After server-based replication, unable to access Domino server

I discovered that as soon as names.nsf replicated between my (test) Domino servers, I was unable to access anything on the main Registration Server.  Copying names.nsf back from one of the other servers temporarily solved the problem, but then it returned quite quickly, unless the other servers were turned off, when all was well, until they were turned on again.

The problem manifested itself as – no People visible in the Server Administrator, unable to access the Files view and unable to read my email.  The message was “You are not authorised to access the server”.

The server was moved to another hard disk and upgraded to CentOS 5.5 OS, Domino 852, but the problem reappeared as soon as replication started.

Eventually I took a copy of names.nsf from the main server's filesystem and copied it to my Windows desktop, and opened it in Notes.  It opened with no problems and I could open all the tabs.

I checked the Configurations/All Servers and under the Administration tab there were no names – the form was blank.  I added my name to Owner and Administrator on this tab, from my Local Address Book, put myself in as Full Access Administrator as well, then copied (via the filesystem) names.nsf back to the server machine and restarted Domino.

I was then able to access the server and even when replication had run between this server and another one which was still on, I was still able to access everything.  I then opened Configurations again and added the server name to Owners and Administrators as well.