service account is in the format.

To workaround this behavior:

01. On each cluster node, Start / Run / net stop clussvc / OK.

02. When all cluster nodes are stopped, use the Windows NT 4.0 PDC to open User Manager for Domains.

03. Double-click the Cluster service account and type the new password into the Password and Confirm Password boxes.

04. Press OK.

05. On each cluster node, Start / Run / Services.msc / OK.

06. Double-click the Cluster service.

07. Select the Log On tab.

08. Type the new password into the Password and Confirm Password boxes.

19. Press OK.

10. When the Cluster service account password has been changed on all the cluster nodes, on each cluster node, Start / Run / net start clussvc / OK.

NOTE: See How to change the Cluster service account password.