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If you're receiving the dreaded "Warning: Remote Host Identification Has Changed" message, don't panic. It may seem like your remote server has gone rogue and changed its identity, but fear not - this error is fixable. Whether you're working from home or the office, we've got you covered with our easy-to-follow guide. You'll be back to access your remote server confidently without warning messages throwing you off track. So, buckle up and get ready to take control of your server with our step-by-step solution.
What is the “Remote Host Identification Has Changed” Error?
Picture this: you're working away on your remote server, feeling like a tech-savvy superhero, when suddenly, you're hit with a warning message that seems to be written in another language. "Remote Host Identification Has Changed" - what on earth could this mean? Well, fear not, my friend, as we're here to break it down for you in a way that even your grandparents can understand.
This error occurs when your computer no longer recognizes the identity of the remote server you're trying to connect to. It could be due to a change in the server's IP address or the transfer of the server's public key to a new computer. Whatever the reason, it's fixable - so don't throw in the towel just yet.
Now, you might be wondering why this error even matters. Well, my dear friend, think of it like this: it's like going to a party and not being able to recognize the host. You might get uneasy and question whether you're in the right place. The same goes for your computer - if it can't verify the remote host's identity, it might not allow you to connect, leaving you feeling lost and frustrated. But don't worry; we'll help you return to the party (aka your server) quickly.
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How to Fix the “Remote Host Identification Has Changed” Error
We’ve been side-tracked for long enough. Let’s get into how to fix this error on Windows and MacOS.
Windows
- Open a command prompt or PowerShell window as an administrator.
- Type “ssh-keygen -R [hostname or IP address]” and press Enter, where [hostname or IP address] is the name or address of the remote host that has changed its key. This command removes the old key from your known host file.
- Connect to the remote host again using SSH, and accept the new key when prompted. Alternatively, you can use the “ssh-keyscan” tool to retrieve the new key and add it to your known hosts' file manually.
MacOS
- Open a terminal window on your macOS system.
- Type “ssh-keygen -R [hostname or IP address]” and press Enter, where [hostname or IP address] is the name or address of the remote host that has changed its key. This command removes the old key from your known host's file.
- Connect to the remote host again using SSH, and accept the new key when prompted. Alternatively, you can use the “ssh-keyscan” tool to retrieve the new key and add it to your known host's file manually. You can also manually edit your known host file using a text editor and remove the old key.
Conclusion
- The "Warning: Remote Host Identification Has Changed" error is an SSH error message indicating a change in the identity of a remote host.
- Various factors, including reinstallation of the operating system, changes in the network infrastructure, or a man-in-the-middle attack, can cause this error.
- To fix this error, users can manually edit the known_hosts file, remove the old host key, replace it with the new one, or add the new key to the file through the ssh-keyscan command.
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I'm fascinated by the IT world and how the 1's and 0's work. While I venture into the world of Technology, I try to share what I know in the simplest way with you. Not a fan of coffee, a travel addict, and a self-accredited 'master chef'.