Error Message: System Error 85 Has Occurred. The Local Device Name Is Already in Use (271183)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP1
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP1
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP1
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP2
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP3
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP4
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP5
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP6
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP6a

This article was previously published under Q271183

SYMPTOMS

When your logon script runs, it may not work, and you may receive the following error message:

System error 85 has occurred. The local device name is already in use.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if the drive letter that is being mapped by the net use command is already mapped in the user's properties.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, change the drive letter mapping in the logon script or in the home drive to correct the overlap of drive letters.

MORE INFORMATION

The mapping of the home drive is processed before the logon script runs. The home drive maps the drive letter successfully, and then the logon script attempts to map the drive letter and is unable to do so. The net helpmsg 85 command generates the following error message:

The local device name is already in use.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	10/11/2002
Keywords:	kberrmsg kbnetwork kbprb KB271183