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Error: The operation cannot be performed when doing changes on Serv-U

This error "The operation cannot be performed" occurs when doing changes in Serv-U console such listeners, home directory, events and etc. Usually, this is service account permission related issue.

First published date

11/14/2018 7:47 PM

Last published date

2/25/2025 8:39 PM

Overview

The following error occurs  when editing the Serv-U settings using the Serv-U Management Console:

ERROR: The operation cannot be performed

The Service Account you are using is not a local admin account into the Serv-U server. You can verify it by opening the Windows Services and check the service account. This usually happens if the service account is running on a network account like a domain administrator or others. To resolve it, please check the steps below.

Also, it can happen if the server does not have enough disk space, so please make sure to check the available disk space.

Product section

Serv-U Managed File Transfer & Serv-U FTP Server

Cause

  • Serv-U service account does not have permission to edit Serv-U settings.
  • No disk space available

Resolution

  1. Connect to the Serv-U server.
  2. Windows start menu, run lusrmgr.msc.
  3. Go to Groups and select administrators.
  4. Add the Serv-U service account to the administrator's group.
  5. Restart the Serv-U service.
  6. Done.
Another option is to run the services.msc program in the server. Look for the Serv-U File Server service. Go to Properties then to the Logon tab. Change the account from Local System Account to 'This Account' and use the local Administrator account for the server. Save and restart the Serv-U service.

Ensure Antivirus, if any, is not blocking the said changes.

If none of the above steps help reboot the Server.
Please ensure that the server has enough disk space.