XP SP2: Enable NET SEND Commands

Posted on Nov 26, 2007 under Windows XP Tips |

NET SEND commands don’t usually work once Windows XP SP2 has been installed because SP2 disabled the Messenger Service. This service needs to be re-enabled on the sending and receiving computers in order to use it. You might get the error:

An error occurred while sending a message to Computer Name/Username.
The message alias could not be found on the network.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2273.

1. Right-click My Computer, and click Manage.

2. Click the plus sign next to Services and Applications, and then click Services.

3. double-click Messenger.

4. Click the General tab and select Automatic from the Startup type list, and then click Apply.

5. Under Service status, click Start, and click OK.

6. Click OK, then OK again.

Be sure to perform these steps on both the sending computer and the receiving computer.

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15 Comments so far »

by Steven Benjamin, on January 7 2008 @ 7:05 am

Thank you for posting this information, It is accurate and very helpful.
by baby, on January 12 2008 @ 1:57 am

not working still
by MeltdowN, on January 13 2008 @ 11:12 pm

Nope Still Nothing, i can send to myself though… yippee….
by admin, on January 14 2008 @ 4:54 am

“Nope Still Nothing, i can send to myself though… yippee….”
Is it enabled on the computer you are sending it to?
by HALIMI ALIAS, on January 18 2008 @ 9:34 pm

already enable to the other PC but still not able to send msg
by windows, on January 23 2008 @ 7:54 am

it is not working after i have enabled messenger service
in both systems .Whether it will work in xp
by admin, on January 23 2008 @ 8:04 am

Perhaps a firewall is blocking it? Firewalls typically block this kind of traffic. Also, not all routers forward this type of traffic. There may be a setting you will need to tweak.
by WhoElse, on February 20 2008 @ 4:29 am

very nice very nice
by Raff, on February 28 2008 @ 3:50 am

Thankyou, it is all working now and i can annoy my workmates.
by Mbongeni Bhebhe, on March 7 2008 @ 1:47 am

I can send from XP to NT and vice-versa, but cant send from XP to XP, please help.
by Edwin, on March 15 2008 @ 1:30 am

Extremely Helpfull… Thanks a mill…
by Andy, on March 24 2008 @ 2:49 am

Just to let people know the service has to be started on the client as well as the host.
by AUPSLAYER, on April 10 2008 @ 1:35 am

yeah definitely it works! thanks a lot
by amit, on July 20 2008 @ 5:28 am

I want to enable this command through DOS.
by admin, on July 20 2008 @ 5:32 pm

net start messenger