Computer Hope

Other => Other => Topic started by: Flame on May 30, 2006, 11:04:19 AM

Title: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Flame on May 30, 2006, 11:04:19 AM

Does anyone know how to send network-wide messages to all the connected computers? I have a wirless network made, and I want to send messages via netsend to the other computer(s) on the network, but when I press CTRL ALT DEL , I click on users, but only my account shows up. How can I send messages to the whole network? Any ideas?

Flame

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Rob Pomeroy on May 30, 2006, 12:52:54 PM

Send the message to the workgroup name instead of a computer/user.

But really the messaging protocol is very hit and miss.  It doesn't store messages until users next log on, it keeps no records, it doesn't (always) tell you if the message failed, etc.

A much better solution is to install a free Jabber server on one computer on the LAN, with Jabber clients on all PCs.  (Think open source instant messaging.)

If you want to go down that route, let me know.  I've tried out a lot of the alternative software.

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: 2k_dummy on May 30, 2006, 12:58:49 PM

This might help: http://www.computerhope.com/nethlp.htm

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Flame on May 30, 2006, 01:03:07 PM

First, I'll start with the more simple response... 2ksummy, thanks for the link. I've looked into that, but I never really understood how to send it. I woudl also prefer an interface. Now, Rob, before I download any extra software, how do I send a message to the workgroup instead?

Flame

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Rob Pomeroy on May 30, 2006, 02:43:54 PM

net send /domain:WORKGROUP MESSAGE

Replace WORKGROUP with the name of your workgroup and MESSAGE with your message.  :)

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Flame on May 30, 2006, 02:48:06 PM

I never set a workgroup name?  :-[  I didn't setup my network using Windows XP. I did it the Netgear way, which basically setup my router to share the connection... These two computers are no more networked than my neighbor tapping into my connection...

Flame

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Rob Pomeroy on May 30, 2006, 02:49:18 PM

For a freeware interface try >RealPopup< (http://www.realpopup.it/).

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Flame on May 30, 2006, 02:55:57 PM

I'll try this. Thanks. Is there any hope for the netsend way? Oh yeah, alost forgot. When that computer is on, I can go into My Network Places, click on View Workgroup Computers, and I see that computer there, but when I try to open it, it asks me for a password... I know every password ever set on that computer, but I don't know what this one could be... If that computer wants to double click on my name, it can see everything... What's up?

Flame

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: viking on May 30, 2006, 11:50:14 PM

Why it works from one computer to another, but not the opposite way: you granted  permissions for the "everybody" group on the computer that can be accessed easily. And possibly, you didn't deactivate the "guest" account. My guess the computer it's asking you the guest password. [LE] To be read as: My guess the computer it's asking you the guest password. -- it's about the computer that it is not "easy" to browse[/LE]
If you want to grant yourself access to folders on the other computer you have to play a little with user rights/permissions on that computer. If you want to share just to you username, let's say Iam, on the computer TheComputer, and you want to access from another computer, OtherComputer you have to:
1) grant permissions to user OtherComputer\Iam (in case that the account Iam exists only on OtherComputer) to the folder needed, and the share needed. Be careful, you have to adjust both security settings (folder and share). But, if I am not mistaken, the security options for share are "everyone -> full access", so you'll have to work only with folder security settings.
2) enter on TheComputer (Start->Run->\\TheComputer ip address), it will ask you for a user and a password. If Iam is defined on TheComputer, you will enter as username Iam, with the known password. After that you'll see a list of shared folders.
3) if the Iam account exists on TheComputer and OtherComputer, the same rules as above, except that you can touch your share directly, with Start->Run->\\TheComputer ip address\your_needed_share.

Pay attention: you have to play with folder security options, eventually with share security options. It's not difficult, in a few (20-30 minutes) minutes you'll be able to understand and apply the rules concerning the security options for local folders and shares.

Tell us if you succeeded.
P.S. These explanations only for Windows 2000/ XP/ 2003

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Rob Pomeroy on May 31, 2006, 01:04:18 AM

Quote

I never set a workgroup name?

Right-click  My Computer-->Properties.  Click the Computer Name tab.  What is shown under "Workgroup" on each PC?

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Flame on May 31, 2006, 08:18:57 AM

Hi Rob, on my Dell (the hosting computer) the workgroup name is MSHOME. On the Gateway ("workstation" computer) is says the same thing. Also, viking, I'm a bit confused, but I'll give it a shot nevertheless. Thanks, I'll post back soon  ;)

EDIT: Also Rob, I tried using Netsend like this:  net send /domain:MSHOME test message

Did I do that right? It didn't come through  :-/


EDIT: It would help if I turned messenger on lol Looks like that got fixed and then ran the command lol. Now, am I supposed to be able to see users from my network on the users list when I press CTRL ALT DEL ?

Flame

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Rob Pomeroy on May 31, 2006, 01:31:02 PM

Quote

Hi Rob, on my Dell (the hosting computer) the workgroup name is MSHOME. On the Gateway ("workstation" computer) is says the same thing.

That's what I figured.  MSHOME is the default workgroup for MS Windows installations.  So you're on the same workgroup.

Quote

EDIT: It would help if I turned messenger on lol

True!  Not sure what port the service uses, but don't let it out through your router's firewall, otherwise you'll end up being spammed mercilessly...

Quote

Now, am I supposed to be able to see users from my network on the users list when I press CTRL ALT DEL ?

No - only users logged onto the same computer.  This is one of the (many) shortcomings of the Windows messenger service.

Title: Re: Sending Network-Wide Messages
Post by: Flame on May 31, 2006, 01:37:20 PM

Thanks for having the questions answered guys. I can deal with the CMD for a while. Thanks!  ;D

Flame