Err Msg: The Name Already Exists on the Network

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

The following error message is displayed during the user authentication phase of the remote login process:

   Error 642: The name already exists on the network.

CAUSE

This error message is usually generated when both the Remote Access Service (RAS) client and server are already connected via a local area network (LAN). When you try to log on to the network via RAS, the network discovers that your computer name is already registered on the LAN.

RESOLUTION

There are two ways to work around this error message. The first and recommended way is to disconnect your LAN cabling before using RAS. The second is to reconfigure the RAS server security access to "This computer only." (You can change the security access from the Network option in Control Panel.) Although the second method enables you to connect via RAS, it is not recommended because you will create multiple paths to the RAS server. This does not ensure network session stability.