Synergy takes the wrong hostname, reports "FATAL: unknown screen name"

Question

I use Synergy as server on a Windows 10, I have rename the pc's hostname as "Al-Windows" (and i have reboot the pc) but Synegy still takes the last hostname :/

The logs :

[2016-01-19T09:02:40] FATAL: unknown screen name `DESKTOP-TO2MEEV'
[2016-01-19T09:02:40] ERROR: failed to launch, error: process immediately stopped
[2016-01-19T09:02:40] INFO: backing off, wait=4s, failures=2

I have deleted and reinstall Synegy but the problem is the same.

Note added by barlop

So, issue is, you get a computer with Windows 10, it comes with a hostname very much like "DESKTOP-TO2MEEV". You put synergy on there and try to run it as synergy server. You change the laptop's hostname and even restarted. Synergy reports FATAL: unknown screen name `DESKTOP-TO2MEEV'. And this is all before and without trying to connect any host to it. Synergy hasn't updated to see the new hostname.

Solution 1

Go to the Edit->Settings menu and change your Screen Name to the new hostname of your computer. Exit and relaunch the application.

This resolved the issue for me.

Note added by barlop

The above will work. But You don't need to relaunch synergy. Just change that name in edit..settings and stop and start the synergy server. Also, note that in actuality the computer hostname technically doesn't matter, see my answer for an explanation re that.

Solution 2

For me reconfiguring the screens again worked to resolve this error. I ensured the name is spelled correctly and dragged the screen to the correct position on the configuration screen.

Comments

[CMCDragonkai]

It appears you can use aliases as well.

[Joe Johnston]

I could not find this key. However, it did make me search in the rabit hole to find my answer.

[barlop]

That registry entry is just a reflection of what you have in edit..settings and after you start the server. Also, the stuff in your answer about the firewall, made no difference so is not relevant to your answer. The things you try that don't answer it aren't relevant to an answer

[barlop]

you are meant to change in synergy edit..settings then start the server. Then the --name in the registry changes

[barlop]

I dont think you need to relaunch the application. just change that and stop and start the server. Also when you do that, then the registry entry and --name that some other answers refer to, will be updated.

[Joe Johnston]

@Barlop I simply try to provide a full answer. If the service is blocked it wont work. And Is your answer good today AND 3 years ago? There have been a lot of changes. Respectfully, I do appreciate a response but you are a little late to the party on this one. It's difficult to come in way after the fact and say what worked actually didn't or shouldn't have worked.

[barlop]

The question asked about a specific error "FATAL: unknown screen name .........'" e.g. FATAL: unknown screen name `DESKTOP-TO2MEEV' The firewall is not relevant to that error

[barlop]

You write " It's difficult to come in way after the fact and say what worked actually didn't or shouldn't have worked." <-- I didn't. You implied that the firewall setting wasn't it and I am also saying that. So don't include about the firewall. It's not relevant to the error message he got.

[Joe Johnston]

OK. Apologies then.