School networks are not always the bleeding edge so I thought it useful to post some instructions for sending messages to computers on networks that are using Windows Server 2003 and xp clients.  ICT coordinators might find this useful if they need to get messages to teachers quickly.

The NET SEND command is a tool that allows sending inline text messages over the network. NET SEND command is a very simple utility used to send short messages from one computer to another one.

By default, earlier versions of Windows do not provide any simple graphical interface (GUI) program that would allow instant messaging. In an effort to gain presence in the instant messaging software market, Microsoft offers the Windows Messenger; however, this tool is not included in all Windows packages. Unless you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2, Messenger needs to be downloaded, installed, and configured with a user account.

If you need to send a quick (or urgent) message to someone on the network without the overhead of Messenger, the NET SEND command-line tool can be an easy way to go.

How do I use NET SEND?

There is no need to install anything for NET SEND to work. No special program needs to be started. The NET SEND is available through the Messenger service which is by default always present however, please check with your system administrator as they may have disabled the service.

Start a Command Prompt Session

Windows XP:

    Go to the Start Menu and select Run.

    Type CMD and then enter or run.

Windows 7:

    Type CMD in the search bar and press the enter or key.

All windows OS:

    Alternatively just press the windows key (wavey windows bottom left hand side of keyboard) and the R key together.

    Type CMD and press enter.

To send a message to all the computers in the domain in the command prompt windows type the following:

    net send * message text.................

    Press enter.

Text 1: Example NET SEND message in front of the CMD prompt window.

The "advantage" of NET SEND is that most users do not know how to suppress NET SEND messages, so you can be sure they most likely get your message assuming the utility works.

NET SEND examples

To send a broadcast message to another user

NET SEND Stephen_Welch I am going home, bye.

To send a broadcast message to another machine

NET SEND Teacher_PC_123 Let's go have a break.

To send a message to all users who have a session with the server

NET SEND /USERS The admin server will shut down in 10 minutes. Please save your work.

To send a broadcast message to the whole domain

NET SEND * This server will shut down in 10 minutes.  Please save all work.

To send a broadcast message to another domain

NET SEND /DOMAIN[:other domainname] This server will shut down in 10 minutes.

Be careful when sending messages to the whole domain.

Can I send a message to all users in a domain?

Yes, you can use NET SEND to send messages to all domain or workgroup users. Note, when sending a message to all systems of a Workgroup or Domain, it will also be displayed on the system which did send out the message.

NET SEND does not work, what do I do?

NET SEND depends on the Messenger service. Check if this service is in the Started mode. If this service is not started, NET SEND messaging will not work.

Right click your My Computer icon at your desktop and go to Manage, then select Services and locate Messenger in the panel on the right side. In case you see no Manage link in your My Computer properties, go to the Start menu, click Run, type services.msc and hit ENTER. Then, locate the Messenger service.

The other computer does not show my NET SEND message?

First, make sure that the computer name or user name you provided in the NET SEND command is correct.

Second, be sure that the recipient user is logged on to the network.

If the receiving system is a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me system and Winpopup is NOT running, then this message will disappear not reaching the recipient.

In which versions of Windows is NET SEND available?

NET SEND can be used to send messages to users running Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows XP, and Windows 2003.

NET SEND is not available in Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me.

Windows Vista do not include this command anymore.

Where do I get more help?

To get more help on available options of the NET command, type the following in the command prompt window:

NET SEND /?