---
title: "Active Directory Active Column"
canonical: "https://ai-docs.certero.com/space/CUP/119701508/Active%20Directory%20Active%20Column"
format: markdown
---
# Document version control table

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **Attribute** | **Setting** |
| Document title | What does the Active Directory Active column mean? |
| Document subject | What do the yes/no values in the Active Directory “Active” column mean? |
| Document version | 1 |
| Document category | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
| Document published date | 14/01/2025 |
| Technical level | 100 |
| Hosting type | On premise & SaaS provisioned |
| Product name | Certero for Enterprise ITAM |
| Product version |  |
| Module | Choose an item. |
| Connector | Choose an item. |


# **Question**

There are some datapoints in Certero for which the meaning may not be obvious. This can be because the values are calculated or derived in some way to reduce effort, but the derivation is not self-evident.

On the **Active Directory** tab of the **Computer Systems** > **Microsoft Windows** datagrid, there is a column titled **Active**, which contains the possible values of Yes, No or <blank>.

We know this datapoint is very important for understanding inventory coverage and lifecycle, and is available in all the key reporting vectors in the platform; but what does it actually mean and how is it derived?

# **Answer**

This datapoint is populated by an AD connector, so it’s an outcome of discovery, not inventory which is why you’ll also see the column in **Client Management** > **Computers**.

**Yes**	Means that the last time the AD connector for the computer’s domain ran, the computer account existed **and** was not disabled.

**No**	Means that the last time the AD connector for the computer’s domain ran, the computer account did not exist **or** was disabled.	

**Blank	**This means that the computer is not in any domain covered by an AD connector. If there was a connector, then as per the above, we’d have determined a Yes or No status. Most likely the computer is not domain-joined, and/or it’s not a Windows computer.

Note the phrase “the last time the AD connector… ran” in the meanings above. This means that if a connector has stopped working, then the Yes/No status will be stale, so it’s important to also consider the **AD Last Sync** and **AD Last Logon** timestamps.

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