System Error 52 when you connect to an NLB cluster name (269156)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
This article was previously published under Q269156

SYMPTOMS

When you issue a net view \\clustername command or use another NetBIOS connection on a Windows 2000-based Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster by cluster name, you may receive the following error message:
System Error 52 - A duplicate name exists on the network.

CAUSE

NetBIOS connections to the virtual cluster name are not supported because the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol in Windows 2000 performs a server name verification. Server name verification does not work because clustername does not match the computer name of the cluster host that is receiving the connection request.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

To make a NetBIOS connection to a Windows 2000-based NLB cluster, connect by using the virtual IP address.

254210 Cannot use NET VIEW \\LOCALHOST command

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/15/2004
Keywords:kbNLB kbprb kbWINS KB269156
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