Netbios name unchangable

Question

Netbios name unchangable

Hi,

I recently connected my Macbook Pro to a iMac with a thunderbolt cable so I could restore the iMac. Now heres the problem, now my Macbook has renamed itself to iMac007, changed its NetBios name to iMac007 and I can't change anything. I need this to be changed back to what I used which was MICHAELS-MAC as I use programs that remote onto that name.

The iMac's netbios name is still iMac007 but it also says this name is in use. It also says this on my Macbook Pro. I have tried changing locations, deleting network preferences nothing is working. I'm not sure what I should do, it doesn't want to change no matter what I try.

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Feb 25, 2015 4:14 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Michael that Mac Guy Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 25, 2015 4:40 PM in response to jndupuis1

Hey jndupuis1

That worked, my netbios name is now what it use to be but my remote connections is still using the other name.

As you an see, its still using the wrong connection for these. How would I change these so I can get back to my job.

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Answer 2

jndupuis1

Level 2

462 points

Feb 25, 2015 4:26 PM in response to Michael that Mac Guy

Hi Michael,

Go to System Preferences>Sharing then click Edit Button. Type in your NetBIOS name .local is automatic. Then click OK. Restart your Mac for the new NetBIOS Name to take effect. After restart then:

System Preferences>Network highlight your connection, click Advanced button, choose WINS Tab and verify that your change took effect. Here, you see, you can also change WORKGROUP to HOMEGROUP or just leave it as is. If you make a change - restart Mac.

I found for the above steps to be connected to both Wi-Fi and your Ethernet. That way your NetBIOS name is detected by your Router with both MAC Addresses - the same computer. Hope this helps!

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Answer 3

jndupuis1

Level 2

462 points

Feb 25, 2015 5:26 PM in response to Michael that Mac Guy

Go into your Remote Management Settings and re-establish with your NetBIOS new NetBIOS name. If necessary, you may have to reboot your Router to get your Router to see the new settings as well. This is where having Ethernet and Wi-Fi connected simultaneous comes in handy. Both Wi-Fi adapter MAC Address and Ethernet Adapter MAC Address will be found by the Router as the same MacBook Pro. So rebooting your Router may come into play. After which you may unplug Ethernet and settings should remain. Remember that your Computer Name should not be equal to your NetBIOS name. For some reason Mac DNS cannot resolve these names being the same and will inadvertently rename MICHAELS-MAC to something arbitrary to resolve network name. Simply change your Computer name not to match NetBIOS.

All of this works in Mavericks as well as Yosemite - by the way. Take care!

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Answer 4

Feb 25, 2015 7:14 PM in response to jndupuis1

Hey jndupuis1

Sorry for the delay, I won't be able to restart my router as I work as IT in a school doing so would bring down the whole network which will cause a lot of problems and more headaches. I have plugged my mac into the ethernet as well. My computer's name is different to my NetBios. I am not sure if I can do anything other than restarting my own laptop as I started before, starting the router is a massive no no.

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Answer 5

jndupuis1

Level 2

462 points

Feb 25, 2015 7:40 PM in response to Michael that Mac Guy

I kind of got that feeling when you mention about getting back to your job. Yes and reboot or any server activity of the sort is a big Nooo! However, I would think you should be able to get back into remote connection with your new established Network Settings in your Mac with WINS Options setup as well. Macs are a pain with WINS and Window Server Domains. It may be that you will have to connect with IP Address resolution as opposed to NetBIOS resolution. Depends on what Your work Network or Domain is looking for. You may be look at DNS Tab in Advanced settings as well. I think just having your log in changed to reflect your real NetBIOS name is the simple fix and more appropriate for your Remote Management and Remote Log In. Take it easy.

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