diff --git a/servers/slapd/back-bdb/passwd.c b/servers/slapd/back-bdb/passwd.c
index cb6ca711f6..76613bbb7d 100644
--- a/servers/slapd/back-bdb/passwd.c
+++ b/servers/slapd/back-bdb/passwd.c
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ retry:	/* transaction retry */
 
 	if( e == NULL ) {
 		*text = "could not locate authorization entry";
-		rc = LDAP_OPERATIONS_ERROR;
+		rc = LDAP_NO_SUCH_OBJECT;
 		goto done;
 	}