How to Fix ‘The Local Device Name is Already in Use’ Error on Windows?

 Those who use network drive mapping can, at times, encounter “the local device name is already in use” error when attempting to access mapped network drives. This error occurs when the network drive mapping process could not be completed smoothly when the File and Print sharing feature is disabled, drives have been labeled incorrectly, or the disk space on the network server is insufficient. To know how to fix the error, read on.

Remap the Drive via the Command Prompt

You can remap the drive via the command prompt by pursuing these steps provided below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys simultaneously to invoke the Run prompt.
2. After that, insert ‘cmd’ into it and hit the OK button to launch the Command Prompt.
3. Then right-click on it and choose the option of “Run as administrator.”
4. You should copy this command and don’t forget to hit the Enter button: net use * /delete
5. Once the operation is over, run this command: net use Z: \\server\share /user: username password.
6. Don’t forget to change the password and username placeholders with the right password and username. 
7. Now, check to see whether the issue is fixed.

Reinitialize System Browser

You can reinitialize the system browser by pursuing these steps provided below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys simultaneously to invoke the Run prompt.
2. Then input ‘cmd’ into it and hold the ‘Shift + Ctrl + Enter” hotkeys over the keyboard to allow the Administrative Privileges.
3. Once you see the “Are you sure you want to allow this application to make changes to your computer” pop-up, hit the Yes button.
4. Thereafter, input the following command, then hit the Enter button: net stop “Computer Browser.”
5. You have to wait for the command to be performed.
6. Input this command, then hit the Enter key: net start “Computer Browser.”

Allot Drive Letters Correctly

You can allot drive letters correctly by pursuing these steps provided below:

1. At first, you will have to ensure that no files of the concerned drive are in use.
2. Launch the Win + X menu.
3. Thereafter, click on the option of ‘Disk Management.’
4. Go to the volume with the drive letter you would like to modify and right-click on it, then pick the ‘Change Drive Letter and Paths’ option.
5. Afterward, select the Change button and pick one from the applicable drive letters list.
6. We suggest you not pick letter B or A as they are reserved for floppy drives on the previous OS, and it should confuse older program utilities.  
7. Hit the Apply button and verify any prompt that may appear prior to shutting the utility.

Change the Value of ProtectionMode in Registry

You can change the value of ProtectionMode by pursuing these steps provided below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys simultaneously to invoke the Run prompt.
2. Afterward, insert ‘Regedit’ into it and hit the Enter key to launch the Registry Editor.
3. Once it opens, go to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\
4. After reaching the right location, browse for this key: ProtectionMode
5. Finally, modify the key from 0 to 1. Apply changes, then close it.
6. Now, reboot the system.

John Smith is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cybersecurity and utility software programs. He writes about the latest updates regarding norton.com/setup and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs, and websites.

Source:- https://thinklocalsetup.com/blog/how-to-fix-the-local-device-name-is-already-in-use-error-on-windows/