"a duplicate name exist on the network" error [pics]

[NeoPTLD]

I started my computer this morning and got an error message.

At the long in prompt, it says

"a duplicate name exist on the network."

It does the same thing when I disconnect and reconnect the LAN cable connecting to the university network...

Is this because I'm using a very common name for Windows log in?
The computer name is a unique name that was automatically assigned..

Can someone shed a light on what's going on?

Pics:
Error message
connector at wall

My Windows log in have been the same since the beginning of the school year and the computer name is a randomly assigned string of letters and numbers.

 

[AFB]

Talk to admin, they can tell you if this is true or not.

 

[OZEE]

It's not your windows login name -- it's the computer name and/or tcp/ip address

 

[acemcmac]

I'm about 90% sure that its just a hiccup of netbios while its changing master box. pay it no mind unless it keeps happening.

 

[Pulsar]

Any chance you're at Purdue?

Purdue uses static IP address handed out individually. When my roommate decided he wanted a network connection without paying for it, he simply tried random IP adresses until he got one to accept. (Likely someone turned their computer off, freeing up that IP address to be reassigned).

There were a slew of complaints (unknown to us) which was finally tracked down to my room - and they shut off MY net access, since I was the only paying customer in the room.

We sorted it out, but I'm betting someone is either intentionally or unintentionally taking your IP adress. Go to the network admin and have them track it down - they can tell you down to the room number who's using it.

 

[martind1]

I don't think this is the message you get if its an ip problem. I think it give you a message about duplicate ip address.


anyways its probably your computer name. IF you are on a university lan, if they told you there is a name order (i.e. lastname-firstinitial) then if you cange it you risk this happening.

also it could be a problem on their server. it might think your computer is still registered on their though, it obvisouly isnt and this could be causing it.


If your name is something you created. jsut add a 2(or something, to make it unique) to the end of the computer name, and see if that fixes your problem. if not, its time for an it call.

 

[RhythmAddict]

Originally posted by: martind1
I don't think this is the message you get if its an ip problem. I think it give you a message about duplicate ip address.


anyways its probably your computer name. IF you are on a university lan, if they told you there is a name order (i.e. lastname-firstinitial) then if you cange it you risk this happening.

also it could be a problem on their server. it might think your computer is still registered on their though, it obvisouly isnt and this could be causing it.


If your name is something you created. jsut add a 2(or something, to make it unique) to the end of the computer name, and see if that fixes your problem. if not, its time for an it call.

You're right about this. It explicitly will say "duplicate IP address" if that was the case. This is most likely a computer/host name or the SID. SID can be changed by running something like ghostwalker - a program designed by Norton. There are other SID changers out there, though. I did a search for ghostwalker, and yieled nothing...Do a search for "SID Changer" and run it. You should be fine then.

 

[martind1]

Id try changing the computer name first and foremost. narrow it down.

 

[NeoPTLD]

Well I'm still getting the error message, but I can use the connection anad everything.

 

[AFB]

Edit: How about a Pic?:camera:

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: amdfanboy
Edit: How about a Pic?:camera:

ok

 

[AFB]

Try changing your name to something odd.(on the computer)

 

[martind1]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD
Well I'm still getting the error message, but I can use the connection anad everything.

ok you are still getting it. how about telling us what changes you tried and they still failed.

 

[martind1]

The computer name is a unique name that was automatically assigned..

ok i jsut noticed that in your post.

so who assigned it, your school? How is it assigned? by using your name? liek lastname first initial, like for joe college, collegeJ?


And have you contacted yoru IT since they know your network better than us, and it might be a problem on their end with their dns/wins

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: martind1

The computer name is a unique name that was automatically assigned..

ok i jsut noticed that in your post.

so who assigned it, your school? How is it assigned? by using your name? liek lastname first initial, like for joe college, collegeJ?


And have you contacted yoru IT since they know your network better than us, and it might be a problem on their end with their dns/wins

The computer name was assigned by Windows installer.. #xxxy#x##xxxxxx #=integer, x=alphabet. It looks to be a randomly generated string.

 

[martind1]

well go ahead and make it more random, lol