Imac changes local hostname

I researched the issue in the forums and could not locate a fix for the issue. After computer "wakes" up, it provides the dialog box "This computer’s local hostname “XXXXXX-iMac-4.local” is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to “XXXXX-iMac-5.local”. Has anyone been able to come up with a fix. I have my wifi turned on and it is ethernet cabled to an airport extreme. I do not think it has disturbed the computer it is just annoying.

Normally, the message indicates something else is connected using the previous name. Launch the Terminal app in /Utilities, copy & paste in this command, and hit the enter key:
df
If you see /Volumes/ “XXXXXX-iMac-4", then you'll have to investigate and resolve the conflict. A google search for computer’s local hostname site:apple.com provides more info.

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HELP! System keeps on changing local hostname

At irregular intervals I receive an error message stating that "This computer's local hostname "XXXXX" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to "YYYYYYY"."
I was wondering if anyone could explain why this happens, and how to fix this.
Thank you!

UNDEUX wrote:
I also...(what a surprise) have the same problem. My local machine is on .11 and seems to only happen on Mac books. My Mac Mini remains untouched. Are the guys at Apple look at this forum? It would be nice to come up with a fix.
Yes, it is annoying, but a couple of comments:
If it annoys you to see the .11, or if it wreaks havoc with something you use, then just change the name back in System Preferences --> Sharing (click the Edit button on top of the window.
It doesn't only happen on Mac Books: I do have the problem occasionally on my Mac Pro, but, for some reason, it has never occurred on my MacBook Pro. On the Mac Pro, it's always when I wake the machine from sleep (though that may just be because the only time it ever starts up is after a system update that requires a reboot).
And no, Apple are not looking at this forum, at least not officially. Since the squeaky wheel gets the grease, everyone should report this as a bug. One can do so here: http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html
Daniel

What does this mean? This computer's local hostname "Linda-Daviss-iMac-4.local" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to "Linda-Daviss-iMac-5.local".

What does this mean: This computer’s local hostname “Linda-Daviss-iMac-4.local” is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to “Linda-Daviss-iMac-5.local”.
When I came back to my computer this message was on the screen. Should I be concerned ? or doing something?

Sometimes this message means that you have two simultaneous connections to the same local network: probably Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Disconnect the Ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi.
Sometimes it happens because a device that gets its network address from the router wakes from sleep, and the address it was using before has been assigned to another device.
Rename the computer in the Sharing preference pane.

Local hostname keeps changing

Ever since upgrading to OSX Yosemite, I've noticed that several times now I have been unable to reach my iMac over LAN because the local hostname changed from "iMac.local" to "iMac2.local". This has occurred without any intervention or changes on my part and has created a serious issue with programs that have the host name hardcoded into them as they can no longer find the target machine. Has anyone else noticed this behavior?

Hi All,
I think this is a DHCP issue. When the Mac connects to a network it is doing a DHCP request and apperantly my DHCP server sends a hostname back. I deleted the entry in the server (DNS also) and now it seems to be resolved.
Kind regards,
Crash71

"This computer's local hostname changed".

Since installing Mountain Lion, I have twice received the following warning pop-up. "This computer's local hostname "my-name-iMac.local" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to " my-name-iMac-2.local". In both cases the hostname is automatically changed by adding a "2" at the end. I am able to go into "sharing preferences" and change it back, however I am confused as to why this is happening on its own.

Sometimes your network router thinks your computer is still connected to the network when it isn't - most typically after a forced quit or restart but not always. I've also seen it associated with a computer going to sleep and waking up. When your computer restarts or wakes up it connects to the router and the router, in human terms says, "No that can't be. I already have a Jim here. I'll call you Jim-2."
It is slightly aggrevating but no big deal. You may solve the problem (at least temporarily) by turning off every device on your network including the router and then turning the router on again - followed by the rest of your devices.

Need a script to change value in the Local Hostname

Help! Want to change the Local Hostname because DynamicDNS has mess up 250 machines. Any ideas???????
I need a UNIX script to to change the Value of
/library/preference/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist
<key>LocalHostName</key>
<string>Value</string>
in Apple Remote Desktop.
I think you use the grep command
G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6) Mac OS X 10.3.9

