Err Msg: A Duplicate Name Exists on the Network... (100320)

SYMPTOMS

When you install Windows NT Advanced Server or Windows NT on a new computer that you want to add to a domain, if you use a machine name that already exists on the network, Setup will continue normally up to the point where it starts the network. At this point, the following error message appears:

A duplicate name exists on the network. This error prevented the network from starting. As a result, you will be unable to join a domain at the present time.

Because of this error, you are unable to join the domain you planned on joining. You will be prompted with a dialog box giving you the option of starting your own domain, or joining another domain. If you start you own domain, there is no way to join the existing domain at a later date. If you abort this dialog box, it completely aborts Setup.

WORKAROUND

In Windows NT, temporarily join a workgroup. At a later date, you will be able to change the machine name and join the domain. In Windows NT Advanced Server, this is not an option. There is no way, other than during installation, to select a machine name. You must abort Setup. Then you will have to start the setup process again and use a machine name that does not exist on the network.