How to Chat With Command Prompt

Last Updated: June 23, 2020

Have you ever wanted to do something useful with command prompt like chat through a school's network or talk to your friend without having to download any fancy chat software? Now you can with a few simple steps!

Steps

1
Open notepad then type:
```
@ echo off
:A
Cls
echo MESSENGER
set /p n=User:
set /p m=Message:
net send %n% %m%
Pause
Goto A
```
2
When you're finished, click on file, save as, then save it as messenger.bat.

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3
Go to control panel (make sure you are in Classic View). Click on "administrative tools", then click on "services".
4
Find the "messenger" service in the list on the right, then open it. You'll see "startup type" which should be disabled, so click on that and select "manual".
5
Press the start button in the upper left hand corner of the window (not the green start button), and click OK.
6
Do the same procedure on the remote computer. Until this service is activated on that PC, or you won't be able to use this!
7
Click on the messenger file you made. Since it is a batch file it will open with cmd (command prompt). It should show "MESSENGER" at the top and "User:" below that. Type the IP address of the remote computer. If it is in the network, then when you type the message next, it should send it to them. It will be likewise on the other computer. There you got it!

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Community Q&A

Question

How can I do this in Windows 7?

Community Answer

Open the properties of the file and change the compatibility to Windows XP.
Question

Can I do this in Windows 10?

Community Answer

No; however, if you have Windows 10 Professional or Ultimate, you can use the MSG command instead. NET SEND is only for Windows XP and earlier, as the screenshots show.
Question

Does this require the internet?

Community Answer

It depends. There are two ways to send a message. The first is to an internet computer (for example, computer.example.com), which does require internet (and some networking skills). The second is to send it to a network computer (000.000.0.00), which requires the network.
Question

Does this work in Windows 8?

Community Answer

No, it doesn't. However, it works with Windows 10.
Question

What if I cannot find my messenger?

Community Answer

Try this: C:window/user/messenger.bat/ Whatever you choose, be sure to select your username correctly.
Question

Will this work on Windows 7?

Community Answer

Yes and no. Yes, you can use the MSG command instead, and no, the NET SEND command was removed after Windows XP/Vista.
Question

Can I chat with command prompt on Windows 10?

Community Answer

Yes. But use MSG command instead of net send. Net send is for XP and earlier.

Warnings

It does not work on Windows Vista or later.

Thanks!
Helpful 19 Not Helpful 8
If you are caught doing this at a school, you could get in trouble.

Thanks!
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