cant add new pc with same user name

[joekewl]

ok im running a small network on windows server 2003.
when i try to replace a work station with a new one and
name the work station the same as the one im replacing
it wont connect to the server. if i change name and add
a new user with new name it connects. why cant i use
the original name

 

[noidea_77]

Because the name is a unique identifier in AD.

 

[joekewl]

Because the name is a unique identifier in AD.

but im using the same name on the new machine and removing the old machine off the network. it also happens if i have to reformat a workstation. is there a way

 

[aford10]

You have to find the previously named PC in active directory and delete it. Then you can use that same name, and attach it to your domain.

Formatting a workstation doesn't remove the PC name from AD.