Directory synchronization fails with an error: "cannot load string to xml node" (4281127)

After starting directory synchronization it immediately fails with an error: "cannot load to xml node".
XML files are not being created.

Another symptom is that you cannot create the domain pair.

Cause A:

Error indicates that the tool is trying to load/convert a string from a script. This error usually only occurs when a custom add-in or any add-in (XML file) is used.

Cause B:

If the referenced file is missing, then there is an issue with the installation.

Resolution for Cause A:

First troubleshooting step is to remove the add-in and verify sync is working without add-in. Then the add-in should be analyzed.

In most cases, if add-in was not modified, deleting the old (corrupted) file and downloading or copying a fresh copy resolves the problem.

Resolution for Cause B:

Run a Repair of the Migration Manager for Active Directory installation through the Control Panel | Programs snap-in.