An Active Directory (AD) domain is basically the same as an Internet domain. It “defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, and control” for a group of computers. Active Directory Domain names are controlled by the same set of rules and principles, that govern traditional Domain Name Systems (DNS). The domain-based network provides centralized administration for corporate networks from a centralized location and this enables users to access only the resources for which they have been granted access. For how to set up a domain, see the following link. Also for how to add a second DC, see the following link. For how to join a PC to a Domain, see the following link. In this guide, I will be showing you how to fix “the following error occurred attempting to rename the computer Account already exists”.
Please see Batch rename multiple files on Windows, how to fix WinRM cannot process the request: The following error occurred while using Kerberos authentication, cannot find the computer, how to fix “The logon attempt failed for the remote desktop connection“, and how to fix “An Attempt Was Made to Reference a Token That Does Not Exist” in Windows 10.
Reason for the Domain Join Error
For many reasons, you may want to rename your device (VM) and you will be prompted with the following error. This could be a result of the organization’s policies not being adhered to but not limited to this alone.
Fix The following error occurred attempting to rename the computer Account already exists
The solution to fix this issue is to simply remove the device from the Domain and rejoined. Simply trying to rename it will NEVER work. Follow the following steps.
Under Advanced System settings and click on change.
Select Workgroup and enter the name in the Workgroup area
Enter your credentials to confirm
If you have the right credentials to perform this action, it will end up successfully.
After prompting the above dialog box, it will prompt you to restart
Click on Ok. Close all dialog boxes and Click on Restart Now
After the restart, you can now rejoin the device to the domain. Under Advanced System settings, and click on Change settings
Enter the right domain name
Enter your credentials to complete the process. Please see how to create Alarm rules in VMware vSphere, how to fix the error 0xc1420117: The directory could not be completely unmounted, this is usually due to applications that still have files open within the mount directory, and how to perform LACP Configuration on Cisco 3650 Switch.
After successfully joining the domain, you will get a welcome message. Here is a guide on how to join a PC to the Domain.
I hope you found this blog post helpful. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment session.