Numbers in parenthesis next to computer names

Question

Level 1

14 points

Numbers in parenthesis next to computer names

There is a number in parentheses beside my computer name that keeps incrementing up (now "(9)"), and the local name increments as well (now ".2"). I can change it back by deleting those numbers but they recur. I am running Yosemite (10.10.1) on a MacBook Pro, and have both wifi and ethernet running. Is it because both of those connections put my computer online so that they can't share the same name? If so, which one is being shown when a name comes up? It is a nuisance.

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Nov 28, 2014 4:25 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 28, 2014 4:26 PM in response to DFTeitel

Some people have seen this issue after upgrading to Yosemite. There are many threads here on it. I don't know if it's better with 10.10.1 than it was with 10.10 or not.

In the meantime, there's nothing that you can do that will sure-fire make this go away. People will suggest making some changes, rebooting routers, etc., but it's not a sure fix; the problem will probably come back if you're seeing it at all. Best you can do seems to be just deal with it, for now.

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Answer 2

DFTeitel Author

Level 1

14 points

Nov 28, 2014 4:43 PM in response to William Lloyd

thanks very much. Hopefully, someone will come up with a fix.

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Answer 3

Dec 10, 2014 9:37 AM in response to DFTeitel

Anyone find a fix for this issue? It's starting to be a problem for accessing machines through the Finder.

This affects all of my Apple devices, as far as I can tell. If anyone can explain this, and prevent it from happening (as it affects the number of the devices in a machines Finder), I'd appreciate it.

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Answer 4

Eric Root

Level 10

685,733 points

Dec 10, 2014 12:27 PM in response to Kirk Carver

Send Apple feedback. They won't answer, but at least will know there is a problem. If enough people send feedback, it may get the problem solved sooner.

Feedback

Or you can use your Apple ID to register with this site and go the Apple BugReporter. Supposedly you will get an answer if you submit feedback.

Feedback via Apple Developer

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Answer 5

elbenoit

Level 1

35 points

Dec 10, 2014 1:20 PM in response to DFTeitel

I had the exact same issue after updating to Yosemite, a continuously incrementing number in parentheses added to the hostname.. I first noticed it when troubleshooting time machine connection problems. I use a time capsule for my wireless router and also use iTunes library sharing..

I am not sure what the root cause of this problem is and I never saw it in earlier Mac OS releases.. However in my case, after updating to 10.10.1, I went into sharing preferences and reset the hostname (removed the number and parenthesis) and I have not seen it change since. I check it every now and then and is has not changed in several weeks.. (hope I did not jinx myself).

If you dig around for this problem on the discussions you'll see this problem has been around for years...

Thank you for your courage

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Answer 6

DFTeitel Author

Level 1

14 points

Dec 10, 2014 4:29 PM in response to elbenoit

I did the same thing (that is, went into sharing preferences and reset the hostname), but it didn't work (that is, the numbers recurred) until I turned off "wake for network access" in Energy Saver and reset my primary router (Airport Extreme AC) at my house (I have a couple of airport express routers extending the network). I found that solution in some other forum and it seems to be working for me. May have been luck but it seems to be holding.

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Answer 7

elbenoit

Level 1

35 points

Dec 14, 2014 4:55 PM in response to DFTeitel

This problem reoccurred for me the other day.. I noticed the hostname had the parentheses with a number again.. guess it wasn't fixed in 10.10.1..

I went back to sharing and changed it back. It seems to stick but I'm at a loss what causes this...

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