I was getting this error on a MFVE, but it is applicable to any Linux server with multiple NICs.

I‘m typing the following command under Ubuntu Linux:

  route add default gw 192.168.3.2 eth0

But it is giving me out the following error:

  SIOCADDRT: File exists

How do I fix this problem?

This error normally displayed when you try to modify or or add a new routing IP address. For example, when you set the same route multiple times you will get this error.

Understanding SIOCADDRT: File exists Message

1. 1.SIOC: Serial Input Output Controller.
2. 2.ADD: ADD (addition).
3. 3.RT: RouTe (routing ip).
4. 4.File exists – Routing is already configured so delete wrong one and add the new one.