when you run that from a command prompt, what output do you get? and you know enough not to type the "c:\>" part, right? i mean, you should, you've got like a doctorate in Computer Science or...

i hate you ian... yes i know enough not to type the c:\> anyway, here's the output: dsquery failed:The parameter is incorrect.:Windows could not run this query because you are connected to a ...

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/Windows_Server_2003/Q_21410274.html if your domain isn't win2k3, you can't use the -inactive switch. See http://www.windowsitpro.com/Forums/m...

do you have a Win2k3 domain? If yes, are you running at 2000 mixed mode?

yeah i saw that forum earlier. We have a w2k3 domain, but i'm trying to find out if it could be operating in mixed mode. trying to figure out how

"To convert, open Active Directory Users and Computers from the Administrative Tools menu. Right-click the domain and choose Properties. On the General tab, click Change Mode. Click Yes, then OK. "