When attempting to connect from Linux to a Windows file share using smbclient, the NT_STATUS_DUPLICATE_NAME error typically indicates a naming conflict in the network environment. This isn't about authentication (which would throw NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE), but rather about how your machines identify themselves on the network.

Several scenarios can trigger this error:

1. NetBIOS name collision (another machine using same name)
2. DNS/hosts file conflict
3. Incorrect name resolution order configuration
4. Cached name resolution problems

First, verify the Windows machine's actual NetBIOS name:

# On Windows command prompt:
hostname

Then check network visibility:

# On Linux:
nmblookup -A <windows_ip>
smbclient -L <windows_ip> -U%

1. Edit smb.conf to enforce proper name resolution:

[global]
   name resolve order = bcast host lmhosts wins
   netbios name = YOUR_LINUX_HOSTNAME
   workgroup = YOUR_WORKGROUP

2. Clear NetBIOS cache on Windows:

nbtstat -R

3. Verify hosts file entries match actual NetBIOS names.

Try connecting using different identifiers:

smbclient //192.168.1.100/share -U user
smbclient //FQDN.of.server/share -U user

Or using more verbose logging:

smbclient -d3 //server/share -U user

For stable connections, consider:

1. Setting up WINS server
2. Using consistent DNS resolution
3. Ensuring unique NetBIOS names
4. Disabling NetBIOS if using pure TCP/IP

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The NT_STATUS_DUPLICATE_NAME error typically occurs when there's a naming conflict in the network environment. This happens when:

• Multiple machines respond to the same NetBIOS name
• DNS/hosts file entries conflict with NetBIOS resolution
• Workgroup/domain membership issues exist

First, verify your network configuration:

# Check NetBIOS name resolution
nmblookup -A <windows-machine-ip>

# Verify Samba connectivity
smbclient -L //<ip-address> -U username -W workgroup

If you get different results using the machine name versus IP address, you've likely found the naming conflict.

1. Fix Hostname Resolution

Ensure your /etc/hosts entry matches the Windows machine's actual NetBIOS name:

# Instead of this (may cause conflicts):
192.168.1.100 windows-machine

# Use the actual NetBIOS name (check in Windows System Properties):
192.168.1.100 WIN-PC-NAME

2. Adjust Samba Client Parameters

Try connecting with these additional parameters:

smbclient -U username -W workgroup -m SMB2 \
--option='client min protocol=SMB2' \
--option='client max protocol=SMB3' \
//WIN-PC-NAME/share

3. Check Windows Configuration

On the Windows machine:

1. Open System Properties
2. Verify the Computer Name tab shows a unique name
3. Ensure Workgroup matches what you're using in smbclient

If the issue persists, enable Samba debugging:

smbclient -d3 -U username -W workgroup //WIN-PC-NAME/share

This will show detailed negotiation attempts and may reveal the exact point of failure.

Create or modify /etc/samba/smb.conf with these settings:

[global]
    workgroup = WORKGROUP
    client min protocol = SMB2
    client max protocol = SMB3
    name resolve order = bcast host lmhosts wins
    netbios name = LINUX-CLIENT

Then test with:

smbclient -U username //WIN-PC-NAME/share