6 Ways to Fix A Referral Was Returned From The Server in Windows

Windows users when attempting to reinstall OS have reported to experience an error. That is the,

'' A referral was returned from the server ''

This particular error can also happen while installing application and updating drivers. So probably the installation process will be halted and restarting the PC is not a solution here. Now you must be aware that the error can appear with or without administrative privileges. The error a referral was returned from the server has not no exact reason. There are plenty of reasons that varies differently. However each of them is assigned with appropriate solutions.xxx

In this article, I will be examining about the 6 Ways to Fix A Referral Was Returned From The Server in Windows. The methods discussed here will be working irrespective of the windows version (32 or 64 bit).

Let's get started,

1. Edit Local Group Policy Editor

.exe files are not safe always. There are many security loop holes in these kind of files. The problem can be resolved by making some changes in the local group policy editor. Changes in essence means that to disable the User Account Control (UAC). This solution has proved to be effective if one or more applications gives you this error.

To edit local group policy editor,

Press '' Windows + R ''
Type '' regedit ''
Go to Computer configuration → Windows settings → Security settings → Security options
Select User Account Control : Only elevate executables that are signed and validated policy
Right click on it and Select Properties
Check the box Disabled
Press Ok

2. Lower UAC Settings

The problem is most often related to the user account settings. Another way to lower UAC settings is by using the control panel. Once you lower UAC settings, you will eventually install file successfully. But be aware that UAC is an important settings and disabling it leaves your PC open to many type of threat. So leave it back on as soon as the file gets installed.

To lower UAC settings,

Go to Start Menu
Type '' Change User Account Control Settings '' and double click on the results
Move the slider to the lowest and Press Ok

3. Run in Administrator Mode

Sometimes the program may require you to have administrative permissions. If you lack those permissions it can be the reason why you are getting a referral was returned from the server error. Changing the compatibility mode and installing the application as an administrator can instantly fix this error. This is especially recommended if the error seems to appear only on one file.

To run in administrator mode,

Right on the application
Select Properties
Select Run as Administrator

4. Modify Registry

If two or more applications are known to involve in this error, then you can try the option of modifying registry. Through this, you will be able to resolve the error for all the programs.

To modify registry,

Press '' Windows + R ''
Type '' regedit ''
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE → SOFTWARE → Microsoft → Windows → CurrentVersion → Policies → System
Select ValidateAdminCodeSignatures
Type 0 in the value data field
Press Ok
Again Select EnableUIADesktopToggle
Type 0 in the value data field
Press Ok

5. Uninstall Updates

Windows operating system comes up with new updates regularly. Besides features, some windows update also create problems. If the problem seems to appear only after a recent windows update, it is worth uninstalling the updates. This can fix the error if it is not as a result of the update.

6. Perform System Restore

If the above methods fail to resolve this error, then you have no other option but to perform system restore. Performing system restore reverts your PC to a previous point before the error exists. This essentially works as a solution for most operating systems.

To perform system restore,