Hi CIO,
   Perl will perform the moving of files for you for free but otherwise, awk is completely up to the task and to my thinking easier to use. This assumes that the property list is text which isn't a good assumption. If the property list is binary, you would need plutil to convert it. Anyway, here's my script:
cat /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist | awk '{ if ( $0 ~ /<key>LocalHostName<\/key>/ ) { print; getline; sub(/<string>[^>*<\/string>/,"<string>New Value</string>"); print } else { print } }' > temp.plist
mv /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist .
mv temp.plist /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist
The "mv" lines above will doubtless require superuser privileges.
Gary
~~~~
   teamwork, n.:
      Having someone to blame.

Every time i wake my mac i get This computer's local hostname "D-360.local" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to "D-444.local".

error message that my local host name is in use and the system generates a new one every time I wake my mac the error mssg reads This computer’s local hostname “D-360.local” is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to “D-444.local”.

There are several possible causes for this behavior.
1. Two (or more) computers on the local network have the same Bonjour name, such as "X's-MacBook-Pro.local". Resolve the name conflict by renaming one or more of them in the Sharing preference pane.
2. You have two simultaneous connections to the same local network: probably Ethernet and Wi-Fi. If applicable, disconnect the Ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi.
3. A Mac wakes from sleep due to network traffic. This is a bug in OS X that may only affect some models.
4. A device that gets its network address from the router wakes from sleep, and the address it was using before has been assigned to another device.
5. A third-party wireless router has incompatible settings or firmware. In that case, refer to the manufacturer or ISP for support. Restarting the router may help, temporarily.
6. See also this support article.

Should I ok "this computer's local hostname Irma-Mac-mini-local" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to Irma2 Mac-mini 2-local

Should I ok this message-this computer's local hostname Irma's Mac-mini-local is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to Irma's Mac-mini-2local

Don't think this is a conflict with IP Addresses or computer names
= DHCP hangover when computer renews DHCP lease
There is no actual other computer
It just appears that way when reconnects so creates new -2 computer name
What types of names do you use your computers ?
Whether you name them after quantum particles or the romantic poets...
They will each start to be appended with "-2" then "-3" etc if you auto configure network settings from Airport Router DHCP service and you have this Change computer name issue where pop up window states name is already being used on your LAN
As stated previous post you can reset the computer name in SysPrefs / Sharing / Edit button
And restart Router or renew all DHCP leases (if persists in not allowing original name)
Can now press Edit and reset name of choice
But for Fix see link above

I get this message:This computer's local hostname "x-8.local" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to "x-9.local" I have turned off sharing and it continues to upgrade name. What is the fix?

I get this message: This computer’s local hostname “x-8.local” is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to “x-9.local” I have turned off sharing and it continues to upgrade name. What is the fix?

Hi, this is a common problem, mostly just irksome though.
It can have many cause, like using more than one Interface for connections, Router temporarily losing x.local & seeing a new connection with x.local already used, insists it must be x-1.local, x-2.local, etc..
What all Sharing do you have enabled?
Some possible fixes...
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=542899
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3941367

My computer's local hostname keeps changing - is there a solution?

I have looked into this in the community but have yet to find a resolution to this. I don't think this is a serious problem, but what do I know? The message that pops up is:
This computer's local hostname "besMac-277.local" is already in use on this network. The names has been changes to "besMac-400.local". To change the local hostname, open System Preferences and click Sharing, then click "Edit" and type the name in the Local Hostname field.
Screenshot:
The only think I can gether from reading the other posts is that having a wired ethernet connection to the router and wifi active may have something to do with it. I'm hesitant to unplug the ethernet as I would like it as a backup in case the wifi fails.
Thanks for your help!

I upgraded to Yosemite. Finder stays open and has a spinning wheel. It does not respond to Force Quit. I have spent 2 hrs. with Apple Support today on the phone. We tried to re-install Yosemite, but the time for completion started at 166 hrs. And kept increasing. So they are sending me to an Apple Store Wednesday. Others have commented on Finder problems.

This computer's local hostname is already in use. How can I fix this?

Almost every day the following message appears in a pop up box.
This computer's local hostname "my-iMac-6.local" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to "my-iMac-7.local"
The numbers do not correspond to those in the name in the Security preferences.
I preformed the "fix" described in the discussion.apple.com/messages---/messageID=9113111.
Set "iPv6" from "Automatically" to "Off" in both Airport and Ethernet.
That is apparently not the answer either.
There is only one computer in my house with the name shown in the message.
My wife's iMac has her name in it. Mine has my name in it.
How can I fix this?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Rob Morrison

This seems to be a DHCP issue when the lease is renewed
When the computer reconnects (renews the lease) it believes its own computer name "already has been taken" so because the router has retained it on the local network so your computer inserts the after its computer name a
