ERROR_DUPLICATE_SERVICE_NAME - 1078 (0x436)
The name is already in use as either a service name or a service display name.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_DUPLICATE_SERVICE_NAME error indicates that a service name or display name has already been registered in the Windows Service Control Manager (SCM). This error is commonly encountered when attempting to create a new service with a name that conflicts with an existing one.
Error Details
This error code, 1078 (0x436), signifies that the specified service name or display name is already in use. The SCM maintains a list of all registered services and their associated names to ensure unique identifiers for each service within the system.
Usage Context
The ERROR_DUPLICATE_SERVICE_NAME error can occur during various operations involving service management, such as creating a new service using the CreateService function or modifying an existing service with the ChangeServiceConfig function. It is also possible to encounter this error when attempting to delete a service that has dependencies on other services.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering the ERROR_DUPLICATE_SERVICE_NAME, developers should ensure that the service name and display name being used are unique within the system. This can be achieved by carefully selecting names that do not conflict with existing services or by modifying the name of the conflicting service to resolve the issue.
Related Errors
- ERROR_SERVICE_EXISTS (1062, 0x42A): Indicates that a service already exists but does not specify whether it is a name or display name conflict.
- ERROR_INVALID_SERVICE_NAME (1058, 0x422): Occurs when the provided service name is invalid and cannot be registered.
FAQ
Q: Can this error occur during service deletion?
A: Yes, if a service being deleted has dependencies on other services that are still active, attempting to delete it may result in an ERROR_DUPLICATE_SERVICE_NAME due to the existing names or display names.
Q: How can I check for duplicate service names before creating a new service?
A: Use the QueryServiceConfig function to verify if a name is already registered as a service. This can help prevent conflicts and ensure that unique names are used.
Summary
The ERROR_DUPLICATE_SERVICE_NAME error (1078, 0x436) indicates that a specified service name or display name is already in use by another service within the Windows Service Control Manager. Developers should ensure uniqueness of service names and display names to avoid this error during operations involving service management.