The error code Win32 0x00000561 translates to ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_ALIAS, indicating an issue related to group membership and aliases. In Windows security, local groups can have alias names, which are alternative names for the group. This error arises when you try to verify if a specific account is a member of a group using its alias, but the account is not actually a member of the underlying group itself.

Here’s a breakdown of the error and potential troubleshooting steps:

Understanding the Error:

• Aliases provide flexibility in referencing groups, but they don’t change the actual membership of the group.
• This error occurs when you check if an account is a member of a group using its alias, but the account is not present in the actual group’s membership list. There are a couple of reasons why this might happen.

Common Causes:

• Incorrect Alias Usage: You might be using an alias for the group that doesn’t exist or doesn’t correspond to the intended group.
• Outdated Information: The alias you’re using might be outdated, and the group it refers to might have been renamed or restructured.
• Incorrect Account Verification: You might be trying to verify the membership of a different account than intended.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Here’s how you can address the ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_ALIAS error:

• Verify Group Name and Alias:

  • Double-check the group name and its corresponding alias to ensure they are spelled correctly and reference the intended group.

• Use Primary Group Name (if applicable):

  • If possible, try verifying membership using the primary group name instead of the alias. This can help avoid confusion caused by potential alias issues.

• Review Group Management Tools:

  • Use tools like the Local Users and Groups MMC snap-in to view the actual membership list of the group. This can confirm whether the target account is indeed a member of the group, regardless of the alias used.

• System Administrator Involvement (Recommended):

  • If you’re unsure about group membership, aliases, or need to manage group memberships, involving your system administrator is recommended. They have the expertise and access rights to manage local groups and user accounts securely.

In Summary:

The Win32 0x00000561 error (ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_ALIAS) indicates that an account is not a member of a group when verification is attempted using the group’s alias. By verifying group names, aliases, using primary group names (if applicable), and consulting your system administrator, you can ensure accurate membership checks and avoid alias-related confusion.