4 comment(s) IM on LAN using DirectX Diagnostic Tool

(Credits for information: Sthitodhi
P.S:- This trick works for Microsoft platform only)

Chat is one of the most common uses of a network. Generally one can send message by using "net send" command. But most of the times it is blocked by network administrator. Even it sends messages in a new dialog box, which is quite irritating and conferencing is not possible.

But, an easier instant messaging can be done using DirectX diagnostic tool. This is done in two phases:-

Phase 1: Setup of a Server. This phase setups the server to which other clients connect to and chat (done once).

1. Click Start, select Run and type dxdiag In the Run dialog box.
   You will then be presented with a dialog window asking you to download new WHQL certificates from the Internet.


2. After you click the Yes/No button, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window will be shown.


3. Click Network tab


4. Click Test DirectPlay.


5. In the DirectPlay Test window, Enter User Name Select TCP/IP port as 80 (as it is the most common port used). Under Create New Session you can assign your own session name e.g. chat. Click ok.
   


6. It will show a chat window notifying the user has joined the session.

Determine the IP of this system by entering ipconfig in command window (type command in run dialog box). This information will be used in Phase 2.

Phase 2: Client connects to server. This phase is for users who want to connect to the server to join chat session.

1. Repeat steps 1 to 4 in Phase 1.
   
2. In the DirectPlay Test window, Enter User Name. Select TCP/IP port as 80 (the same port number should be used). Write the same session name and instead of Create New session, select Join Existing Session. Click ok.


3. It will ask for host name. Enter the IP address of Server (noted in Phase 1)


4. Select the chat session in the Session List. Click ok.


5. Now, the DxDiag DirectPlay Chat window shows both users.

Well, the chat window is ready for sending and receiving messages.

Anyone who wants to join the chat session has to follow the steps in Phase2.

So, enjoy chatting on LAN. Communication completed!

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