If you are still using earlier versions of windows including windows XP, windows 98 or windows 2000, I am sure you must have seen this error. Well, today we are going to give you a brief explanation on this error, what is the cause behind this error and methods to fix this error a duplicate name exists on the network Windows. So, that in the future, this error will not waste your time and leave you with headache-free computing. Let’s Proceed when you try to connect your computer system with any other computer system or server via network sharing. You get to see the following error, which says.

a duplicate name exists on the network

However, as I mentioned earlier, versions of windows are built with NetBios and Windows Internet Naming Service. These two services have a common database for saving network names and related information that creates confusion for the system, and windows finally throw this Windows A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network error. And all the similar devices that are enabled with NetBIOS throw this error.

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Causes of Error A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network Windows Issue:

Multiple errors can cause this error, and we have covered all the possible reasons behind this A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network error. These causes will help you in understanding and following a suitable method in fixing the error.

  1. NetBIOS and WINS are used in the earlier version of windows, including XP, 2000 AND 98.
  2. Both the systems that are connected are having the same Generic name.
  3. Network Server that you set up has been configured with two different network names.
  4. Your broadband router has the same name as your windows workgroup.
  5. Use of old hardware or network adapters.

How to Fix & Solve A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network Error

We have gathered a couple of methods that will surely help you in getting rid of this Error A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network Windows. Follow each step correctly, and if you face difficulty, feel free to try other given methods.

1. Renewing Internet Protocol –

In the first method, we will try to troubleshoot this new netnat you were not connected because A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network error by renewing our computer system IP. Using the windows command line, we will enter the commands as follow.

STEP 1: Open Command by Click start > Type run> CMD

run

STEP 2: In the Command window type ipconfig /release hit Enter

cmd

STEP 3: Type next command ipconfig /renew  and hit Enter

cmd

2. Removing Hidden Network Adapters –

For some reason, if you are still having this smb access failure 0xc00000bd A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network error, proceed to this step. In this step, we will be discarding the hidden network adapters that create interference with the exiting working network adapters.

STEP 1: Firstly we go to Device manager Click start > Type run > type devmgmt.msc

run

STEP 2: From the menu bar select View and choose Show Hidden Devices

device manager

STEP 3: Select Network Adapters 

STEP 4: Adapters which are grey in color remove them.

uninstall adapter

STEP 5: Restart your System for finalizing changes.

3. Rename your System –

If Windows System Error A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network Error still persists, follow this method. In this step, we will be changing the system name.

STEP 1: Go to command by Click Start > Type Run > CMD

run cmd A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network

STEP 2: Enter command nbstat -n it will display conflicting station if present

cmd A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network

STEP 3: Look for the network connection which you are using it can be WAN or LAN

network names A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network

STEP 4: Right Click on My Computer icon on Desktop. Go to Properties.

my computer A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network

STEP 5: In properties Select the Computer Name tab and click on the change button

renaming my computer A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network

STEP 6: After clicking on change Button choose a different name and Restart your system

Conclusion:

With all the given steps above, I am sure you get rid of Error A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network Windows will be hopefully. As mentioned, there are multiple causes of this error, and this error creates problems while connecting to a shared computer system or server. And we are not able to successfully connect to the system. With the given quick guide, you will undoubtedly overcome this error.

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