Remote Desktop Connection / Network Question

1. What's the difference between inputting the Remote computer's IP address and inputting the Remote computer's name? When I put in the IP, it connects fine. When I put in the name, it does not connect.
2. When I click on Desktop>Network, I see 2 names for a network computer. This networked computer has been renamed from A to B, but both A and B appear in the network. Why? And how do I remove the old name (A) from the network? I think it confuses the Remote Desktop Connection Client.

Thanks for any ideas.

1. You may have DNS issue if you cannot connect with one and not the other. Try the FQDN first to see if you can connect. Edit: Does not apply unless u are on a domain.
2. Do you mean in Properties of your Computer where it has
Computer name
Full computer name

Go to a command prompt and type hostname, this is your computer name.

I mean the name of the object in the Network Map.

name and -name-

Can you ping both names?

Weird, ping target_-downloader- = ping target_downloadcomp = 100% loss
Ping 192.168.1.156 = 0% loss.

Target is an XP machine with static IP ....156

hmmm so both machines give unknow host?

When you ping 192.168.1.156, you get responses?

What does "ping -a 192.168.1.156" say?

hmmm so both machines give unknown host? not Both machines, 1 machine, 2 names. hostname = -DOWNLOADER- = new name after reformat.

When you ping 192.168.1.156, you get responses? Yes

What does "ping -a 192.168.1.156" say? Same replies. All packets received.

Ok, connect to the machine, logon and see what it's name is.

It can't've, should'nt and couldn't give you two names lol.

Delete the one that the machine does not return that name.

Rebooted everything on the network and solved it. Thanks.