Error: 'A list … with the specified title already exists'

Question

We're trying to do content deployment from one SP2010 server to another, and it keeps throwing this error on one of the web sites:

An unexpected error has occurred. Lists/FAQ/AllItems.aspx

An unexpected error has occurred. Lists/Forms/AllItems.aspx

A list, survey, discussion board, or document library with the specified title already exists in this Web site. Please choose another title.

We've got two lists on that web site that are called Forms and FAQ. Those items don't exist on the destination server nor does the web site.

Anyone know how to fix this issue to get content deployment to work? We're running out of time as we approach a deadline to get this site deployed and can really use your help. Thanks :)

Answer 1

Had the same issue, but in our case we had run the deployment job previously and it had failed on other errors. We deleted the lists on the Destination Server and re-ran the job and it worked fine.

Answer 2

Could you please make sure these things?

1. Are you sure that you're importing to a blank Site Collection template? In other words, destination site collection should be a brand new blank site collection – Don't try to export to a newly created publishing site collection.
2. Having required features not activated will result in CD failure? Also, make sure if there exist any Event handlers which are causing the problems
3. If you have multiple errors, then it is best to create a new Site Collection at destination and re-run the CD (Import/Export) process.

Answer 3

Please change the webtemp**.xml file to correctly point to the relevant Site Definition.

webtemp**.xml files you will find under C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\14\TEMPLATE\1033\XML and the matching ONET.XML fiels you will find under C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\14\TEMPLATE\SiteTemplates

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