"-2" then a "-3" then "-4" etc. (the mac needs to do this and does so by default to ensure and create its own unique name on the local network)
-> this appears to be a delay / hangover on the router (AE or TC) when using DHCP
have seen a fix which only requires you set your computer with a fixed IP address
(can be EITHER reserved on the router OR set on the computer itself in network settings)
Router (AE or TC) Airport Utility 5.6 / Internet tab / DHCP button / click the "+" button & you reserve the computer's IP address by EITHER its MAC address (= shown in SysPrefs/Network/Advanced/Hardware) OR a DHCP client id (which you choose yourself) & enter exactly the same identical passphrase on the computer in sysprefs/network/advanced/DHCP(->set ro "using DHCP") shows textbox to enter the DHCP id
THEN apply with Update button (Router restarts)
Computer itself - under sysprefs / network -> Configure IPv4 to "Using DHCP with Manual Address" (will autofill from DHCP) check correct local IP address of computer is set & click Apply OR "Manual Address & manually enter the settings for local IP Address of computer / subnet mask / router's Ip address / DNS server's IP address / (DNS) Search Domain (optional)
Since setting static address this problem has not re-occurred.
Thanks to MacFixit there is a terminal fix here (from Sept 09) as well : http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-10362633-263.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Ma cFixIt

This computer's local hostname is already in use on this network

has anyone else experienced this issue?
The iMac will display the following error message on the screen every day or so (with the host number incresing by 1 digit each time):
This computer's local hostname "MacName.local" is already in use on this network.The name has been changed to "MacName-1.local". This continues even after I've reset the name in the System Preferences panel/sharing settings, for example ("MacName-2.local, MacName-3.local, MacName-4.local" etc).
Please advise
Currently running an Apple iMac
OS 10.6.8
*please see attached screenshot for a reference

(1) Check names of all other devices on the network, including the router, any airport express, iphone, ipad, printers etc. Make sure these all have unique names.
(2) Do you have both wired ethernet as well as wireless active on any of these devices, including the Mac computer? This has been linked to such renaming behavior in the past, apparently the two methods of accessing the internet, if both are active at the same time, may switch off and on and conflict with one another (shouldn't happen, but apparently does sometimes). Solution is to switch one of them off.
(3) The following may be helpful:
In System Preferences > Network > Airport > Advanced > TCP/IP
Set "Configure iPv6" from "Automatically" to "Off".
If you do this, check to make sure that your email and other tools are still working properly. If something goes amiss, change the iPv6 back to what it was.
(4) Go to your router and reset power to it.
(5) Go to your router and check its LAN client table. Make sure that all entries should be there. Investigate any "extra" devices on the network. For instance, if it shows 4 devices, but you know you have only a computer and a printer, investigate what the other two are. Delete them from the list if they really seem to be "ghosts."

Local Hostname is already in use on this network

Hi,
Since upgrading to OS X 10.8 and then 10.8.1, I receive the following message when waking the iMac from sleep, "This computer's local hostname (see screen shot below) is already in use on this network". Earlier today, I went into the "Sharing" properties and changed the hostname to ShaneiMac and as you can see from the screen shot, it just renames it with a -2. It doesn't appear to be causing any issue in regards to performance of the machine but it's getting annoying. Is there any way to fix this?
Thanks.

Then this fix may work for you!
Warning, this may break your ability to use back to my mac.
Open Network preferences, select your network port (Airport or Ethernet) and click on the Advanced button. Click on the TCP/IP tab and set the Configure IPv6 drop down menu to Off. If you use both ports then make the same change for both ports.
Open Sharing preferences and reset your Computer Name.

Local Hostname Duplication

I am using an Imac connected to the internet via Airport Extreme, which is in turn connected to a modem from my ISP (transmission via phone lines - ISP is called Streamyx here in Malaysia). Normally I do not disconnect from the internet as the account is "always on". Quite often, when I get back on the computer after a period of inactivity, I get the following message:
"This computers local hostname "my-imac.139.local" is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to "my-imac.184.local"
Why does this happen and how do I stop it?? Any help much appreciated

HI and Welcome to Apple Discussions...
With the Mail application open, from the Menu Bar, click Mailbox/Rebuild and see if that helps.
*"Rebuilding a mailbox can take awhile; it’s recommended for fast Internet connections only."*
Carolyn

Local hostname

Hi
I keep getting the message 'This computer’s local hostname “HomeNetwork-3.local” is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to “HomeNetwork-4.local”.' when I awaken my iMac. Can someone tell me what it means and how to fix it?
Thanks
Michael

I just saw this today for the first time... mac mini server running on my network had it's name changed automatically from "Sumeria.local" to "Sumeria-2.local". I never saw the duplicate name warning mentioned earlier in this thread and I'm positive that this is not due to a security breach on my local network...
Clearly the mini decided it needed to change it's name on it's own for some reason and did it... but it breaks all the network shares and mapped drives I have set up on the PC's on my network. Why does Apple not have this documented anywhere?
I have a hunch that it has something to do with Time Machine but I haven't figured it out yet... I never saw this happen until I set up Time Machine backups to this device over the network...

Imac changes local hostname

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