“The specified name is already in use” Error in SharePoint

Scenario: I created a new website and the root site collection with “Team site” template. I created a WebPart Page Document Library named “Pages”. Then activated the site collection feature “Office SharePoint Server Publishing Infrastructure”. Then activated the site feature “Office SharePoint Server Publishing”. Activation of this feature failed with the error “The specified name is already in use”. The ULS logs said that the ‘Pages’ list existed. Fair enough.

I deleted the ‘Pages’ document library and then tried activating the feature. Same problem.

I deleted the recycle bin and also cleared the site administrator level second stage recycle bin. Still same problem.

I tried creating the ‘Pages’ document library and was able to do it. Wierd. Deleted it again from both recycle bins.

After some research, tried looking up all the content through “SharePoint Designer” and woala….the Pages folder is still visible there. Deleted it and poof …. the publishing feature got activated successfully.

Interestingly weird…. will dig out more on this later but for now, I cleared level 1 😉