Why did computer create second local hostname?

I just got a pop up message I've never seen before that says "This computer’s local hostname “(my computer name here).local” is already in use on this network. The name has been changed to (my computer name here)-2.local” It added a "2" to my existing computer hostname. Why would it do that?

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.

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SIU - Apply Computer Name and Local Hostname settings from a file

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We bind the computer to AD and OD and we have a specific naming convention for certain departments and trying to automate the entire imaging process.
Would this be something that can be done with SIU?

Well, maybe there's a bug in the latest version (10.5.3) of SIU as this is not what is happening.
It doesn't seem to matter what I specify for the name parameters I end up with a Bonjour name of ".local".
I put in a line of the form <Mac Address><TAB>tom<TAB>dick<TAB>harry into the text file used by the Apply System Configuration Settings Action.
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I'm building the NetInstall image on a new iMac running 10.5.3 booted out of a second partition and create the image from the main boot partition (also 10.5.3). I then copy the image to my server (10.5.3) and make a second iMac boot up from the NetInstall image.
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Source: Macintosh HD
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<List of MAC Addresses>
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Computer name and local hostname not recognized at startup

I've been having trouble syncing with .mac lately. (This isn't syncing question.) Looking at my console and system logs, it would appear that my computer and network connection have a problem right from the start (except that I can connect to the Internet and can send and receive mail no problem). But I think the logs below indicate that there's some disconnect because later on, when I try to sync or do something with iDisk, "Failed to register NSConnection" and SFIDiskMirrorCopyPair returned NULL" appear in the console log. Here's some of what the logs showed. I was wondering if anyone out there can make heads or tails out of it. Wondering if I'll have to blow it up and do an archive and install.
Any help will be much appreciated.
Thanks, Bill
From my system log:
Feb 5 10:01:20 localhost SystemStarter[337]: authentication service (351) did not complete successfully
later it states ....
Feb 5 10:02:04 localhost loginwindow[116]: Login Window Started Security Agent
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Feb 5 10:02:07 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-123A95Dxxxxxx.local” instead
Feb 5 10:02:08 localhost mDNSResponder: Adding browse domain local.
Feb 5 10:02:51 localhost configd[74]: SecKeychainFindGenericPassword err= -25308 ( =0xffff8624, secErrStr=User interaction is not allowed. ) (current= JohnDoe)
Feb 5 10:02:53 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-123A95Dxxxxxx” instead
Feb 5 10:02:53 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-123A95Dxxxxxx.local” instead
Feb 5 10:02:54 localhost launchd: Server 0 in bootstrap 1013 uid 0: "/usr/sbin/lookupd"[86]: exited abnormally: Hangup
Feb 5 10:02:54 localhost configd[74]: executing /System/Library/SystemConfiguration/Kicker.bundle/Contents/Resources/enable-net work
Feb 5 10:02:54 localhost configd[74]: posting notification com.apple.system.config.network_change
Feb 5 10:02:54 localhost lookupd[216]: lookupd (version 369.5) starting - Mon Feb 5 10:02:54 2007
Feb 5 10:02:56 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-123A95Dxxxxxx” instead
Feb 5 10:02:56 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-123A95Dxxxxxx.local” instead
Feb 5 10:02:56 localhost configd[74]: target=enable-network: disabled

Thank you for helping me. My computer is very old and it gets a lot of non-taxing use, like email and word processing. I'm trying to get another year out of it before I replace it. I first had to reset the PRAM because I had full-on freeze a couple of months ago. I couldn't get the computer to respond at all. Apple Support helped. They had me reset the PRAM, but the reason I've been resetting it now and again is that it seemed to fix a problem I was having with audio. When I am using Skype, Facetime or Gchat there was a crackling sound so loud, I'd have to hang up. Resetting the PRAM seemed to take care of this. I read around a little on the Internet. There was some suggestion that maybe my logic board is failing, at which point I would really have to replace my computer. But I was hoping for some pointers about this keyboard. I spent a couple of days reading and didn't find anyone having quite my problem. I guess it wouldn't really be such a problem if I didn't have this audio problem as well.

MDNSResponder can't recognize Computer Name or local hostname?

When looking in Console Logs recently, I noticed log messages saying the mDNSResponder could not read user-specified Computer name or host name and using default names etc. Example: "Aug 18 13:46:23 dialup-4 mDNSResponder: Couldn't read User-specified Computer Name; using default "Macintosh-000000000000" instead" I am using dialup internet service with the internal modem. These messages are created when I log on and off the internet. Are these messages normal or is my computer missing some data? I am having no problems getting on and off the internet, I just don't understand the logs. Thanks for any help.

