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Level 2

299 points

Computer name keeps getting (2) appended to it.

I've searched high and low and can't seem to figure out why my iMac thinks the computer name is already being used on the network.

I can see in the sharing preference pane that the original name is what is indicated with this copy:

Computers on your local network can access your computer at: XXXXX.local

However, the name in the field above it has XXXXX (2) and each time I try to get rid of the (2) I get the message:

The name of your computer “XXXXX” is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to “XXXXX (2)”

I can change the name using the EDIT button to anything else I want, and it doesn't add the (2). But once I change it back to my desired computer name, I get the same message that it's already being used.

I've tried turning off all of my sharing services but that still doesn't seem to allow the name to be used.

Any idea what other process is running that can be using the name? How do I figure out where the conflict is occurring?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on May 6, 2012 9:43 AM

77 replies

Ken Loh Author

Level 2

299 points

May 14, 2012 8:57 PM in response to macroel

I actually dont have any problems changing the name to any other name and having it stick. It's just when I try to change it back is when I have the problems.

May 27, 2012 12:35 PM in response to Alberto Ravasio

Chiming in here. I have same issue with computer name changing on me by the way. I use both ethernet and wifi because:

I use ethernet primarily because it is right there and is my primary method for access internet.

I had to use wifi because iphone/ipod wifi-syncing only works if you have wifi turned on in the machine. That is the only reason I have wifi turned on. Should I abandon ethernet? That's a shame because it is so fast.

Jun 7, 2012 10:50 AM in response to Ken Loh

Hi Ken

I am having the same problem.

did you ever find a solution?

Ken Loh Author

Level 2

299 points

Jun 7, 2012 12:56 PM in response to KarenMBarlow

Hi Karen,

Unfortunately, the problem never got solved. I'm living with it for the time being. I'll post here if that changes.

-Ken

lschaaf

Level 1

4 points

Jun 15, 2012 8:21 AM in response to Ken Loh

This is happening to me too, just recently on my mac mini. I do have both ethernet and wifi on, but I also have both on my macbook pro and don't get the re-naming (plus I've had this configuration for 8 months, and it just started renaming this week). I just turned off Back to My Mac. That was something I recently turned on, we'll see if it makes a difference!!

Though I just saw on another thread, if you have a PC on the network, it doesn't release the name when it goes to sleep...I did also just add Bootcamp to my laptop and it's been in Windows mode all week. I'll turn that off too, I'm going to guess that is the culprit.

Ken Loh Author

Level 2

299 points

Jun 15, 2012 9:16 AM in response to lschaaf

@Ischaaf, FYI on my setup I'm not running bootcamp or any other virtual machine so I think there is some other reason why it's happening. However, I hope it solves the problem for you!

Back to My Mac is also off in my configuration.

lschaaf

Level 1

4 points

Jun 15, 2012 9:32 AM in response to Ken Loh

@Ken, but do you have a PC on your network? I think that was the comment, it was a PC on network issue (just my pc happens to be bootcamp since we're an all mac family).

Ken Loh Author

Level 2

299 points

Jun 15, 2012 9:36 AM in response to lschaaf

No, we don't have any PC's. We have macs, iphones & ipads, along with a few other networked devices:

Epson Printer
4 Wii's
3 PS3's
4 DirecTV Receivers
Roku
Some unit tied to our Solar system for monitoring

I might be missing a couple, but I think that just about does it.

DeeRun

Level 1

23 points

Jun 22, 2012 12:14 AM in response to Ken Loh

Same thing happening here. Only thing I did different recently was turn ON "Find My Mac" and "Wake for network access" in Energy Saver settings (required by Find My Mac. Turned this off and it's ok now. A bug...

Aug 4, 2012 10:22 AM in response to Ken Loh

I've experienced the same thing. Today, I was bumped up to a (3).

fredges

Level 1

12 points

Aug 5, 2012 8:54 AM in response to Ken Loh

This exact same thing started with me yesterday, 8/4/12. I am running wifi and ethernet at the same time. I can't think of anything I've done or changed recently that would affect this, other than plugging in the ethernet cable to my Airport Extreme, so perhaps that is it. Seems to be an issue that has flared up recently for lots of folks?

sjogro

Level 1

26 points

Aug 7, 2012 11:46 AM in response to fredges

Here too. Everytime I wake my iMac from sleep it nags me stating that the name of this computer is already in use. I think it has to do with using wifi and ethernet at the same time, I will experiment with this, try to get a clue. If that doesn't do anything I'll check wether my modem's DHCP is guilty. I'll be back. ;-)

lschaaf

Level 1

4 points

Aug 7, 2012 11:51 AM in response to Ken Loh

After being up to (982), I turned off Find My Mac on iCloud and it solved my problem. Since it's a mini, I don't need that service. My laptop fortunately hasn't been doing that, so I can keep on!

sjogro

Level 1

26 points

Aug 7, 2012 11:55 AM in response to lschaaf

982?! You are the master of ignoring error messages sir! Thank you kindly for sharing you're advice!

By the way, my problem started only since I installed Mountain Lion.

lschaaf

Level 1

4 points

Aug 7, 2012 11:56 AM in response to sjogro

I just got tired of renaming it everytime, it would go up 5-6 numbers a day!

Computer name keeps getting (2) appended to it.