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Summary: A duplicate name exists on the network happens when two resources - usually computers - have been given the same name. We'll look at how to check, and where to fix it. Windows System Error, A duplicate name exists on the network. I get this when I sign on, this message comes up in a little nag box. It doesn't come up every time, so has someone hacked in to my computer? It's unlikely that you've been hacked. It's more likely that the error message is exactly right: A duplicate name exists on the network. The question you're probably asking is, "what name?". Your computer's name. • Right click on My Computer and click on Properties, and then click on the Computer Name tab and you'll see something like this:
Yours will of course have different computer descriptions, names and workgroup names. The error message is complaining about the Full computer name listed there. Each computer on your network must have a unique name. If two computers have the same name "a duplicate name exists". In such a case, some network operations may fail because there's no way to tell which computer you mean when you specify the computer name. Computer names should also be different than the Workgroup name. Pick one of the two computers that have the same name, and pick a new name. To change the name, on that Computer Name dialog, just hit the Change button, and you'll see a dialog such as this:
As you can see you can change your computer name to whatever you like, or change the Workgroup it's a part of. (You probably want all the computers on your network to be a part of the same Workgroup to enable file sharing more easily.) Once you change the computer name, OK your way back out. Reboot and see if the error message you were seeing hasn't disappeared. Related:
• Recent Comments
Actually, I had the same problem this morning when I got to work. I tried all means but none work. I decided to change my IP address and domain name.. Guess, what happened.. it worked perfectly and all is back to normal.. Thanks for your thread though. Posted by: Mac-Jordan at October 9, 2007 07:05 AMall the time i start my computer "A duplicate name exists on the network" appears. i changed the name ...it doesn't work (i put even 12 character word with letters..numbers).i have internet through a broadband connection.my friends have the same problem...it is possible to disable this message? Posted by: coolerro at October 25, 2007 02:48 PMAt start up using windows xp home edition, I started getting (A duplicate name exits on the network) I had the same problem that Cecitia and was able to correct by changing the full computer name and adding Computer description name. Posted by: Ken Blatny at December 18, 2007 06:41 PMI have worked/asked/searched this problem on our network for two - three weeks. The solution was surprising and had nothing(?) to do with this error message. By isoliting a small part of the network, using new cables and a new switch everything was OK, and I could continue from this. What caused the error message?; a damaged cabletip(I don't know the English name) from the 3Com AP to the switch, tightly bundled cables, old equimment or a a pupil/teacher who has put a cable into the wrong connection. I am not sure, but my bet is the cable from the AP to the switch. I hope this could be of help for some? Let me know - - -, The best part was when Cecilia said "I turned my computer on/off several times and I still have the problem". Posted by: skone at April 10, 2008 08:57 PMGreat solution. Great SEO. I found you first! and i'm happy i did. I just signed up to the newletter. Posted by: anthony at April 20, 2008 01:25 PMhi Leo, thanks for the advice but for my case it has refused. Am running an application on Win XP with SQLExpress 2005 as database. but when i try to run \\localhost it brings the same error as "You were not connected because a duplicate name exists on the network". Help me please Posted by: Brian at May 27, 2008 05:43 AMThanks Leo, your solution was helpful. Better than the one on microsoft web site! Posted by: Marc Leclerc at June 6, 2008 04:10 PMi am getting a error saying that A dupicate name exists on the network ihve the internet connection through a service provider.ihave tried to change the computer name it didnt work and i am experiencing much slower download rate.please reply me wat to do thanks so much Posted by: bedocom at August 23, 2008 05:49 AMPost a comment on "A duplicate name exists on the network - what does that mean? How do I fix it?":
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