Try editing it in both places in Sharing Pref Pane.
Careful what characters you you also.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1485536&tstart=0

Kdcmond cannot retreive the computer's local Hostname

When I open Console, the following message appears hundreds of times in the log for today. What is this and why am I getting it?
"2/8/10 10:36:11 AM com.apple.kdcmond[158] kdcmond cannot retreive the computer's local Hostname , retrying .. "
It retries every 10 or 15 seconds, continuously...

In looking at the log file, very early in the reporting there is an entry:
" 2/8/10 9:26:04 AM org.apache.httpd[27] httpd: Could not reliably determine the server's fully qualified domain name, using ::1 for ServerName "
This entry directly precedes the first entry of:
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It seems that something in my httpd.conf file was changed and now Apache can't find the domain name. Any ideas what to look for in the httpd.conf file?

When I updated to ios 5 I was forced to create a new Apple ID. Now my iTunes sync does not work properly. Why did it do this and is there a way to fix it?

I already had an iTunes account when I pushed the iPhone. After upgrading the OS to 5.0.1, I kept receiving an error message saying that my AppleID was invalid, even though it worked perfectly within iTunes on my PC. It seemed to want my email address as my "new" AppleID so I entered that, but it created a second ID. It seems my cloud account and the "phone" iTunes is attached to the newer ID and my "PC" iTunes account is attached to the older ID.
Now, when I try to sync iTunes, I don't see all of the songs I purchased, some sync and others appear to sync but are grayed out with the sync icon next to the title. The songs are still on my phone, but not in my iTunes library.
Is there any way to fix this and consolidate the accounts? Also, why did the upgrade force me to create a new AppleID? I haven't upgraded to the 4 or 5 phone because I'm afraid this is going to happen again and I'll have a third AppleID to contend with.
Thanks!!

There is no way to consolidate iTunes accounts.
Setting up an iPhone has never required creation of a new Apple ID.
You've apparently purchased content with both Apple ID's. Sign into the device with the correct Apple ID and sync the content.

Why did Windows 7 make the 100MB "System Reserved" partition on my second hard drive instead of the hard drive windows was being installed on?

I have a Dell laptop with two physical hard drives. When I installed Windows 7, I deleted all the partitions on both physical disks. I installed windows and left the second disk unallocated. So why did the installer decide to place the 100MB System Reserved partition on the disk that wasn't being used?
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8403/partitionsi.jpg

I found the solution to the problem I described above. Here was the approach to resolve.
Install SATA Y-Power cable jumper on one of the SATA connectors. This gives me capability to power 3 SATA SSD drives
Install the third drive.
Start Windows and initialize the new drive. Now I have 3 drives.
Clone Drive C (Drive 0) to the new (third) Hard Drive (call it Drive 2). I used Acronis True Image Home.
Remove Hard Drives 0 and 1
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Install the Cloned Drive as Drive 0 and restart
Windows should prompt me (hopefully) to repair this drive after the boot error.
Run Startup Repair on this drive (drive 2) by loading the Windows Media CD and selecting the only drive installed (Drive 2)
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Here are the results:
Success!
I got the power jumper cable in and executed the steps below. The below procedure worked flawlessly. The loading of the Windows CD took me to a Repair option that sensed a problem with Startup. If failed
to see the Windows installation on the Cloned drive (now drive 0). This was expected. It asked me if I wanted to fix it. I said yes. The system restarted and there was another boot error. I loaded the Windows CD again. This time it saw the Windows 7 Installation
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Good luck!
George

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

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

Why does my router disconnect every time I sleep the computer? Why did this only start to happen recently?

Why does my router disconnect every time I sleep the computer? Why did this only start to happen recently?

Actually it does with Ethernet too: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2412?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
What happens when the Mac goes to sleep (not just into idle mode or display sleep)?
On all Macs:
The microprocessor goes into a low-power mode
Video output is turned off, and a connected display may turn off or enter its own idle state
Apple-supplied hard disks spin down; third-party hard disks may spin down
On portable Macs:
The Ethernet port turns off, if applicable (see note below)
Expansion card slots turn off
The built-in modem, if present, turns off (see note below)
An AirPort card, if present, turns off (see note below)
The USB ports only responds to the power key on an external keyboard (see below)
The optical media drive, if present, spins down
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"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.

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i hate itunes so much! i tried to download some tunes and the files were corrupted on apples end, it wouldnt let me download them, it kept giving me errors. then you know what happened, itunes lost my whole library, then you know what happened, all my prefrences for all my applications suddenly disappreared. i have no bookmarks, no email settings, nothing. im sooooo ****** off right now its not even funny.
why did the crash of itunes screw up my whole computer? and what can i do to bring it back to the way it was before itunes blew it up?
this is unacceptable. because of this, i will never buy anythig from itunes store again.

Welcome to the Apple Discussion
I'm sorry to hear of your problems. However, I wonder if iTunes screwed up your computer? Perhaps there's another, core issue with your Hard Disk? Have you run any Hardware Diagnostics?
Regards
TD

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Why did computer create second local hostname?

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