When attempting to connect to the GPOAdmin server from a remote console (workstation or remote server), the following error is displayed:
"A call to SSPI failed, see inner exception."
The GPOAdmin console functions correctly when accessed locally on the server. However, remote connections fail, even when using the GPOAdmin service account credentials.
This issue is typically related to name resolution or authentication failures, often caused by DNS or network configuration issues.
Common contributing factors include:
To resolve the issue, perform the following steps:
Ensure the remote console system can correctly resolve the GPOAdmin server:
On the remote console machine, add an entry to the hosts file:
<GPOAdminServerIP> <GPOAdminServerName>
Location:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
This ensures proper forward and reverse name resolution required for SSPI/Kerberos.
If your environment relies on NetBIOS:
If DNS or NetBIOS changes are not feasible:
<GPOAdminServerIP>:<Port>
Note: This may bypass name resolution issues but is not recommended as a long-term solution due to potential Kerberos/SPN limitations.